Vegetarian Dinner Party for Four

on July 23, 2010
in All Posts

Hosting “dinner parties” makes me feel decidingly more mature than I behave on a daily basis, even though we don’t have a table yet for our guests.  If you ask me, tables are overrated… (we eat at the coffee table or outside on our patio).  Buffets are where it’s at!

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Jen and her husband, Jeff, joined us for a lovely dinner.  They brought wine (which I abstained from because I have a race in the morning) and dessert; we provided the meal. 

 

Here’s the menu:

 

Chilled quinoa with raw green onions, sprouts, tomatoes, and grilled squash, zucchini, and mushroom.  I squeezed a lemon on top to give it some kick.

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Topped with grilled extra-firm tofu marinaded in a balsamic vinaigrette.

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Boiled corn on the cob:

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A leafy green salad with cucumber, carrots, red onions, sunflower seeds, and Athenos feta (on the side for the vegan Husband):

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Whole wheat dinner rolls from Great Harvest with honey:

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My plate… Everything was delicious, fresh, and filling – a perfect pre-race meal, if you ask me!

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For dessert, Jen brought over vegan strawberry cupcakes.

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The Husband inhaled two, swearing the whole time that they could not POSSIBLY be vegan.  Guess I need to make him some vegan desserts and help him see that he’s not giving anything up by being vegan!  He said he really missed cupcakes.

 

We had a great night!  Jen and Jeff are really fun – Jen is into running and triathlons, and Jeff is a chiropractor who is actually doing his first Ironman soon(that’s a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a marathon… AKA he is hardcore!).  I think we have a lot in common with this couple! 🙂

 

Snacks of the evening included a bowl of cherries and a piece of Challah bread with strawberry jam.  Imagine the bread; I deleted the picture! 🙁

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And I’m OFF!  I better get to bed because I have a REALLY early morning wake-up call.  The only time I’ve EVER willing to wake up early is for a race.

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I’m doing a 4.0-mile race tomorrow morning – my first Charlotte race!  I’m super excited.

 

But first – wanna win a Change for the Feta prize pack? 

One reader will win the following: ATHENOS Feta coupon; ATHENOS Feta “Shape Up Your Salad” recipe booklet; ATHENOS Feta water bottle; Life Time Fitness 1-month membership; Fit & Fresh salad container; and a Built NY lunch bag.  I’ll pick a winner tomorrow morning. 

 

To enter, simply answer the following question in the comments section.  I’ll pick a winner on Sunday.

 

What’s your favorite dish to bring to a dinner party?

{ 394 comments }

 

  • Laura @ Foodies Not Fatties July 23, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I love to bring a fruit salsa with homemade cinnamon chips to dinner parties. It’s so versatile! It can be an appetizer or a dessert. And I used the leftovers in my oatmeal the next morning and it tastes amazing!
    Your dinner party looks like so much fun! And so healthy, I hate going to parties and get-togethers and leave feeling stuffed and guilty!

  • Jean July 23, 2010, 10:13 pm

    I used to love to bring dessert. But now I tend to enjoy bringing a fancy salad…since I’m “mostly” vegetarian (not into labels!) bringing a big ole’ salad means that I’ll have something super healthy to load up on and still able to taste other treats.

  • Madeline July 23, 2010, 10:13 pm

    Seeing you spontaneously register for another MARATHON (at 22 I still think it would be impossible for me to run that far) has inspired me to register for my first half marathon! it looks like it’s similar to the disney princess race, except up in New York, which is good because traveling hundreds of miles for my first long distance race seems out of place. I can’t wait!

    • Caitlin July 23, 2010, 10:14 pm

      WTG!! You’re going to rock it.

  • Anne July 23, 2010, 10:14 pm

    Looks like you guys had fun! Good luck tomorrow!!! 🙂

  • Liz July 23, 2010, 10:15 pm

    Dish?? Psssssssssh. I bring the beer. 🙂

  • Sejal M July 23, 2010, 10:17 pm

    I love to bring a delicious tomato, lemon and goats cheese pasta dish. It’s so frsh especially for the summer.

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please July 23, 2010, 10:20 pm

    I always like bringing dessert… easiest dish to be a crowd pleaser!

  • Trish @IamSucceeding July 23, 2010, 10:21 pm

    I love bringing fruit or veggie plates…that way I know for a fact there is something I can and will eat.

  • Kelly July 23, 2010, 10:23 pm

    If I get to choose, I definitely choose dessert to bring to a dinner party. Usually something chocolatey 🙂

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner? July 23, 2010, 10:23 pm

    I usually bring homemade hummus and pita chips, or a fresh caprese salad.

  • Brittany P. July 23, 2010, 10:24 pm

    Looks like such a fun time! I wish Great Harvest had a location in Tampa. I love bringing fruit pizza to dinner parties, it’s also kind of a mixed appetizer/dessert. So easy, pretty to look at and yummy in the tummy for sure!! 🙂

  • Victoria July 23, 2010, 10:24 pm

    FRUIT SALAD!
    I loooooove fruit salad and its such a good party dish.. SUPER HEALTHY, too!

  • Katie R July 23, 2010, 10:25 pm

    I make a salad from a Cooking Light recipe. Lettuce is topped with a mixture of black beans, corn, onion, mango, bell pepper, cumin…it is DELISH!

  • Natalie July 23, 2010, 10:25 pm

    My very favorite thing to bring is my infamous pasta salad 🙂
    I saw someone above said they just registered for a half marathon and I wanted to tell you that I am using the C25K training plan (that I checked out after you posted about it) and running my very first race ever (a 5K) in October! Can’t wait!

    • Caitlin July 23, 2010, 10:26 pm

      yay! you’re going to have a blast!

  • Paige July 23, 2010, 10:26 pm

    Pigs in a blanket…easy and everyone loves them!

  • Cates July 23, 2010, 10:26 pm

    Homemade hummus! Good luck tomorrow!

  • Sarah R July 23, 2010, 10:26 pm

    I love offering to bring a big green salad so that I know there will be some veggies around!

  • Wendy July 23, 2010, 10:27 pm

    I love to bring dessert! I have a great recipe for zucchini brownies…sooo good!

  • ari July 23, 2010, 10:27 pm

    that quinoa salad looks so delicious! i’m gonna make it. is that basil torn up on top?

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 6:07 am

      ah yes, i forgot the basil!

  • Colleen July 23, 2010, 10:29 pm

    I like to bring sliced watermelon in the summer. Simple and sweet!

  • Laura July 23, 2010, 10:31 pm

    I love to bring either a yummy fruit and cheese plate or a garlic and white bean dip with toasted pita points.

  • Chelsea July 23, 2010, 10:32 pm

    spinach dip with honey twisted pretzels !

  • Katrina July 23, 2010, 10:32 pm

    Fresh bread that I make. It’s magical. As in, it has a knack for disappearing acts.

    (http://www.italianfoodforever.com/iff2008/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1143:tokneadornot&catid=47:cbreads&Itemid=65) for the recipe -if you’re interested. Incredibly foolproof!

  • Jamie July 23, 2010, 10:33 pm

    Being from the south, banana pudding was always a staple at our family dinners and parties. It is so easy to make that I continue to bring it to dinner parties with friends. Though it is not necessarily a healthy or fancy dish, it is so delicious. Southern women have spent years perfecting the dish and I’m sold on Paula Deen’s recipe. It is so rich and good with sweetened condensed milk, cool whip, cream cheese, vanilla pudding, vanilla wafers, and bananas. Definetly a guilty pleasure and one you should only have on occasion, but a memorable addition to any party or gathering.

  • Danielle July 23, 2010, 10:34 pm

    I love to bring an innovative dessert using the favorite flavors of the host(s). It makes the otherwise winding down of the evening part that much more exciting 😉

  • Jennifer July 23, 2010, 10:35 pm

    I bring Sweet and Sour Pea Salad. It’s my grandmother’s recipe from forever ago and when I inheirited all her cookbooks I found HER recipe (well actually some lady’s from the Kelloggs’ plant cookbook). It’s so delish.

  • katelyn July 23, 2010, 10:36 pm

    I love to make a corn bread casserole that is always a hit! So indulgent, but worth it…

  • Stephanie July 23, 2010, 10:37 pm

    My favourite dish to bring to dinner parties are Blueberry Crumb Bars (by smitten kitchen). Everyone always raves about them and they are super simple. They’re one of my favourite desserts.

    Link to recipe: http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/07/blueberry-crumb-bars/

    .. I think I’ll actually go make this tonight.. since I have the ingredients 🙂

  • Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 23, 2010, 10:38 pm

    The party looks so nice, so many healthy foods 🙂

    dessert is always great to bring, I think. Or a simple appetizer like apple slices with goat/feta cheese and a drizzle of seasoned olive oil.

  • Stacey July 23, 2010, 10:38 pm

    I tend to bring desserts or some sort of fruit plate with fruit dip or a fruit pizza. I could totally go for some right now. Yum!

  • Sarra H July 23, 2010, 10:39 pm

    My favorite dish to bring to a dinner party is almost always some kind of dessert from my culture (I was born and raised in the US, but my parents are Egyptian) 🙂

  • Anne July 23, 2010, 10:39 pm

    Salad with sweet peppers and freshly made cucumber dill dressing!

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run July 23, 2010, 10:41 pm

    I can never pick just one dish. I usually end up bringing a couple because I can’t decide on just one. I haven’t been to a vegetarian dinner party since I went veggie in January though.

