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It’s Party Time
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Did you notice that the calendar is starting to blossom with lots of special occasions to celebrate? Graduations, neighborhood picnic parties, showers, birthdays, and anniversaries are a few of the special times we enjoy sharing with our family and friends. For this program, we developed four party menus with some delicious recipes and fun ideas. There’s one for an Open House Party, Father’s Favorite Day, Backyard Picnic Party, and one for that Special Person in your life. For larger groups, we decided to interview the Whittaker Inn owners to help you check out how easy it is to organize those larger events and what kind of questions you might want to ask. Always add your own special recipes and ideas.
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Open House Party for Graduation or Shower
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Roma Cream Crab Cakes
Serve with Hot Pepperocotta Aioli.
About the Recipe: Crabcakes are one of the most popular seafood dishes. These crab cakes have a mixture of delightful flavors and a crisp crust with a moist texture inside. They are a healthy choice because of their nutritional benefits. The peppered sauce adds an additional flavor bonus. Serve them as a first course or main entree.
Recipe – Grand Prize Winner in Maggio Ricotta Contest
Yield: 8 crab cakes
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Roma Cream Crab Cakes
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BBQ Meatless Chicken Nuggets
A popular recipe that’s easy to make and popular with everyone.
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About the Recipe: These nuggets do not contain any meat; they are made from mycoprotein and can be purchased at most supermarkets. The crispy nuggets are one of the champions of popular snack foods. They have a crispy crust that is wrapped around a tender protein nugget. Since they can be brought from the freezer to the oven for baking, it is super easy to prepare. Team them with your favorite dipping sauce, barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, sweet-sour – any combo will bring rave reviews.
Serves: 15 nuggets for dipping
pdf for Copy of Recipe – BBQ Meatless Chicken Nuggets
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Mini Caprese Skewers
A harmonious combination of mini tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
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About the Recipe: This is a classic caprese appetizer recipe, combining farm fresh cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and creamy mozzarella balls. It’s simple to make but looks elegant on a serving table. Drizzling Balsamic glaze over the skewers adds style and a hint of sweet vinegar to the appetizer.
Yield: 10 skewers For a larger party, double the recipe
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Mini Caprese Skewers
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Crusty Pizza Dipper Twists
A bread appetizer with an Italian twist.
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About the Recipe: These little pizza twist breads are Italian seasoned and sprinkled with bits of mozzarella cheese. They are fun to dip in pizza sauce and serve as appetizers or snacks. Make sure to give each guest their own dipping sauce container.
Inspired by: Pillsbury Classics – Party Time Recipes
Yield: 16 pizza twists
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Crusty Pizza Dipper Twists
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Chicago Styled Hot Dog Sliders
Tempting slider size rolls filled with Chicago’s top smokies with all the trimmings.
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About the Recipe: Everyone loves Chicago’s hot dogs. Surprise your guests with these slider size sandwiches that are filled with tiny hot dog smokies and burst with the flavors of Chicago’s own special hot dogs.
Layer the Sliders:
Place 1 or 2 hot dog smokies into each poppy seed bun; top with relish, onion, and tomatoes. Insert one pickle strip into each bun; top with drizzle of mustard. Add celery salt and peppers if desired.
Yield: 12 Sliders (Double the recipe for larger groups
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Chicago Styled Hot Dog Sliders
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Formal Sit-Down Dinner Party
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The Whittaker Inn
Photo Courtesy of the Whittaker Inn
A secluded boutique hotel/dinner restaurant nestled in a wooded area of West Lafayette, Indiana. Get away to an oasis that includes a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, away from the pressures of modern-day life. Relax and enjoy gourmet style food in at its highest level by Chef Andrew Whittaker. Make your reservation early and far in advance as it is booked for prime-time events scheduled by events held at the Purdue University complex.
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The gathering area near the entry where informal cocktail parties can be enjoyed by the attendees of your event.
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The winter menu is on display which shows the breath of food offered by Chef Andrew Whittaker.
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An appetizer table that contains quantities and selection that your event would like to enjoy.
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The main dining area can facilitate as many as 50 guests at a time. An outdoor patio is offered that can expand the type of affairs suitable for your needs.
A salmon dinner plate that is typical of the quality of food offered.
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The picture above shows the owners of the Whittaker Inn – Chef Andrew and Elizabeth Whittaker.
Chef Andrew and Elizabeth Whittaker Interview
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Casual Backyard or Picnic Menu
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Garden Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad
Serve it at room temperature or chilled, perfect for a Backyard Party.
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About the Recipe: Lemon flavored pasta gives this dish a fresh vegetable flavor and vibrant golden color. It’s tossed with a simple vinegar/oil vinaigrette. The bonus is that it is delicious chilled or at room temperature. Serve it vegetarian style or add some grilled sausage slices. Just pack it up and take it to your next potluck dinner or backyard party.
For Sausage addition:
1 Tablespoon avocado oil
12-ounce package uncured Bavarian Bratwurst, cut into ½ inch slices
Preheat skillet; add 1 Tablespoon oil to hot pan. Add the sausage slices.
