My hubby recently started teaching Children’s Church on Sundays at 9:00 am, and I’ve been helping him. This means we are often out the door by 8:30 am, and then we actually attend our own church service at 11 am. So we often don’t get home until after 12:30 p.m.

Party Table
Normally this is not a big deal—we like how our Sunday mornings are spent! But the timing can add some extra stress if we decide to host a party, shower, or other get-togethers on Sunday afternoon.

I decided I needed to develop a menu for days like these that I can make entirely the day before. That way I eliminate virtually all of my “same day” preparation and can enjoy my party.

Party Table Closer Up

I chose a basic sandwich for the entree. Soft and sweet croissants are my favorite, and I don’t often buy or make them, so having them seems like a special treat. I offer two types of meat: A sun-dried tomato-coated turkey, and honey-baked ham. It’s easy to shred up lettuce and slice a tomato just before I serving.

Sliced meat

I make these simple sandwiches a little more sophisticated by adding a few compound butters for the guests.

Bacon Avocado Spread

I also made an amazing Guacamole for the sandwich—it’s a tasty and fun addition, and people use it on everything!

Minnesota Caviar

Next, I made a Texas Caviar, or Black Bean Salsa, as my hubby calls it. I have a pretty particular taste, so I really customized this recipe to what our family likes.

I served it with tortilla chips, but this works great as a topping on almost any bread, and even works as a garnish on burgers or hot dogs!

For dessert, I knew I wanted something light, something tasty, and something cake-like.

I can’t help it—I love cake.

Angel Food cake

I used a box mix because it is so easy to make—simply add water! I then added 1/4 cup of the angel food cake batter to each of the well-greased pint-sized jars.

I was able to fill 16 jars with one box of mix. Bake the jars for about 16 minutes at 350, and remove them when the top is nice and dark.

I allowed the cakes to cool right in the jar, as that is how I was serving them. I left my cakes on the counter uncovered overnight. They remain light, airy, and moist the next day.

Topped angel food cake

To garnish the delightful and fun little cakes, I bought pie fillings. The options are endless…from cherries and strawberries to apricot and key lime. I might be a little obsessed with blueberry. Simply open a can and place it in a bowl next to the Angel Food Cakes in jars. The guests can choose which flavor they like best and pour it right over their cake!

And don’t forget the whipped cream!

The best part about this whole meal? The foods are good for you! The angel food cake is naturally fat-free!

How sweet is that?

Looking for other great Appetizers? Don’t miss my master list!

MakeAhead5.jpg

Minnesota Caviar

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
A delicious adaptation of Texas Caviar!

Ingredients

  • 1 container cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small zucchini, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 can (16 ounces) yellow corn, drained
  • 1 can (11-15 ounce) white corn, drained
  • 1 can (16 ounces) black beans, drained
  • 1 jalapeno, de-seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 red pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 orange pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 yellow pepper, finely chopped
  • Up to 1 cup of prepared Italian vinaigrette

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl and pour dressing over it all. Mix well and serve. This stays good in an air-tight container for up to a week.

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Reader Comments

  1. Fabulous idea but those Angel Food Cake in Jars really are the stars! I love the idea of making everything ahead of time and try to do that was well when I have people over, it makes entertaining so much less stressful!

  2. Brilliant idea and I am sure many of us can relate! Being so busy while trying to host an event is not the easiest. Thanks for sharing!

  3. I always try to incorporate several make-ahead dishes so I’m not stressed the day of the party. Loving that bacon-avocado spread!

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