  • Alicia at Poise in Parma July 23, 2010, 10:42 pm

    Depends on the season. Right now, I’m lovin’ on this Michael Symon Tomato Salad with Red Onion, Dill, and Feta: http://www.ivillage.com/tomato-salad-red-onion-dill-and-feta/3-r-191694

  • Jessica T. July 23, 2010, 10:42 pm

    Guacamole!! It’s usually a hit at most dinner parties while you wait for the food and it accommodates to most if not all eating habits 🙂 I love how versatile, not to mention tastyyy, the dish can be!

  • Tammy July 23, 2010, 10:42 pm

    Oooo…symphony brownies…or my newest obsession…Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart bread!

  • Gina G July 23, 2010, 10:44 pm

    dessert…..it’s something i know everyone will enjoy 😛

  • Becky July 23, 2010, 10:45 pm

    Vegan chocolate cake or cupcakes (I think I got the recipe from How it all Vegan or from Eat, Drink and Be Vegan) with vegan buttercream icing (Earth balance makes way better icing than butter in my opinion)….or, for an easy side dish, peeled cucumbers sliced relatively thinly and shaken with lemon and salt. So easy, and super refreshing – they are always a hit!

  • Danica July 23, 2010, 10:45 pm

    I love making healthyish cookies because it’s nice to indulge but still have a good-for-you treat!

  • caronae July 23, 2010, 10:46 pm

    Sounds like such a fun get together! Yay for new friends. 🙂 I don’t know if I have ever had a real adult dinner party or been to one. I would definitely bring something seasonal; a squash/sweet potato/roasted veg dish in fall, maybe a coled mediterranean pasta salad for summer! Yum!

  • Michele July 23, 2010, 10:47 pm

    My favorite dish to bring is a nice big salad topped with apple, goat cheese, pecans and balsamic!

  • Natalie (The Sweets Life) July 23, 2010, 10:48 pm

    Good luck tomorrow!

    I love to bring dessert…I’m happy to bring anything but dessert is really where it’s at 😉

  • Steevie July 23, 2010, 10:48 pm

    emily’s quinoa tabouli is always great for parties!

  • Kellie July 23, 2010, 10:51 pm

    I like to bring a big salad. That way if there is nothing vegetarian for me to eat, I can have a giant helping of salad.

  • Beth July 23, 2010, 10:51 pm

    Homemade bread

  • Jan July 23, 2010, 10:51 pm

    I like to always try something new when we are invited to a dinner party, so I search the web or cookbooks for a new dish!:)Guest are always kinder than family on new foods! Your blog is great.

  • Marcie July 23, 2010, 10:51 pm

    Pasta salad, it travels well

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter July 23, 2010, 10:51 pm

    I would have to say dessert because everyone will ooh and ahhh over the sweet goodness!

  • Carol July 23, 2010, 10:52 pm

    Fruit and cheese platter

  • Will July 23, 2010, 10:52 pm

    Dessert like pie or cake

  • Lucy July 23, 2010, 10:53 pm

    Homemade vegan cupcakes–though mine don’t look as good as those! I’ll share my recipe, they rock!

  • Jillian July 23, 2010, 10:54 pm

    I love to bring appetizers.. spinach and artichoke dip is a personal fav! Good luck on your first Charlotte race tomorrow- can’t wait for the recap!

  • J.L. July 23, 2010, 10:54 pm

    Love to bring muffins for brunch for my hosts the next morning

  • Danielle July 23, 2010, 10:55 pm

    I love to bring roasted veggies – healthy, tasty, and easy!

  • Alison July 23, 2010, 10:55 pm

    Hummus and chips!!!!

  • Laura Ann July 23, 2010, 10:56 pm

    ohmigod – that tofu looks INSANE! do you put it directly on the grill or do you put foil under it? any chance you’ll post your recipe for that? WOW.

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 6:08 am

      directly on the George Foreman grill – i can definitely blog details the next time I make it.

  • MaryZ July 23, 2010, 10:57 pm

    I love bringing dessert…brownies or a yummy carrot cake. Baking is one of my passions, but then I want to eat it all..so I bake for friends, potlucks, dinner parties or whatever. I still get to enjoy it, but I don’t eat the entire pan alone!

  • Laura July 23, 2010, 10:58 pm

    I usually bring homemade cherry pie with the sour cherries I pick from our cherry tree… its local, homemade and vegan (although not very healthy)!

  • Maria (realfitmama) July 23, 2010, 10:58 pm

    One of my favorite dishes to bring to a dinner party is either strawberry spinach salad with walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic viniagrette or endives with gorgonzola and balsamic reduction. LOVE THEM BOTH!!!

  • Erin July 23, 2010, 11:02 pm

    Love that fresh-looking salad! It depends on the season — in the summer, a pasta or bean salad (with light dressing — in the winter, a soup or chilli.

  • Amanda (modernation) July 23, 2010, 11:03 pm

    I pretty much always bring bruschetta to dinner parties – especially in the summer. It is easy, everyone loves it and it ensures there will be a healthy option to snack on.

  • laura July 23, 2010, 11:04 pm

    I love to bring dessert. My favorite dessert to make is cupcakes, just made cinnamon crunch cupcakes for a party tomorrow. yummy

  • Katheryn July 23, 2010, 11:05 pm

    I usually try to bring a filling salad. That way I’ll have something to eat too! If not, then I opt for dessert. I love baking!

  • Becca H July 23, 2010, 11:06 pm

    I like to bring dessert or salad.

  • Meagan July 23, 2010, 11:07 pm

    Pasta Salad, it pleases everyone!

  • Shannon July 23, 2010, 11:08 pm

    I love baking vegan! Cupcakes are so easy. You should pick up Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. Excellent book.

  • Lindsey July 23, 2010, 11:10 pm

    My favotite dish to bring to a dinner party is my nonnas baked ziti with all the full fat fixings! yummmm

  • Penny July 23, 2010, 11:12 pm

    Wow. I am super impressed that you prepeared all of that. It looks awesome.

  • Hallie July 23, 2010, 11:18 pm

    I like bringing blondies because they are always a hit, or some other yummy dessert I wouldn’t want to have in my house haha. Or I like bringing salad, because I can pack the dressing separately and only put in the ingredients I like!

  • Jess (Nurse Jess the Blog) July 23, 2010, 11:18 pm

    Snicker salad is always a hit at potlucks. But baked goods are my favorite thing to make. I love making fun combos with cookies, cakes, and cupcakes!

  • Taryn July 23, 2010, 11:21 pm

    Fruit salad all the well!! Or a fruit pizza!! I LOVE MY FRUIT!!!

  • Amanda July 23, 2010, 11:23 pm

    Good luck tomorrow! And I always bring homemade cookies or spaghetti squash baked, and then lightly sauteed with a bit of butter, garlic, lemon and sage. So simple but so good!

  • jackie July 23, 2010, 11:23 pm

    i love bringing dessert!!!!!

  • katie hery July 23, 2010, 11:24 pm

    i like to bring dessert and i try to do something different for each dinner party, so i can use the guests as my “test subjects” ha! also a bag of ice because ice is always good at parties, aka coolers, drinks, etc…

  • Amy @ Amy Starts To Run July 23, 2010, 11:30 pm

    My favorite “dish” to bring to a dinner party is wine!

  • kathleen July 23, 2010, 11:30 pm

    Veggies, chips and my homemade hummus.

  • Michele July 23, 2010, 11:31 pm

    For cookouts, the most appreciated dish this summer at least has been the fruit salad mixed mandarin orange vodka has been pretty popular. It tastes good and we joke that you’re being as healthy as you can be getting tipsy 😉

    P.S. Your dress is wicked pretty!!

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 6:09 am

      Thank you!

  • Lacey @ Lake Life July 23, 2010, 11:32 pm

    I am a fan of bringing appetizers to dinner parties. The grape jelly/chili sauce cocktail weiners always disappear asap.

  • Erica July 23, 2010, 11:32 pm

    I typically stick with one of my go-to desserts… caramel brownies or rum cake. They never disappoint!

  • Brianne DeCesare July 23, 2010, 11:32 pm

    Cold Broccoli Salad. So simple, so delicious, always a hit!

  • Lisa M July 23, 2010, 11:33 pm

    Good luck tomorrow AM – hope you had a fun time running. For me, it has to be dessert!

  • Jerilynnes July 23, 2010, 11:33 pm

    I’ve been really into bringing soups lately! It’s something different and, if it’s a heartier soup, it can easily be a veg entree in case there isn’t another veg option!!

  • Chelsey July 23, 2010, 11:34 pm

    To be perfectly honest, I love bringing that “healthy” side dish that no one would suspect it actually is! I like to make people try new things, expand their horizons, and well.. appreciate good food. The last two family parties I went to, I brought a southwestern quinoa salad (which they have never tasted before AND LOVED!!!) and I brought a vegan breakfast casserole with tofu as the base (no one would have ever guessed it was tofu and it was INHALED!).

    I never tell anyone what’s in it until they’ve tried it 🙂

    • Dynamics July 23, 2010, 11:40 pm

      My nephew has a phobia for vegetarian food. I make a point of ALWAYS bringing vegetarian/vegan food and love listening to him praise the taste and silently giggle. Some day I might tell him how sneaky I have been.

  • Jeanne July 23, 2010, 11:34 pm

    I usually do a homemade hummus with wheat toasted flour tortillas. Yum!

  • Cynthia July 23, 2010, 11:36 pm

    A giant salad and a bottle of wine. But, I usually check to see if there is something specific I should bring 🙂

  • Julia July 23, 2010, 11:37 pm

    Spinach balls! They are super easy to make (uses frozen spinach, stuffing mix, cheese and some other things) and always a hit. They make a great appetizer. And even though we are all in our 30s, after a couple beers my friends love to proclaim they love my “balls”!

