No funds for a caterer? Try these recipes! | Families

Apollo Beach, Florida -- Are you throwing a party and want something that looks fabulous and tastes wonderful, but doesn’t cost a fortune?

I just catered an event for 600 VIPs at the grand opening of the Sam’s Club in Apollo Beach.  The megastore wanted me to create a fun menu that featured the items you can buy at the store.  It might inspire you the next time you’re planning on preparing the food yourself instead of hiring a caterer:

I wanted a fusion menu that incorporated the comfort foods of the South with a Caribbean flair.     Among the featured items: A “Where South Meets West Quesadilla Bar” featuring vegetables from the  produce section, fajita chicken and cheese from the deli and six-layer dip and chili from the ready prepared food items. 

I also created a shrimp ‘n grits in country gravy dish served open-faced over a store-baked southern biscuit, a flat iron steak served with a chimichuri pesto, and a pork loin stuffed with pecorino Romano cheese, sun-dried tomato spread and fresh herbs.  Other ideas you could do at home include a cheese display, a sandwich table, a fruit and salad station, and a dessert bar. 

If you’re looking for party food ideas, go online and put in one or two main ingredients you’d like to use.  You’ll get lots of results.   I also post recipes regularly on the Amore – It’s A Lifestyle website should you need more inspiration.  Enjoy!