You guys know I am all about entertaining, so it pains me to be out of town on a long weekend ripe for party-throwing. The food truck scene up here in Vancouver almost makes up for it (I had a pizza-sandwich for lunch that was a real game-changer for both my soul and my waistline)… Almost. I hope you are all getting a half-day tomorrow and have plans to eat, drink, wear white for the last time if you follow society laws or sit in traffic on your way to Burning Man. If I were throwing down with my friends this weekend, here’s what I’d be making:

APPS

Strawberry Caprese with Pistachio Pesto (I would put these on skewers because that sounds fun)

Summer Crostini

Chicken + Brie Quesadillas with Mango Chutney

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Seasoned Baked Chicken Nuggets

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Cheesy Guacamole

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

DINS

Chipotle Pulled Portobello Sandwiches

Korean BBQ Kalbi Ribs

Pickled French Fries

Herbed Avocado Salad

Tex Mex-Style Beef Enchiladas

Fresh Corn Salad

Creamy Potato + Prosciutto Salad

Heirloom Tomato Pizza (I would make several mini versions, so people can have personal pizzas)

TREATS

S’more Dip

Copycat Girl Scout Tagalong Cookies

Ombre Ice Cream Cake

Pretty Popsicles

And as a Labor Day bonus, here are some of the holiday weekend sales I’ll be trolling after a glass or three of vino! HAPPY EATING + SHOPPING!