  • Dynamics July 23, 2010, 11:37 pm

    I am a salad kind of person. I want to make sure I have a big beautiful filling salad. So many people open a bag of lettuce and add a few tomatoes and call it a salad. I am famous for my salad bar.

  • Katherine July 23, 2010, 11:42 pm

    Hmmm…I’d bring my grandmothers recipie for Carrot Cake.
    To.Die.For.

  • Ellen July 23, 2010, 11:46 pm

    my specialty is always a vegetable dish– a side, or a salad. i don’t always like how other people prepare the vegetables (overcooked, bland, too saucy, etc.) or they don’t have one at all. if i bring it, i know there will be a delicious and healthy dish to eat! i’ve converted many a vegetable hater in the past, so i’ve got a good reputation so far.

  • Jen July 23, 2010, 11:48 pm

    Banana Bread!!!

  • Christine July 23, 2010, 11:50 pm

    I took a version of the Caprese salad to our last BBQ a couple weeks ago. It was cherry tomatoes sliced in half, a small piece of mozzarella and basil held together with a toothpick – drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil – yum!

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) July 23, 2010, 11:55 pm

    Oh my gosh, that kitchen is awesome!! So much space and light. Your dinner looks awesome. I actually always bring a quinoa salad to dinner parties. I like introducing people to quinoa. 🙂 It makes me happy when they love it!

  • Megan July 23, 2010, 11:55 pm

    i like to bring buffalo chicken dip!

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat July 23, 2010, 11:56 pm

    What a great pre-race dinner! I’m about to read your knee-injury experience. I just injuried mine and had to opt out my first half marathon which I’m REALLY bummed about. Ugh. But have a great race tomorrow!
    Favorite dish to bring to a dinner party: BROWNIES. Or any kind of bready dish, like corn bread.

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 6:10 am

      I’m sorry! But remember – there will be other races. I PROMISE.

  • Annie July 24, 2010, 12:00 am

    Spinach dip! It’s always a hit.

  • Katie @ peacebeme July 24, 2010, 12:00 am

    Sounds kind of boring but I always like to bring fresh cut veggies and my homemade dill dip. Also I like to bring dessert – blondies!

  • lauren July 24, 2010, 12:01 am

    I usually bring dessert because I’m an awesome baker and a mediocre cook. In the summer I bring a southwestern pasta salad though, yum!

  • Haley July 24, 2010, 12:06 am

    Simple: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies.. Pretty sure it is how I reeled in my boyfriend =)

  • jen July 24, 2010, 12:06 am

    a yummy salad so i know i will like it!

  • Melissa G July 24, 2010, 12:06 am

    I like to bring homemade hummus and veggies because at least I know I can still eat something healthy!

  • jenny July 24, 2010, 12:07 am

    My german chocolate cake is always a hit 😀

  • Brittni R. July 24, 2010, 12:08 am

    I always bring my Tres Leche cake because people seem to go GAGA over it! But I also like to bring anything from rolls, to chicken and dumplings, to baked macaroni! I L.O.V.E. to cook! <3

  • Kat July 24, 2010, 12:14 am

    I like to bring homemade cupcakes or cookies. Good luck tomorrow!

  • Catherine July 24, 2010, 12:15 am

    I love to make a recipe my friend’s dad gave me for Chicken Paprikas. It’s a little work intensive but everyone who tries it always loves it 🙂

  • Jae July 24, 2010, 12:18 am

    green bean casserole

  • Britton July 24, 2010, 12:18 am

    I’m the peach cobbler girl at parties. That’s an easy one to veganize!

  • Alexis July 24, 2010, 12:18 am

    I love to bring a pico de gallo type salsa!

  • Katie July 24, 2010, 12:18 am

    I’m always the one to bring guac and veggie tortilla chips as well as hummus with veggies and warm pita bread…mmmm

  • Angie July 24, 2010, 12:20 am

    I love bringing dessert. Especially cupcakes! 🙂

  • Cait July 24, 2010, 12:20 am

    I always bring dessert, as I love to bake…and it sweets, so I want it to be good! I also love to try new recipes, so it’s rarely ever the same thing.

  • Run Sarah July 24, 2010, 12:20 am

    I often bring spinach dip & French bread, or a pasta salad.

  • marci July 24, 2010, 12:20 am

    Dip, any kind, either a fruit dip or veggie/cracker dip

  • Danielle July 24, 2010, 12:22 am

    Baked brie…so decadent, but oh so good!

  • Courtney July 24, 2010, 12:22 am

    I love baking so I usually bring the dessert wherever I go!

  • Abby S, July 24, 2010, 12:22 am

    I love to bring the dessert or a veggie tray!

  • Ashley S July 24, 2010, 12:23 am

    I love bringing the booze! 😉

  • Lisa @ leesespeeces July 24, 2010, 12:23 am

    I’m a college student, so what’s a better dinner option than the classic mac n’ cheese!? I’ll even dress it up a bit and make a baked mac n’ cheese casserole if the occasion calls for it.

  • Rachel L. July 24, 2010, 12:26 am

    A salad! Especially topped with fresh summer fruits, like peaches or grapefruit or cherries 😀

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) July 24, 2010, 12:27 am

    I love bringing dessert–no better excuse to bake! Usually cookies.

  • Michelle July 24, 2010, 12:27 am

    bruschetta – everyone always requests it!

  • Pauline July 24, 2010, 12:28 am

    I either bring something green or dessert. The last time I made vegan banana split cupcakes, which were delicious! Nobody believed that they were vegan.

    I thought since your hubby felt like he was missing out, I should let you know that “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero is a fabulous book! They also just came out with “Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar” which is going to be my next purchase 🙂

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 6:10 am

      Ooo I will have to check that out.

  • Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat) July 24, 2010, 12:29 am

    I love to bake so I always offer to bring dessert! During thanksgiving though I am always the one to bring the sweet potatoes. Have a fantastic race tomorrow!

  • Dani July 24, 2010, 12:32 am

    Hummus and pita. I mean c’mon, who’s not gonna inhale hummus and pita? It’s the one dish no one feels guilty for getting stuffed on, it has no meat so everyone’s covered, and it’s super cheap to buy or super easy to make. It’s completely full-proof, and you’re always guaranteed compliments on it.

  • Amanda July 24, 2010, 12:32 am

    I love bringing dessert! It’s so fun to make! I try to make something different each time too.

  • elaine July 24, 2010, 12:33 am

    my favorite dish to bring has to be corn bread! there’s something so nostalgic and home-y about it – similar to cupcakes I think. It also helps that a side of corn bread goes with almost anything!

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) July 24, 2010, 12:34 am

    I love bringing a veggie tray, hummus, and pita bread to dinner parties- or potlucks in general. I also love taking homemade chocolate chip cookies – they’re my favorite desserty item to bake 🙂

  • Lisa July 24, 2010, 12:34 am

    I like bringing anything healthy and slightly different like the quinoa salad you made tonight. Relatives love pointing at these dishes and announcing that Lisa MUST have brought this! What is it??

  • Susan - Nurse on the Run July 24, 2010, 12:38 am

    I love bringing dessert to dinner parties because I loooove to bake! Otherwise definitely something like potato salad in the summer. Or guac!

  • Diana July 24, 2010, 12:38 am

    Dinner parties are the best! I either like to bring an awesome vegan bean salad with tons of bright colored veggies, beans and tangy dressing, or mango and raspberry vegan cobbler with coconut ice cream. All vegan, all amazing, all making me so hungry right now!

  • Steph July 24, 2010, 12:41 am

    I like bringing an appetizer, like hummus or another kind of dip. You inspire me to throw a dinner party, like right now!

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life July 24, 2010, 12:42 am

    I usually bring a veggie or fruit tray – something healthy that people feel free to snack on when dinner takes a little longer than expected to get ready.

    Good luck tomorrow!

  • Kristen July 24, 2010, 12:42 am

    I always bring a pasta salad! I love that I can make something new and different for every event.

  • christine July 24, 2010, 12:44 am

    I like to bring appetizers! people always request stuffed mushrooms from my family 🙂

  • Lisa July 24, 2010, 12:46 am

    I usually ask what’s the host/ess needs and bring that, just to keep things easy for everyone!

  • Tracy July 24, 2010, 12:47 am

    I love to bake so I would have to say desserts!!! I love making cakes and cupcakes! Those vegan ones look tasty!

  • Rita July 24, 2010, 12:47 am

    A caprese salad I love all the fresh flavors and liteness!

  • Lauren July 24, 2010, 12:48 am

    I either bring homemade brownies/cookies OR I’ll bring a veggie tray. My big family has staples they bring to all of the holidays, and I guess I’ve never really thought about finding anything adventurous to bring as a side…those are pretty much the two things you know will be eaten. Hmm…food for thought?
    Have fun tomorrow!

  • Korrie July 24, 2010, 12:52 am

    I like to bring dessert. Usually after making the dessert (and sneaking nibbles) I won’t want any after dinner. Helps me from inhaling the sweet stuff =)

  • alex July 24, 2010, 12:54 am

    I’m a dessert kind of gal. My father is a pastry chef so I learned from him how to bake. I LOVE making walnut brownies. I have to say, they are to die for! Good luck on your race!!!

  • Erica July 24, 2010, 12:58 am

    I love to bring an easy pasta salad or three bean salad. They’re always a hit!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 24, 2010, 1:00 am

    I usually bring something cheesey and fattening 🙂 Hehe.

