It’s no secret that I love to throw a good dinner party. So, when Foodbuzz reached out to all of their featured publishers asking us to pitch an over-the-top dinner party idea (and get paid for it!), I was in.
OVER.THE.TOP.
Hi. Have we met? That’s what I do.
Immediately, my mind began conjuring up a theme of childhood classics, reinterpreted – gourmet-style.
Who doesn’t love to reminisce about what they loved as a kid? Whether it be TV shows we watched, foods we ate, songs we loved, or games we played – one of my personal favorites, if you’ve never engaged in passionate conversation regarding Chutes and Ladders or Mouse Trap, then we’re probably not friends – everyone loves to indulge in nostalgia.
{It’s the little things}
From mac ‘n cheese to peanut butter and jelly, childhood elicits some of our strongest food memories. For this menu, I went with some of my all-time favorites that I felt could be improved on with a little…adult guidance.
Specialty cocktails? Check. Trio of miniature appetizers? Done. A variation on the beloved “Happy Meal” – including my interpretation of a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and adult-appropriate toy? Yes, please. I won’t even get started on the spiked milkshake bar – I’ll just let you scroll down and see for yourself.
Because we all deserve to feel like a kid again. Enjoy!
childhood, reinvented.
{mini grilled cheese sandwiches}
{
{oven-roasted tomato confit “ketchup”}
{vanilla milkshakes with bar of assorted spikers}
{chocolate cupcakes with ganache frosting + marshmallow cream filling}
{“true happiness” meals stuffed with adult-appropriate goodies}
Without a doubt, this is one of all-time favorite themes for a dinner party. Our friends had a blast reliving many of our favorite food memories through their now-heightened adult palates. And in the process of conceptualizing this menu, I discovered and adapted some ridiculously amazing recipes that I know I’ll be coming back to again and again.
Everyone loved literally everything the menu, but I’d have to say some of the highlights were the Capri Sun cocktails, which tasted just like the real thing; the pizza rolls, which were made with wonton wrappers and a mixture of fresh mozzarella, provolone, and Parmigianno-Reggiano, Boar’s Head pepperoni, baby bella mushrooms, and baby sweet peppers; and the “Hostess” cupcakes. And the milkshake bar. And probably the Twinkies, although they were sent home with our guests in their goodie bags – so I didn’t get to see their reactions.
Stay tuned for the recipes!
that’s a great party
it’s always fun and comforting to go back to the food you loved the most as a child. childhood reinvented is really a great idea for fb24x24 
What a fabulous idea for a party, Sarah! Congrats on your 24×24 fun!!
What a great dinner party! I love your recipe ideas and creativity! Thanks for sharing!
All your food looks great! Fab job with 24×24!
Perk! Homemade twinkies & cupcakes ahhh <3 Pass me a Cotton Candy Martini & I'm in heaven. Love it
I was there! It was soooo FABULOUS. Everything was to DIE for!
What a great meal!! Check out my blog because I mentioned your name for a little prize.
Hi Sarah! How do you become part of foodbuzz’s ad network? Do you just put a badge or a widget on your page? I love your party theme, can’t wait to make some of those cocktails and homemade Hostess treats!!
I am super-impressed!! An imaginative theme and great dishes that take you back to your childhood! Wonderful job and a really enjoyable post!