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Introduction
Ah, the joy of planning a hangout with friends, family, or loved ones! When the time comes to gather around, food plays an essential role in making memories. Recently, I hosted a hangout that turned out to be an absolute blast! Not only did we have fun catching up, but the recipes I prepared brought the entire evening to life. In this article, I'm sharing some of the recipes that made my hangout so unforgettable. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a more elaborate dinner party, these dishes are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Savory Appetizer Platter:
1 pack of assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
1 pack of crackers
1 cup of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
1 small jar of olives
1 bunch of fresh grapes
For the Main Course: Grilled Chicken Skewers:
4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Side Dish: Roasted Veggie Medley:
2 zucchinis, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For Dessert: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:
1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and dried
8 ounces dark chocolate
2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional for smoothness)
Instructions:
Prepare the Appetizer Platter:
Arrange cheeses, crackers, nuts, olives, and grapes on a large platter. Keep the platter simple and colorful for a visually appealing start to the hangout.
Make the Grilled Chicken Skewers:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly.
Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and has grill marks.
Roast the Vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly browned.
Prepare the Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:
Melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper to set. Let them cool for about 30 minutes.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tips:
Serve the appetizer platter first, as it’s perfect for nibbling while everyone settles in.
Keep the grilled chicken skewers on a platter with extra dipping sauce or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
For the roasted veggies, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can enhance their sweetness and make them even more irresistible.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries can be served as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat to end the night.
Storage Tips:
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on the grill for a quick meal.
Roasted vegetables can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days. They make a great addition to salads or can be added to sandwiches the next day.
Chocolate-dipped strawberries should be eaten within 2 days as they don’t store well in the fridge for too long.
Variants:
Grilled Chicken Skewers:
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