Inspiration: Candy Shop, Pt. III
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Party inspiration comes from everywhere when you look for it: art, fashion, food, and in this case, interior design. Our current series translates the whimsical interiors of Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC into a chic party theme that works as well for an adult cocktail party as a children’s shindig.
Today we’re talking menu: after all, you’ve gotta have more than sweets. How to maintain the sense of fun and whimsy while providing your guests with something a bit more substantial? By making it all “mini,” of course!
Here’s some eye candy to get you started:
callahancatering.com
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callahancatering.com
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Below is a recipe from Food & Wine that turns a classic (mac & cheese), into a fun, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for a cocktail party. They can be prepared early and baked just before guests arrive.
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foodandwine.com
foodandwine.com
Three-Cheese Mini Macs
Total Time: 45 min. Makes 48 Mini Macs.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 packed cup)
- 4 ounces deli-sliced American cheese, chopped
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, shaking off the excess water.
- Brush four 12-cup, nonstick mini muffin tins with butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigiano; tap out the excess.
- In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the macaroni.
- Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano on top.
- Bake the mini macs in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 min utes. Using a small spoon, carefully loosen the mini macs, transfer to a platter and serve.
I was in Wal-Mart the other day on the Easter aisle and saw super cute large striped egg-shaped lollipops! They would be awesome as a decoration! Great colors too.
You say lollipop I say pea coat! Have you all seen the new In Style? Ladies it is about time to add some color to your wardrobe as well as your food! Poppy and Pink is mine for the week! What’s yours? PS – I might have to throw myself a little party and serve “Mini Macs”. Camille thanks for sparking creativity!