Grill or pan fry until lightly browned for about 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees F or to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Yield: serves about 12
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Garden Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad
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Fresh Herbed Butter Bread
Prepare ahead; store in refrigerator; bring to room temperature for serving.
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About the Recipe: Enjoy the fresh summer herb flavors by combining them with your favorite bread. Use thinner French bread for more serving slices.
Hint – wrap in foil; warm in the oven for a French baked flavor.
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Fresh Herbed Butter Bread
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Chocolate Covered Picnic Crispies
A new twist on an old marshmallow favorite.
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About the Recipe: Picnic parties or backyard casual parties are a fun way to get together, and this recipe is easy to prepare and carry along. The dessert is a twist on crispy cereal treats. It combines the sweet flavor of almonds with rich dark chocolate for a candy-like sweet treat.
Note: Almond butter has different consistencies, some are thicker than others. If you use thick almond butter, it will be harder to cut. If cold, let it warm at room temperature for ½ to 1 hour before cutting
Yield: 10 to 20 wedges
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Chocolate Covered Picnic Crispies
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Father’s Favorite Dinner Menu
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Slow Roasted Salmon with Ponzu Sauce
An elegant melt-in-your-mouth fish topped with golden onions and mushrooms.‘
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About the Recipe: Cooking the salmon for a longer time at a lower oven temperature allows the fish to stay moist and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Since the portions are for individual servings, the fish cooks faster than a whole fish fillet. It is an attractive dish to serve. Do try the ponzu sauce. It is so delicious with the salmon and rice mixture.
What is Ponzu?
Ponzu means “vinegar punch” in Japanese, and it pumps up the umami, cleanses the palate with citrus acidity, and rounds out flavors with a bit of mild sweetness, but doesn’t overpower the dish’s flavor. It tastes a little tangy, salty, and slightly sweet.
To Serve: Place salmon fillets on warm dinner serving platter, spoon mushrooms and onions over the salmon, arrange sweet potatoes on each side; add cook rice with broccoli, spoon cilantro sprigs on platter. Spoon ponzu sauce over the salmon and rice mixture. Sprinkle the platter lightly with sesame seeds. Serve with tossed spring green salad.
Serves: 3 to 4 servings
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Slow Roasted Salmon with Ponzu Sauce
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Strawberry Cheesecake Squares
Sweet strawberries swirl through the pecan crusted cheesecake.
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About the Recipe: Strawberries and cheesecake are the perfect pair for a special occasion dessert. This recipe combines the creamy cheese richness with fresh berry flavor on a crunchy pecan crust. Cutting it into squares makes it easy to serve a larger group. Add the extra strawberry topping on the side.
Cook’s Note: I use a warm long cutting knife with warm water and wipe it off after each cut for cleaner edges. I also usually serve more strawberry topping in a small bowl on the side. When removing the baked recipe from the pan, it is very important to use a spatula and separate the crust from the pan going completely around the pan to the very bottom. Otherwise, the dish may not come out of pan very easily.
Yield: 20 cheesecake bars
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Strawberry Cheesecake Squares
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Celebration Dinner for Two
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Island Inspired Pork Dinner
A special dinner filled with festive flavors.
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About the Recipe: This tropical island inspired pork tenderloin combines side dishes and an add-in to create a special, gourmet dinner. Wrapped with smoky ham, it’s drizzled with lightly peppered Mojo sauce and served with fluffy rice, bacon flavored black beans, and topped with fresh, juicy mango salsa and pickled onions. It’s filled with vibrant flavors that are sure to bring smiles to the table.
Recipe Inspired by: Cuisine at Home 2004
Serves: 2 or 4 small servings
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Island Inspired Pork Dinner
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Tropical Coconut Macaroons
Cookies that offer a little adventure and mystery.
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About the Recipe: Mounds of shredded coconut are sweetened and flavored with a bit of orange and caramel. Insert a kiss of chocolate, and it rewards you with a melt-away chocolate surprise. It’s the simple, showstopper for an island holiday dinner.
Yield: about 12 to 14
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Tropical Coconut Macaroons
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Links to 2025 Monthly Programs
January 2025 Program – Sweet Dreams/Sleep Expert -Dr. Beth Malow
February 2025 Program – Discover a Medical Pharmacist – Sylvia Ezra
March 2025 Program – Dining by Rail/Rail Historian – James D. Porterfield
April 2025 Program – Recipes with Love – UMMA the book /Sarah Ahn
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Internet Podcast
‘Tune into the Creating Calm Network podcast of Gloria Piantek- Food for Your Body, Mind, and Spirit episode airing at 3: 00 PM ET– Sunday – May 18th “On Demand” at your convenience after the initial airing.
Log into our May 18th Program.
- Hear from experts about various trending topics.
- Learn how to make delicious recipes.
- Listen to our monthly 3:oo PM ET on 3rd Sunday of every month for the internet podcast from your computer as well as “On Demand” for our previous podcasts.
- Share your ideas, suggestions, and recipes with us’.
Gloria Goodtaste++
**That is the name some of my friends call me. My real name is Gloria Piantek.
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