  • Kassi July 24, 2010, 1:03 am

    I love to bring healthy light cold salads of cooked grains (quinoa, brown rice) with spinach, black beans and tomatoes as a base! It never fails to be tasty and filling 🙂

  • Jess July 24, 2010, 1:05 am

    In the summer, I almost always bring a fruit salad of whatever fresh, yummy fruit I can find at my local public market. In the winter, I dabble in making candy–almond bark, truffles, rocky road bars…you name it 🙂

  • Melinda H. July 24, 2010, 1:10 am

    I love to bring a dessert that I’ve magically made as healthy as possible. The best part is hearing how much everybody loves it and they don’t even know how guilt-free it actually is 🙂

  • Mel July 24, 2010, 1:12 am

    Giada de Laurentis’ tri colore orzo salad.

  • Carly July 24, 2010, 1:13 am

    7 layer dip with tortilla chips! Yumm 🙂

  • Amanda July 24, 2010, 1:33 am

    Others have already mentioned it, but you seriously have to get Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. I’ve made many of the cupcakes and everyone agrees that they are the best – even non-vegans!

    And my party dish? Always this: http://wellfed.typepad.com/well_fed/2007/05/edamame_black_b.html

    Everyone loves it.

  • Issed July 24, 2010, 1:34 am

    I ABSOLUTELY love to cook and host dinner parties.. I will bring a refreshing water Jicama, basil, cucumber and avocado salad with lime vinaigrette. So refreshing and A good palate cleanser. For dessert I would bring a bottle of red wine and poached pears in red wine with vanilla mascarpone

  • Carolyn C. July 24, 2010, 1:41 am

    Love anything with black beans…… lately I have been making a black bean salsa like dip with blue corn chips. Yum!

  • Fallon July 24, 2010, 1:43 am

    I love to bring a huge salad. I know it is something I’ll eat, plus everyone always adds a little to their plate no matter what.

  • Susan July 24, 2010, 1:51 am

    I love to bring dessert, I am the official baker of pumpkin pies for holidays

  • Sabrina July 24, 2010, 2:03 am

    My favorite dish to bring is a fruit salad made with only fruit and orange juice. It’s often served with the main course so it’s a good way to be getting fresh fruit and try and substitute for something more unhealthy

  • Elle July 24, 2010, 2:35 am

    I always bring cookies or some other dessert. Everyone loves dessert!

  • Shauna July 24, 2010, 2:35 am

    I always bring dessert! Homemade cinnamon rolls are always fun–there’s no need for them to look pretty because everything looks pretty slathered in cream cheese glaze. I may try it on myself if I have a bad hair day. It could work.

  • Alex July 24, 2010, 2:42 am

    My latest favorite is an orzo salad with roasted vegetables in a lemon vinaigrette. It calls for feta, but it’s easily modified for people who don’t eat cheese. It’s easy and a crowd-pleaser!

  • Cara July 24, 2010, 2:44 am

    I just bought the cookbook called “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World” and I’ve heard nothing but great things about it! Isa Moskowitz is also the author of “Vegan with a Vengeance” and I LOVE her a recipes!

    I have a question, what moved your husband to become vegan? I am a vegetarian and am all about finding what is ideal for my health and have recently been looking doing some research on the vegan lifestyle. I also purchased The China Study and am excited to read it once it comes in the mail… The cupcakes look DIVINE!

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 6:11 am

      He just took the “ethical” part of not eating meat one step farther (eating dairy is no good for the factory farmed animals either). I’ve heard TCS is good!

  • Amanda July 24, 2010, 2:46 am

    Definitely homemade vegetable soup with alphabet shaped noodles in it. Huge chunks of tomato, celery, carrots, and green onions with letters to make you still feel like a kid 🙂

  • Divya Vikram July 24, 2010, 2:48 am

    Will bring some tandoori naan and carrot halwa!

  • Ilene July 24, 2010, 2:49 am

    DESSERT(: Preferably cookies.

  • courtney k July 24, 2010, 2:49 am

    My favorite thing to bring is definitely appetizer. Whole grain crackers with a homemade hummus is my favorite!

  • April B. July 24, 2010, 2:51 am

    Pasta salad, so easy.

  • Amy H July 24, 2010, 3:01 am

    My go-to is always a roasted broccoli salad with made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a spinkle of parmesan or nooch. If its dessert, I’ll usually do a fun sugar cookie for the occasion (or just because)

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day July 24, 2010, 3:02 am

    I know its not healthy or holds any nutritional value whatsoever, but taco dip. Taco seasoning packet, sour cream, and cream cheese. Served with blue tortillas of course. Always a hit.

  • Mary July 24, 2010, 3:12 am

    I bring to the parties often healthy muffins 🙂

  • Holly M July 24, 2010, 4:44 am

    ohh i lovvvee to bring guacomole if appropriate. easy enough and ppl go crazy for it!

  • Little Bookworm July 24, 2010, 5:04 am

    Good luck for the race!

  • Jenn July 24, 2010, 5:31 am

    Cookies! Everyone loves cookies and they’re the perfect portion… great for sharing with multiple guests!!

  • Nadine July 24, 2010, 5:34 am

    I’m the one that’s expected to bring something ‘healthy’ — and I love to try new and different things…so I always bring a green salad and then a lo cal dessert..I gave vegan chocolate chip cookies a whirl once, for my brothers GF. Epic. Fail.

  • Angela July 24, 2010, 5:37 am

    Veggie tray or dessert! Who doesn’t love a veggie tray at parties??? I try to stray away from making new recipes to bring to parties because you have to know it tastes delicious!

  • Amanda July 24, 2010, 6:21 am

    I bring a salad every time…mix it up with fruit, nuts, cheeses, avacado,etc.

  • moxie79 July 24, 2010, 6:31 am

    I like bringing a loaf of homemade bread and some really good butter!

  • Kimberly July 24, 2010, 6:31 am

    I like to bring the dessert. I love to bake but I hate having it around the house all the time. When I take it to a party, I get to bake my cake and eat it, too 🙂

  • Liz July 24, 2010, 6:43 am

    I love to bring a new dessert. I love to bake, so I am alwasy looking for something fun and new. If I don’t have time for something new I bring brownies! 🙂

    We just moved to Fayetteville, NC and I am thinking of signing up for the 1/2 Marathon in Dec. 🙂 We are only 2 hours away.

  • Britney July 24, 2010, 6:47 am

    Dessert! I also love baking, but when I make something and have no one to share my creation with it’s bad news! Lately I’ve been baking a lot of things with zucchini because I have so much of it – right now, I’d probably make zucchini bread or zucchini muffins.

  • KatieF July 24, 2010, 6:51 am

    I love to bring homemade cupcakes for dessert. Food & Wine magazine had a section of multiple recipes a few years back, and they’re my go-to recipes. Haven’t had a disappointed eater yet. 🙂

  • Brigid July 24, 2010, 6:54 am

    Did you make the quinoa dish yourself or purchase it? if you made it, would you mind sharing recipe. I know you said what was in it but I feel best when I have directions to follow. thanks,

  • Corinne July 24, 2010, 6:56 am

    I’d say a fruit salad, or veggies and a homemade dip, or any kind of salad.

  • Theodora July 24, 2010, 6:59 am

    I love bringing stuff to dinner parties because then at least I know I’ll have a healthy option. In the summertime, I like bringing this guacamole salad: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/guacamole-salad-recipe/index.html

  • Ange July 24, 2010, 7:00 am

    I love hosting dinner parties!! All the good stuff in life happens around food 🙂

    My fave thing to bring to a dinner party would have to be my Asian Tofu noodle salad (adapted from Pioneer Woman)

  • Jessica July 24, 2010, 7:04 am

    i also like bringing dessert, usually cookies of some sort!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine July 24, 2010, 7:19 am

    Looks like such a fun dinner party!! My favorite thing to bring is either vegan Super Charge Me cookies or Moroccan tempeh. It always convinces people that vegan food is actually pretty tasty!

  • Kristy July 24, 2010, 7:23 am

    I always bring something healthy to a dinner party. I love bringing a loaded salad with tons of veggies and a homemade dressing.

  • freja July 24, 2010, 7:24 am

    I make a mean potato gratin! Oh, and sweet potato salad 🙂

  • Rosey Rebecca July 24, 2010, 7:27 am

    I brought a spinach,strawberry, and feta salad to a potluck last weekend. But to a dinner, I’d probably bring a pasta bake or veggie chili or something fun like that.

    Looks like an awesome night. Good luck at your race!

  • Meghan July 24, 2010, 7:38 am

    Some kind of salad. I usually try to mix it up so its not the same thing each time. At least once a month we do dinner with the in-laws and if my Father In Law cooks it is usually not good for you food, so the salad is very important to me!!

  • claudia July 24, 2010, 7:41 am

    I’d love to bring a chilled noodle salad with tons of veggies, some sesame oil and soy sauce, and tossed with some scallions/green onions, and then put in the refrigerator to marinate. It is especially great in the summer when it’s too hot to eat anything else!

  • Stephany July 24, 2010, 7:43 am

    Usually, I bring dessert (like brownies), but lately I’ve been trying to be better about bringing veggies so that I won’t be tempted as much! 😉

    I actually started training for my first half-marathon last week, after saying that I would NEVER EVER run a half-marathon. But I saw a commercial about it & just though, why not? I don’t have to run the whole thing, but I just want to at least try it & cross the finish line!

    Good luck with your race today!

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 12:10 pm

      You’ll do great in your half!

