Food From the Weekend - Holiday Party

This weekend brought a friend's holiday party. The food was seriously bomb.*I have been asked to change this statement into something more eloquent. The food was phenomenal - Erica and Amy did a great job of pulling together a holiday dinner for over 16 people and not skimping on any detail. The pork roast was tender, juicy and flavorful. Erica's mom's special chicken dish was packed full of lemon and mushroom flavor and I loved every single bite. The twice baked potatoes were great and Erica's green beans might be my favorite thing in the world. I can't wait to share that recipe with you.  But I didn't take any photos. Whoops. I blame the three vodka cranberries. I did make two appetizers that I took photos of pre-oven. Sorry no finished product photos, the food was rushed to the party and consumed quite quickly.

{Christmas Party Photo - the only one Adam smiled in}

{Jalapeno Jam from Austin - poured over Brie Cheese topped with Almonds and Baked}

{I turned this into this...}

{Crack Bread - Bacon Cheesy Ranch Pull Apart Bread - I used thick cut fresh bacon and green onions}

For dinner on Sunday night I made these yummy (and super easy!) smashed potatoes.

{Finished Smashed Potatoes}

Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Serves 4 - 6 as a side dish

(Printable Recipe)

2 lbs baby red potatoes

1/4 cup olive oil (I used garlic flavored olive oil found at Trader Joe's)

Lawry's Seasoned Salt to taste

Canola Spray

- Pre-heat oven to 400.

- Put potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Boil for about 30 minutes or until fork tender. Drain.

- Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with canola oil. Place potatoes on parchment paper spaced apart.

- Smash potatoes with a flat spatula (preferably one with no holes in it). Be careful not to over smash them or they will completely fall apart.

- Using a basting brush, brush each potato with olive oil. Sprinkle with Lawry's Seasoned Salt to your liking.

- Bake in oven for 30 - 40 minutes until edges crisp up.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Peace, love, holidays, and happiness!