I can't believe a whole year has almost passed with only a single post!  We have done just as much entertaining, if not more this year.  I have just been remised in taking photos.  Even though it's December, I wanted to share some pictures and a super easy recipe from a "Girls Night-In Going Away Party" that I hosted for one of my friends this past summer. 

First, I love how my ice cubes turned out!  I used my 2.5 inch round whiskey ice cube molds and inserted roses from my miniature rose bush and put them in the freezer.  They made such a pretty presentation! But now to the recipe...

Caprese Bites

Phyllo cup

Sliced grape tomatoes

Mozzarella balls

Basil (julienned) to garnish

Balsamic Vinegar glaze drizzled

MY TIP:

Good Quality Balsamic Vinegar can be used in place of store bought glazed by simmering it on the stove until it becomes thick enough to drizzle.

Cranberry/Cashew Salad

This is a perfect fall salad.  I love the combination of  flavors of the sweet dried cranberries with and the crunchy nuts in this easy to throw together salad.  I made this recently for a luncheon with friends.

 Pear Salad

•  10 oz. mixed Spring Greens
•   3 pears
•   1 cup dried cranberries
•   2 cups cashew 
•   1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese

Homemade vinaigrette

MY TIP:  Any dried fruit or nut can be used in this recipe.