  • Jennifer S July 24, 2010, 7:46 am

    I usually bring a salad or a dessert (my favorite is espresso brownies-YUM!)

  • Chris H. July 24, 2010, 7:48 am

    Oh I hope I am not to late to enter! But regardless, my favorite thing to bring to a dinner party is, to quote “Seinfeld,”: Pepsi and ho-hos. On a serious note, I love bringing a healthy vegetable/protein dish like baked bean and sweet potato casserole or mini broccoli “quiches”

  • Michell McMahon July 24, 2010, 7:49 am

    I love to make salads for dinner parties. My favorite is a broccoli salad. I crisp up some turkey bacon, chop up the broccoli, red onion, regular and golden raisins and sunflower seeds in a bowl with just a pinch of red pepper flakes for just a little heat. Then mix up some mayo, splenda and vingar for the dressing. This is to die for!!!!

  • Jul July 24, 2010, 7:57 am

    brownies! everyone loves brownies!

  • Kendel July 24, 2010, 7:57 am

    I have everything from your dinner party waiting to be used in my fridge. I foresee a Caitlin dinner re-inaction tonight! Also, have you ever sprouted your own seeds? If not, give it a try, I just wrote a how-to guide on the topic!

  • Kari July 24, 2010, 7:59 am

    I like to bring appetizers. I have some great recipes, but most involve cheese. A couple months I went cow milk free, so I’ll have to find some new recipes to replace the old ones!

    • Kari July 24, 2010, 8:02 am

      (Which by the way might make me weird for entering this contest, but believe me the husband is all about the cow’s milk!)

  • Susan A. July 24, 2010, 8:00 am

    I like to take carrot souffle…it sounds difficult to make, but is really easy and is always a big hit with both kids and adults.

  • Alyssa July 24, 2010, 8:00 am

    A grilled veggies and pasta dish, tossed with fresh basil pesto.

  • Sarah (Enjoying One Meal at a Time) July 24, 2010, 8:07 am

    I love to bring fruit salad. It’s quick and easy, and something that everyone enjoys!

  • Kat July 24, 2010, 8:08 am

    half-baked risotto; that way i can finish it up when i get there for maximum taste/texture but also give the host a break from the kitchen and watch the food while i finish up and give them a chance to mingle!

  • Michele July 24, 2010, 8:09 am

    Marinated brussel sprouts. It sounds nuts, but whoever likes brussel sprouts will go totally sprouty over this dish.

    Cook a bag of frozen brussel sprouts (or fresh ones) until they’re about half way done… still a little crunchy. Then top with a marinade of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/8 cup honey, 1/8 cup vinegar, and lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. I think some rosemary or ginger might be good in this too. Rosemary on roasted brussel sprouts is WONDERFUL!!!

    • Michele July 24, 2010, 8:10 am

      Then refrigerate overnight. Serve cold.

  • Shannon July 24, 2010, 8:12 am

    I love to bring taco dip – I have a really simple plain recipe that seems to cater to a lot of people’s taste.

  • Nichole July 24, 2010, 8:13 am

    I always end up bringing some kind of pasta salad. Apparently I make the best ones around, so It falls on me. I like to change up the veggies and flavor all the time so my friends get something fresh and different.

  • Karla July 24, 2010, 8:15 am

    I’m usually the person who brings dessert or a salad. Ha kind of opposites. My spicy chocolate cupcakes are quite popular though 🙂

  • Ashley July 24, 2010, 8:15 am

    If it’s going to be a veg*n dinner party I usually stick with bringing an app – hummus or Gena’s Italian pizza cheese & veggies works wonderfully.
    If I know it’s not going to be veg*n, I’ll bring something like a quinoa salad or grilled veggies w/ pasta. I aim for something that can be a main dish for me but is also able to act as a side for everyone else.

  • Bee July 24, 2010, 8:18 am

    It depends on whether the dinner party is casual or formal. Generally, I tend to bring a tossed salad, fruit salad or some sort of pasta dish.

  • Mary Ann July 24, 2010, 8:23 am

    Dinner parties are great because everyone brings their specialty. Mine is hummus (the secret is using roasted onions and garlic) and cucumber slices. Good luck with your 4 miles today!!!!

  • Amelia July 24, 2010, 8:28 am

    Whenever I head to a dinner party, I usually ask the host ahead of time what their favorite dessert is. So sometimes it is cake, others pie, or might be a fresh fruit. It changes. 🙂

  • Kimberly July 24, 2010, 8:29 am

    Dessert! Even if they ask me to bring something else I always try to bring a dessert! I just love making them so much!

  • Kiranda from Mommyhood July 24, 2010, 8:31 am

    I really like to bring pasta salad. It’s refreshing and I end up inhaling most of it. Plus, it fits most everyone’s food-style. Good luck with the race! Can’t wait to read about it!

  • Megan July 24, 2010, 8:32 am

    I love to bring friut & cheese kabobs with a cream cheese dip. Super easy to make and delicious!

  • Evan Thomas July 24, 2010, 8:33 am

    Those cupcakes looks SO GOOD. I’ve made the same vegan “chocolate midnight” cupcakes 3 times in the past month and everybody loves them.

  • Alicia July 24, 2010, 8:34 am

    veggie pizza–it always gets rave reviews!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews July 24, 2010, 8:37 am

    Probably a veggie tray or something with veggies because most of the parties that I go to don’t have enough.

  • Rachel July 24, 2010, 8:37 am

    I love bringing pasta salad. It’s light, summery and most people wouldn’t make it for themselves if it weren’t for a dinner party! it’s also a simple enough dish that is enjoyed by many. since i’m a vegetarian, i don’t add chicken – and depending on my guests, i love a great grated cheese on top!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) July 24, 2010, 8:38 am

    What a fun dinner party! And I love your dress! 😀

    My favorite thing to bring to a dinner party would probably be a fruit salad. I like adding quirky, unexpected fruits that nobody expects (starfruit, fresh blueberries, kiwi, etc.) and topping it all off with coconut. It’s something that mostly everybody can partake in, no matter whether they’re vegetarian, vegan, or all-out carnivores. 😉

  • Emily July 24, 2010, 8:42 am

    I make this Mexican bean dip that is to die for! I won’t tell you what’s in it, it goes against everything a health blogger stands for, but it’s sooo good!

  • Runner July 24, 2010, 8:42 am

    My favorite dish to bring to dinner parties is a sweet dessert like sour cream coffee cake or a savory side like veggies and hummus (depends on the mood I’m in!!)

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit July 24, 2010, 8:43 am

    That meal looks amazing! My favorite dish to bring anywhere is dessert- it’s my specialty 🙂 Esp. pies and cookies!

  • Jen July 24, 2010, 8:47 am

    When I go to a dinner party I typically bring a bottle of wine and a dessert. My favorite dessert to bring is red velvet cake, but this weekend we’re going to an Asian food themed dinner party so I’ve decided to bring desset sushi- made with rice krispies and other sweet goodies!

    Good luck on the race!

  • Terrieha July 24, 2010, 8:49 am

    I always try to come up with something unique depending on the event/occasion, but if my creative side isn’t working, then my go-to staple is a huge salad (fresh greens, loaded with veggies, fresh fruit, roasted pumkin seeds, feta or bleu cheese, and a homemade balsamic or pomegrante vinegarette).
    Oh and for the hubs, here is a link to vegan cookies & cream cupcakes which look A-maz-ING 🙂 http://kellyscupcakery.blogspot.com/2010/05/vegan-cookies-n-cream-cupcakes.html

  • Krista July 24, 2010, 8:50 am

    I usually bring a veggies/hummus/crackers plate or fruit salad/skewers. At my friend’s get-togethers, I KNOW there will be plenty of chips, cookies, etc. so my healthier “delights” are unique and most often finished off by the end of the night!

  • Kara July 24, 2010, 8:50 am

    I usually bring dessert! A fruit tart is one of my favorites because it is super simple to make but looks stunning!

  • Holly W July 24, 2010, 8:51 am

    I always try to bring something different. If we’re going to a dinner a party I usually look for a new recipe. I like trying new stuff out on our friends!

  • Jennifer July 24, 2010, 8:54 am

    I like to bring a dessert or a fruit tray.

  • Lisa P July 24, 2010, 8:55 am

    Spinach and arichoke dip

  • tiffany j July 24, 2010, 8:57 am

    I love trying new things but my go-to is hummus topped with chopped beets, cucumber, feta and sprinkled with oregano, with fresh pita to dip.

  • laura July 24, 2010, 8:59 am

    i like bringing a fun appetizer…maybe some homemade hummus and pita chips or some type of bean salad?

  • Christina July 24, 2010, 9:02 am

    I always end up bringing dessert!

  • stephanie p July 24, 2010, 9:02 am

    I’m not much of a cook so I usually bring pita, veggies and hummus because most people will eat the food if there’s a tasty dip along with it!

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) July 24, 2010, 9:05 am

    I’m usually asked to bring my spinach-artichoke dip … not to brag, but it’s really good! And it’s a slightly “lightened” version … although who am I kidding? Still super fattening.

  • Dez @ Dezolutions July 24, 2010, 9:06 am

    My favorie thing to bring is my tri-colored pasta! It has become a given that I will make my infamous pasta salad for every event we ever go to! And its vegetarian friendly and a nice palate cleanser in between the burgers and chips!

