Cocktails with Friends

Recently we got together with friends for cocktails and appetizers. All the kids - 11 of them! were at one house with a couple of babysitters and the adults were at another house. We try to do this on a regular basis. It is such a fun way to get out and have some "adult time".

This time we were hosting and I chose "tropical" as our theme. We had a beautiful night for it so we sat in the back yard by the pool surrounded by Tiki Torches wearing our Hawaiian prints!

~Cindy and Jon brought a pineapple and chicken dish called "Aloha Chicken" and several batches of Pina Coladas.
~Dawn and Howard brought Candied Nuts with Chipotle and Jerk Chicken Skewers.
~Lynea and Jeff brought a Caribbean style shredded beef dish and Pork and Chipotle Finger Sandwiches with a Fresh Salsa.
~I made Roasted Cice Nuts, Salmon Spread with Crackers, Crostini with Peaches, and Hawaiian Lemonade.

We had such a great night! So much food and all of it very tasty! The drinks were flowing freely as was the conversation! We are all looking forward to our next "Couples Night"!

Roasted Cice Nuts

2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained
1/4 c olive oil
salt
garlic powder
cayenne pepper
Creole Seasoning blend

Preheat oven to 450F. Blot chickpeas with paper towel to dry. Toss with the oil and season to taste. Spread on a baking sheet on a single layer. Roast 40 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy.

Salmon Spread

1 lb salmon fillet, poached
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sour cream
2 green onions
1/2 tsp salt
dash of hot sauce
2 Tbls lemon juice
1 Tbls Worcestershire sauce

Dump all in to the food processor and whirr. Refrigerate before serving.

Crostini with Peaches

3 c peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
2 Tbls balsamic vinegar
4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
fresh ground black pepper
36 thin slices of baguette
olive oil

Lightly brush the baguette with the olive oil and broil until toasted and crisp. Let cool.

Toss peaches with the vinegar and black pepper. Just before serving, top crostini with the peaches and sprinkle with the blue cheese.

Hawaiian Lemonade

10 oz vodka
16 oz pineapple juice
32 oz fresh lemonade
1 lemon sliced
1 can pineapple rings, drained

Mix together in a tall pitcher and chill. Serve over ice