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.
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.
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.
I make these simple sandwiches a little more sophisticated by adding a few compound butters for the guests.
I also made an amazing Guacamole for the sandwich—it’s a tasty and fun addition, and people use it on everything!
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.
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.
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!
Minnesota 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 medium jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 yellow bell 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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What a pretty spread – I am bookmarking your Minnesota Caviar – I’ve had the Texas version, but this sounds fantastic!
angel food cake IN A JAR??
I most have done something wrong as my angel food cake didn’t rise in some of the jars, It tasted good so with the rest of the batter I made some in cupcake papers and than layered the fruit and the cupcakes with what was in the jar, I guess I need to study up on making and fluffy angel food cake. anyway it was good and everyone enjoyed the desert in a jar
I love how everything was displayed. So pretty!
everything you make looks so appetizing!! I am digging the Minnesota caviar – I love vegetarian black bean dishes –
I have missed you – hope you and your adorable kiddies are all doing well!!!
HIIIIIIIII!!!! Missed you too!!! Its been WAY to long!
This is beautiful! I love it!
Love, love, love the avocado dip.. Something I will be making tonight! Thanks!
I know exactly what you mean about being gone so much on sunday mornings! my husband runs the sound booth at our church and I do the lights. So we wake our 18 month old an hour before he normally gets up so he can have breakfast and we’re out the door by 7:15. We have to be to church before 8am for sound check, then spanish service, then sound check for english service, then english service! English service is usually not over until almost 1, then we have to close up the church and turn everything off- we rarely get home before 2! I pack a lunch box full of snacks for all of us, but we’re still starving by the time food is on the table!
I love this spread! And, I love that your hubs teaches children’s church. Too cute!
I am coming over this weekend for dinner. This spread looks incredible!!