    All it takes is a box of tri-colored fiori (the wheel shaped pasta) a box of tri-colored rotini, cucumbers, sliced black olive, shredded carrots, thin sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, red kidney beans, little cubes of pepperjack cheese or feta! Get some Wishbone ‘Robusto’ Lite Italian dressing (key ingredient!) and stir in accordingly! Its SO colorful and tasty! I’m not sure if people are looking forward to me coming to the BBQ, or if its just the pasta salad they’re after 😉

  • Whitney July 24, 2010, 9:07 am

    I used to love bringing a mexican dip, but now I’m trying to bring a more healthy option like fruit salad, both for me and the other people who are trying to be healthy!

  • Camille July 24, 2010, 9:08 am

    Gorgeous food! Those cupcakes are adorable 🙂

  • Katie July 24, 2010, 9:11 am

    I like to bring a fruit pizza – that way I know there’s a healthy dessert option!

  • LindsayH July 24, 2010, 9:12 am

    Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World is amazing. Every cupcake I’ve made from that book has turned out awesome, and the little book has like 50 cupcake recipes in it!

  • Kris July 24, 2010, 9:12 am

    I love to bring a fun appetizer, or a beautiful salad (think fruit w/ greens, onions, nuts). Yum!

  • Laura T. July 24, 2010, 9:17 am

    can’t go wrong with dessert!

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place July 24, 2010, 9:19 am

    Good luck at your race!! I love your new kitchen, too! It looks so big and roomy.

    I always bring dessert or a salad. I suck at main courses most of the time so I stick with what I’m good at!

  • Beth July 24, 2010, 9:21 am

    I like bringing cookies, because they’re pretty much the only thing I can make reliably!

  • Janine July 24, 2010, 9:21 am

    I love to bring rice krispie treats for dessert. Super simple but they are always a hit and then I know I can eat dessert (I don’t eat wheat).

  • Rachel July 24, 2010, 9:22 am

    I try to bring something healthy that way I’ll have at least one option I know I can eat a lot of! Either a good salad or a healthy dessert like fruit is always my go-to thing to bring.

  • Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt July 24, 2010, 9:23 am

    I love to bring caprese salad! Wonderful and delish every time.

    Glad you found a fun couple to hang out with!

  • abbe July 24, 2010, 9:24 am

    Good luck on your race! I always bring artichoke dip and pita chips – yum!

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) July 24, 2010, 9:26 am

    I love bring roasted vegetables to a dinner party! Especially a party in the fall! Most people never try roasted vegetables so bringing one and having them enjoy the dish really opens up their eyes!

  • Rachel July 24, 2010, 9:28 am

    I make some great salads, and people always request that I bring the salad. Either that or my good spinach and artichoke dip. Yum!

  • Leslie July 24, 2010, 9:32 am

    This is my go to side dish! Here is the recipe to the best antipasto salad:

    http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=222138

  • neen July 24, 2010, 9:32 am

    i wont answer the question coz i’m in the UK so cant really win your comp, but just wanted to comment anyway, i totally get what you mean about hosting dinner parties making you feel grown up, i love hosting them!

    • Caitlin July 24, 2010, 12:11 pm

      heheh 🙂

  • Tina July 24, 2010, 9:35 am

    Dessert! I always bring dessert. Usually some yummy cookies.

  • Erin July 24, 2010, 9:35 am

    My fave dish to bring to a dinner party would probably be a salad. Boring, I know!

  • Kathryn July 24, 2010, 9:36 am

    I pretty much bring something different every time…one rule is I always try to bring something on the healthy side so if there aren’t a lot of healthy options, at least I know I can happily eat what I brought!

  • Tracy July 24, 2010, 9:37 am

    My favorite dish to bring to a dinner party is a salad (most of the time fruit salad). It seems like most of the parties leave out fruits.

  • destiny July 24, 2010, 9:44 am

    I love bringing sweets, and something indulgent, after all it is a party right? 🙂 i have mini oreo cheesecake cups i like to bring!

  • Rebecca July 24, 2010, 9:45 am

    My husband’s black beans, they are an old Cuban recipe and they are the best!

  • sarah (this is it) July 24, 2010, 9:49 am

    I’ve had some success with bringing a salad with the dark spring mix and spinach with some craisins, walnuts, and other veggies with a balsamic and olive oil dressing already on it.
    You look so at home in your kitchen! I can’t wait until I no longer have a small kitchen and basically a studio apartment!

  • Kerris July 24, 2010, 9:50 am

    My favorite thing to bring is this divine brown sugar bundt cake! So moist and delicious! 🙂

  • christina July 24, 2010, 9:52 am

    favorite dish to bring to a dinner party… hmmm id probably bring PB Carmel swirled brownies…boby flay!

  • Shannon July 24, 2010, 9:53 am

    I love to bring tomato and fresh mozzarella, both sliced thin and layered. Then top with sliced fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Yummy!

  • Crystal July 24, 2010, 9:57 am

    My favorite dish to bring is something I can eat! Being meat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free I can usually only eat whatever I bring! (My husband loves feta though!)

  • Amanda July 24, 2010, 9:58 am

    I like to bring a spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette. It’s delicious and I know there will be at least one healthy dish!

  • Sarah July 24, 2010, 9:59 am

    I like bringing my super spicy black bean salsa and chips. Mmmm, just writing about it makes me crave some!

  • Danielle July 24, 2010, 10:02 am

    My standby dish is to bring vegetarian taco salad with scoops.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 24, 2010, 10:03 am

    I bring a quinoa dish that has roasted corn, roasted red pepper, grilled onion, black beans, cumin, and a cilantro lime viniagrette. No one ever knows it’s vegan 🙂

  • Brenda July 24, 2010, 10:07 am

    It’s so funny that you ask this because just yesterday I was thinking about how I need a “go to” dish to bring to parties. I always end up bringing something different. If it’s a last minute invite then I usually bring cookies.

  • Amisha July 24, 2010, 10:13 am

    I love bringing dessert!

  • Michal July 24, 2010, 10:15 am

    The “Best of NJ” cupcake shop winner is actually a vegan cupcake bakery! They have such cute flavors: http://www.sweetavenuebakeshop.com/
    My sister made vegan cupcakes last night (which was nice of her, to want me to be able to eat some) and was trying to get me to tell her that they were healthier, therefore she could eat 18 of them!
    Hope your marathon goes wonderfully!

  • mal July 24, 2010, 10:17 am

    i enjoy bringing the appetizer. i usually do a homemade salsa or some other kind of dip to share and kick off the party!

  • juli July 24, 2010, 10:17 am

    I usually bring blanched green beans and blanched carrots. It’s surprising how well they go over at a gathering. In the summer I take those or fresh fruit. Today we’re going to a cookout and I wedged up a watermelon and two pineapples. I think it’s important to always have options for those of us who don’t load up on all the meats and junk.

  • Jordan July 24, 2010, 10:19 am

    My favorite dish to bring to a dinner party would be a corn casserole – it has always been a hit 🙂

  • Jessica July 24, 2010, 10:21 am

    I make a killer buffalo chicken dip! Okay, okay, it’s not exactly healthy but it’s always a big hit–and delicious!

  • Vanessa July 24, 2010, 10:21 am

    Definitely dessert. Saskatoon berry and lime cheesecake is my specialty!

  • julie July 24, 2010, 10:22 am

    A good loaf of chewy/crusty bread and hummus.

  • Kelly July 24, 2010, 10:24 am

    I like to impress people by bringing a loaf of homemade bread!! 🙂

    P.S. I LOVVVVVVE your kitchen!!!!!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous July 24, 2010, 10:32 am

    So healthy AND yummy looking! You never fail to impress me. Best of luck with your race! Oh and for dinner parties, I usually make artichoke dip because it’s SO easy (1 cup artichokes, parm cheese, mayo, drizzle of Tabaso, bake, DONE!) and it’s always a party pleaser. People seriously gobble it right up! It’s not the healthiest, but I made it recently for a dinner party and ate it with carrots instead of pita chips!

  • ashley July 24, 2010, 10:33 am

    I love to bring homemade bread too! You can never go wrong with bread 🙂

  • Lisa M July 24, 2010, 10:35 am

    I love bringing an appetizer! I always try to look for a new or different recipe! Love new ideas!

  • Lauren @ Eat, Drink, and Be Hopeful July 24, 2010, 10:35 am

    My favorite dish to bring to a dinner party is definitely something with lots of vegetables. Either a vegetable medley of some sorts or a big salad. I’m always worries there won’t be enough color and freshness at dinner parties or especially BBQ’s so I feel if I bring the veggies than I’ll have that to fall back on. I love feta (I practically eat it on everything) so this is a GREAT prize! P.s. I have that same dress in black and pink..LOVE!

  • Nicole July 24, 2010, 10:35 am

    I usually bake something … and without telling them, I make it gluten free and sometimes vegan, depending on the recipe and what I have on hand. After they taste and tell me how good it was, then I tell them it was GF/Vegan. It’s a nice way to show people (such as your hubby) that you can still be GF and have great taste.

  • Lizzy July 24, 2010, 10:36 am

    i like bringing dessert usually cookies or a cake of sorts

  • Vee July 24, 2010, 10:37 am

    oreo balls!

  • KindraC July 24, 2010, 10:37 am

    I love to bring desserts. I make a killer berry cobbler…that may be a Southern thing though 🙂

  • sara July 24, 2010, 10:40 am

    I usually bring dessert, it’s either something with fruit or with chocolate!

  • Erica July 24, 2010, 10:44 am

    I’m vegetarian and my husband is vegan. I love to bake, but if I don’t bring something meal-like for us we often don’t end up eating. I also like to bring something that isn’t to “weird” and something that everyone will enjoy.

    My go to is an orzo salad that I’ve modified a million different ways. The favorite that everyone loves is:

    Orzo
    2 pints grape tomatoes
    2 chopped cucumbers
    1 large bunch of basil
    1 can of garbanzo or cannellini beans
    a little red onion
    lots of chopped garlic
    salt and pepper
    dressed in a balsamic vinegarette

    Sometimes I’ll keep tomatoes and cucumbers and dress with a pesto, I love that too. Or add some spinach, or any veggies, the possibilities are endless!

  • Danielle D July 24, 2010, 10:49 am

    My new 2 favorites to bring are mango-pineapple salsa OR homemade hummus w/ veggies and pita chips 🙂 SO FRESH

  • Sara July 24, 2010, 10:49 am

    Dessert!! Usually some sort of cheesecake… yummy.

  • Valerie July 24, 2010, 10:50 am

    I always bring a bean or lentil salad. I’m vegan, and would never expect the host to whip up something special just for me. So it doubles as a protein filled main dish for me, and a tasty side dish for everyone else!

  • jessica July 24, 2010, 10:53 am

    everyone always demands my guacamole. i have to admit, its really really good.

  • Vicki July 24, 2010, 10:53 am

    I love to bring dessert. 🙂

  • Jackie July 24, 2010, 10:56 am

    I love to bring dessert. Usually in the form of a cake : )

  • Stephanie F July 24, 2010, 10:57 am

    I make a really good homemade salsa or roasted red pepper hummus. One of those is my typically addition to someone’s gathering. Thanks for the chance!

  • Shannon July 24, 2010, 10:58 am

    I make a killer guacamole. If I have guests over or if I’m going somewhere for dinner, I usually bring that. It’s gone in about 5 minutes!

  • Michelle July 24, 2010, 11:02 am

    I always bring dessert! I LOVE to bake!

  • Colleen July 24, 2010, 11:04 am

    I always try to bring a healthy dish to potlucks, its hard to rely on anyone else bringing something green!

  • sarah July 24, 2010, 11:04 am

    a bok choy salad – got the recipe from my mother and its always a hit!

  • Effie July 24, 2010, 11:08 am

    I always try to bring something fun like dessert or an appitizer as those are my favorite things to make.

  • Jess July 24, 2010, 11:14 am

    I love making dessert! I especially love when they’re unique and interesting… something people have never seen before and have the need to ask me about it!

    Most recently I made some vegan truffles out of dates, nuts, banana, coconut, and cocoa powder. People were wondering what they were and how delicious they were…. even though they didn’t know what was in them!

  • amy July 24, 2010, 11:14 am

    desserts! either cake or cake balls….the kind depends on the time of year or host’s preference

  • Robin July 24, 2010, 11:22 am

    I always bring dessert, usually brownies or cake.

  • Kristina July 24, 2010, 11:22 am

    I love baking, so I usually try to bring a dessert – always vegan + gluten free – and I am always so happy when people realize how GOOD it still tastes!!

    🙂

    If not dessert, I have a gf pasta salad I bring – summery with flavors like corn, tomato, basil.

  • JW July 24, 2010, 11:27 am

    Sounds like a common theme-dessert!

  • Annie July 24, 2010, 11:31 am

    If it is a meat eater party: dates, stuffed with almonds, wrapped in bacon. For a vegan party: homemade guacamole or olive tapenade.

  • Michelle July 24, 2010, 11:32 am

    My favorite for the summer or a bbq is a honey-chipotle baked beans recipe! I didn’t think I even liked baked beans before I ate it – it’s that good.

  • Jocelyn July 24, 2010, 11:35 am

    I like to bring pasta salad..or cupcakes for dessert 🙂

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope July 24, 2010, 11:39 am

    probably pasta salad with lots of veggies and feta since it’s simple.

  • Jessie July 24, 2010, 11:45 am

    Dessert! Can’t go wrong with banana cake with cream cheese frosting… yummmm!

  • Maribeth July 24, 2010, 11:49 am

    Shrimp pasta! It’s one of my favorite meals. 🙂

  • VCK July 24, 2010, 11:50 am

    I usually bring some kind of salad–either green or grain-based, like your quinoa salad. And wine.

  • Robin July 24, 2010, 11:53 am

    Haven’t been to a dinner party in awhile, but my mom and I used to make english toffee bars. They were soooo good, everyone always loved them! ..not to mention that cleaning the bowl wasn’t too much of a chore 😉

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 24, 2010, 12:04 pm

    My favorite thing to bring is a healthy salad. Something with quinoa, pasta, and some sort of bean. That way I know at least one dish will be good!

  • Allison July 24, 2010, 12:05 pm

    I like to bring a really good salad. That way I know there will be something that I can and want to eat.

  • Jenn July 24, 2010, 12:05 pm

    Tuna Casserole or Taco Dip with chips for appetizers.

  • Theresa July 24, 2010, 12:06 pm

    I love to bring this orzo pasta salad that I make. Yummy!

  • Erin @ Swan Lake Eats Her Cake July 24, 2010, 12:14 pm

    Those cupcakes look heavenly!

  • Michelle July 24, 2010, 12:15 pm

    Even though it’s not my favorite dish/dessert to bring to a dinner party, it is my fastest and most requested item to bring to a dinner party. It is a chocolate molten cake that I make in the microwave. It’s not the healthiest thing in the world, but I do try to add strawberries or other fruit as a topping instead of just vanilla icecream. It’s quite tasty, and I think people are just amazed that I make in the microwave. Blessings!

  • Jessica July 24, 2010, 12:15 pm

    Mayo-free potato salad with fresh green beans and shallots in a dijon-based dressing.

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) July 24, 2010, 12:33 pm

    I love bringing appetizers to dinner parties…I mean, doesn’t everyone like appetizers the best? 🙂 I sometimes make dates stuffed with almonds or cream cheese, wrapped in bacon. Nope, they’re not healthy at ALL but they’re amazing! I also like bringing a casserole- they transport easily and can be heated up at the destination without having to assemble anything (mac ‘n cheese is my favorite!)

  • Ali July 24, 2010, 12:50 pm

    Guacamole! And we make it with ingredients from our garden…and also make it extra spicy!!!

  • cassy July 24, 2010, 12:51 pm

    I dont think I have a favourite dish! I like to try out a new recipe and hope things go well, haha!

  • Maureen July 24, 2010, 12:56 pm

    Apps are my favorite – homemade hummus with pita chips and veggies for dipping.

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston July 24, 2010, 1:04 pm

    I usually bring a gluten free dessert so I know I can enjoy it lol!

  • Tyler July 24, 2010, 1:05 pm

    I don’t go to a lot of dinner parties, but I do go to FRG meetings (the hubs is in the military) and I LOVE to bring a bright and flavorful salad. It’s way more fun than a salad with Ranch dressing and it’s a great conversation starter!

  • JoeyfromSC July 24, 2010, 1:07 pm

    First of all, I wanted to say what a nice blog you have!! I will be back lol

    I love to bring homemade salsa and wine lol

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    ajoebloe(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Dena Semkowski July 24, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Taco dip! So easy to make, and soooo delicious!!

  • Monica July 24, 2010, 1:24 pm

    Vegetables and hummus!

  • Melissa July 24, 2010, 1:27 pm

    During the holidays, I love to make vegan pumpkin-biscuit pot pie. It takes FOREVER, but my vegan friends inhale it. My non-vegan friends won’t touch it, but oh well. =)

  • Allie B. July 24, 2010, 1:32 pm

    I love to bring this oriental salad. It has sunflower seeds, an amazing homemade dressing, cabbage and brocoli sheds and sometimes raisins. It is always a hit; it tastes so good!

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well July 24, 2010, 1:46 pm

    Totally depends on the group I’m dining with. Staples though are: variations on mac and cheese, guacamole (yumo), or a dessert of some kind. (I’m really finding that I enjoy doing most everything in the kitchen!)

  • Heather ODonnell July 24, 2010, 1:51 pm

    I always bring my famous wheat berry salad. Cooked wheat berries with apples and craisins. The dressing is Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. It gets INHALED every time.

  • jodie July 24, 2010, 2:13 pm

    A huge salad with every vege you can think of. I like doing this because most dinner parties don’t have enough veges.

  • Shannon July 24, 2010, 2:17 pm

    I love bringing dessert – either a Berry trifle or my mom’s famous cookie cake

  • kayla July 24, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I absolutely love to cook and bake so I love dinner parties. I really like making fancy cakes or cupcakes to bring.

  • Lauren_85 July 24, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I love dinner parties! I always volunteer to bring a healthy dish — and it’s always the first to be entirely eaten! 🙂 My signature is a spinach salad with pears, walnuts, feta, and a light balsamic dressing.

  • Cellabella July 24, 2010, 2:36 pm

    One of my recent favorite dishes to bring to a dinner party is a simple lettuce salad with tomatoes and avocados topped with a carrot-ginger-sesame dressing I discovered on Smitten Kitchen. You can also add more toppings if you want, like edamame, blanched green beans, cucumbers. Maybe even a little feta? 😀

  • Courtney July 24, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I love bringing a big salad with all the veggies on it that way I always have something I like to eat:)

  • Susan @ Journey for Health July 24, 2010, 2:43 pm

    I don’t get the chance to go to many dinner parties. Mostly, we just have a friend over for dinner to our house, since my boyfriend is an awesome cook. But…if I were to go to a dinner party, I’d like to bring potato salad or a ham and potato casserole that is a favorite.

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired July 24, 2010, 2:55 pm

    Depends on the season, but right now, it’s a black bean and corn salsa. It so light and fresh! There are a bunch of ingredients, but what makes it is the mint mixed in.

  • Jen Drake July 24, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I like bringing a yummy desert : ) I LOVE baking

  • Josh Durant July 24, 2010, 3:16 pm

    Usually a side dish, what would really depend on the kind of party but usually something with cheese

  • Angie July 24, 2010, 3:39 pm

    I love to bring a big hearty salad. That way I know there will always be something there that I can eat and fill up on.

  • Lori K. July 24, 2010, 3:54 pm

    I don’t know that I’ve every been to a “dinner party” but I’ve been to lots of picnics. My favorite dish to bring is a fruit salad. I try to make sure I have a rainbow of colors by including strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, and blueberries along with apples, banana, watermelon, pears, peaches, and grapes. That way I know there is something there that I can indulge in and not feel guilty.

  • Anita July 24, 2010, 3:55 pm

    During the summer I love to bring sweet cold watermelon.

  • tina July 24, 2010, 3:56 pm

    Ohhh…. been to a lot lately. If its a BBQ I usually bring some asparagus w/ a little EVOO salt and pepper to throw on the grill for a bit and corn w/ butter and chili powder or Parmesan cheese wrapped in their husks or foil. if its a more sit down everyone is cooking inside I usually bring a salad w/ all the fixings or sweet potato casserole. Yummy! I love Feta… a lot.

  • Jessica July 24, 2010, 4:19 pm

    Dinner parties are fun, but make me feel old too. I usually bring wine and dessert. I rarely make desserts when it’s just me and my husband, but a dinner party is a fun excuse to make something tasty, when more people can share it.

  • Heather July 24, 2010, 4:19 pm

    My favorite summer thing to bring is Strawberry Spinach Poppyseed salad. So good and when you make the dressing yourself, you control the sugar content.

    My favorite winter dish is spicy black bean dip with pita chips. Love, love, love!!

  • Erin July 24, 2010, 4:23 pm

    My favorite thing to bring is some sort of appetizer, taco dip or veggies and dip! Your dinner looks wonderful!

  • Cecilia July 24, 2010, 4:25 pm

    I love bringing homemade oatmeal cookies, fudge squares, or homemade olive bread!

  • Elizabeth July 24, 2010, 5:08 pm

    I like bringing baked artichoke dip if I need a hot dish, or an oriental cabbage salad if I need a cool one (both my mother’s recipe)!

  • Heather July 24, 2010, 5:14 pm

    Congratulations on your race! It looks like you had a lot of fun. I have started eating clean, so I like bringing clean desserts to parties.

  • Rhoni July 24, 2010, 5:43 pm

    I usually bring a salad…I especially like to make fattoush. It’s a Lebanese salad with a lemon/olive oil dressing and toasted pita chips on top…I like vinegar free dressings and it doesn’t get much yummier than that!

  • jane July 24, 2010, 5:45 pm

    i like to bring brownies because then i get to lick the bowl 😉

  • Nikki July 24, 2010, 5:51 pm

    Veggies and Dip or Fruit —then I know for sure there will be something healthy to eat at the party

  • lauren l. July 24, 2010, 6:14 pm

    I love easy appetizers – bruschetta, hummus, the like!

  • Toni July 24, 2010, 6:24 pm

    Veggies and dip.

  • Danika July 24, 2010, 6:37 pm

    I am usually the health nut, so you will expect me to bring a veggie tray with hummus or a seasonal fruit salad! 🙂

  • KG July 24, 2010, 6:56 pm

    I have a few things- I love bringing hummus with veggies, especially if I am not certain how healthy dinner will be. I’ve brought tabouleh with me a few times and have also enjoyed having that available in the case of lots of unhealthy foods. My last favorite is bringing a dessert- not necessarily always healthy but fun nonetheless!

  • Abbey July 24, 2010, 6:58 pm

    Oh, this is great. I always buy two packages of black bean + corn salsa from Trader Joes (refrigerated section) and mix that with one package of steamed lentils; also TJ’oes. Sooo freaking delicious. Most people eat with tortilla chips but I just eat it by the forkful!

  • Ashley July 24, 2010, 7:01 pm

    I love to bring homemade oreos, as it tends to impress the tar out of people! 🙂 Recipe courtesy of Smitten Kitchen: http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/05/my-kingdom-for-a-glass-of-milk/

    They will change your life.

  • Trista July 24, 2010, 7:02 pm

    I always bring something different! My mom made my siblings and me a cookbook of all our favorite recipes when we were kids, so I love making those recipes so my friends can try them too!

  • Erika July 24, 2010, 7:37 pm

    I always bring some sort of vegetarian dish, usually an assortment of fresh, local veggies so I know there is definitely something I can eat (me being vegetarian)…..plus, helps tide my appetite if wherever I’m going accomodates my meal preferences so I don’t overeat 🙂 Double bonus.

  • Lauren July 24, 2010, 7:57 pm

    A salad for sure. I usually bring this because then I can assure I have a nice serving of raw veggies.

  • Mary July 24, 2010, 8:01 pm

    I love that dress you have on, it’s gorgeous!

    My favorite thing to bring to a party is a giant fruit salad with lots of color and variety. I’m veggie too so I know that I can eat that 🙂

  • Ash Bear July 24, 2010, 8:12 pm

    I like bringing something unexpected that people probably haven’t tried whether that means vegetarian, vegan, or Southern!

  • Christa July 24, 2010, 8:20 pm

    I always bring dessert. Sweets are my favorite thing to make ever but I can’t make an entire pumpkin cheesecake with caramelized pecans for just myself, so parties are a great excuse to make something really decadent.

  • Jackie W. July 24, 2010, 8:32 pm

    I bring brownies!

  • Holly @ Self-love and Running July 24, 2010, 9:01 pm

    I love your kitchen!

    Favorite dish to bring to a dinner party? I usually make a dessert or bring some wine!

  • Jen F. July 24, 2010, 9:17 pm

    My fav dish to bring to a dinner party = fresh salad lots of greens, carrots, cucumbers and tomoatos with a little cheese!

  • Whole Body Love July 24, 2010, 9:21 pm

    I like to bring a vegetarian side dish. Usually a marinated salad of sorts or fruit dessert. That way, even the carnivores will partake in some produce 😉

  • Drake July 24, 2010, 9:21 pm

    Salad. It’s easy, delicious, and I get to control what’s in it! Other than that, booze is always a welcome edition!

  • Heidi July 24, 2010, 9:27 pm

    In the summer I like to bring a yummy fruit dip that I found in a Pampered Chef healthy eating cookbook. It’s great with honeydew, cantalope, strawberries, bananas-pretty much any fruit. Good with little chunks of angel food cake too. 🙂

  • Macrae July 24, 2010, 9:52 pm

    I love bringing baked artichoke dip! If it seems like trouble to use the oven to broil it, then I usually bring black bean salsa dip. And always a bottle of wine!

  • bonnie July 24, 2010, 10:00 pm

    I love to bring a great dessert, like homemade cupcakes, or a great dip.

  • Leah July 24, 2010, 10:09 pm

    I love to bring a Bokchoy Salad recipe that was handed down to me from my mom. It has toasted ramen noodles and is always a hit!

  • Kathleen July 24, 2010, 10:10 pm

    I really like to bring a ww pasta salad with a light Italian dressing and tons of veggies (that way I always know there is something healthy and veg-friendly that I can nosh on)!

  • lisasfoods July 24, 2010, 11:52 pm

    I love making a simple fruit salad for parties.

  • Ali July 25, 2010, 12:05 am

    I make a killer Spinach/Strawberry/Feta Salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing. It always impresses so I always take it to dinner parties!

  • Heather July 25, 2010, 9:19 am

    I love to bring a fresh Greek salad with homemade lemon dressing!

  • Lindsey July 25, 2010, 11:29 am

    We ALWAYS bring a bottle of wine or the hosts’ favorite bottle of alcohol!

  • Leanne July 25, 2010, 11:41 am

    I love bringing a healthy dessert! & it’s even better when everyone LOVES it and then I tell them “oh by the way, it’s healthy” and they all say “NO way!!”

    —> changing people’s minds about healthy eating, one dessert at a time!

  • Rachel July 25, 2010, 12:54 pm

    I love to bake, so any type of cookie, brownie or bar is my favorite. But as far as appetizers go… I make a MEAN salmon ball!

  • Sara July 25, 2010, 2:27 pm

    Dessert!

  • Erica July 26, 2010, 9:06 am

    Wine or whatever the hostess needs. I love making salads and desserts.

  • annie July 27, 2010, 11:56 pm

    i love bringing either salad or sides to dinner

  • Penny July 28, 2010, 4:16 pm

    Your dinner party looks fabulous! My favorite dish to bring to a dinner party is my Punjab Eggplant Lasagna. I got the recipe from Tasty Bite’s website: http://www.tastybite.com/recipes/. It calls for using their Punjab Eggplant instead of red sauce, which makes the dish really interesting but super tasty at the same time. Everyone always loves this lasagna when I bring it over and always ask me for the recipe. Thanks for the great post and beautiful pics. Bon appetit!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat July 29, 2010, 10:02 am

    Tell your husband that vegan cupcakes rule! I have an entire cookbook for them (Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World). Or for a quicker fix, I highly recommend the Cherrybrook Kitchen boxed mixes. They are vegan and gluten free (some are peanut free too). I’ve found them at Target, Meijer, etc. They have cake mixes, cookie mixes, pancakes and brownies that I’ve seen so far. I think they make icing too!

    http://www.cherrybrookkitchen.com

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