Crowd-Pleasing Summer Entertaining
(Family Features) If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game night or TV show marathon with friends this summer, it’s helpful to have a plan in mind before diving in.
Consider these tips and recipes featuring Mrs. T’s Pierogies that can help make planning a breeze and allow you to kick back and enjoy the fun alongside your guests.
- Master the Music. Set the mood as soon as your guests walk in with an upbeat playlist.
- Add a Creative Twist to Your Menu. When you’re craving something real and satisfying – but want to keep things simple – reach for an option like Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Available in 16 varieties, including mini-size, these pasta shells, filled with creamy whipped potatoes, are loaded with flavor and perfect served alone or as part of creative recipes like a Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad. You can also grill them up like in this Mini Pierogy Slider Kebab recipe.
- Create Self-Serve Stations. Arrange a buffet-style table to allow your guests to help themselves to food. It’s a simple way to ensure you get to enjoy yourself. Just remember to provide the necessary fixings at each station.
- Bust Out Some Games. Whether it’s a game night or just a get-together with friends, keep games like cornhole or bocce ball on-hand to keep your soiree lively.
For more recipes perfect for entertaining, visit MrsTsPierogies.com.
Mini Pierogy Slider Kebabs
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
INGREDIENTS
- 1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion
- 4 deli slices Colby Jack cheese, quartered
- 4-6 skewers
- 14 pieces curly leaf lettuce
- 7 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 14 cornichon pickles
DIRECTIONS
Heat grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Toss pierogies with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove.
In medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt and pepper. Form into 14 equal sized patties.
Add patties to grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side. Add one slice of cheese to each during last minute of cooking to melt. Remove and cool slightly to handle.
To assemble: skewer one pierogy, flat-side down, then one piece of lettuce, tomato, pickle, burger and another pierogy, flat-side down, to sandwich it all together. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Farmer’s Market Mini Pierogy Salad
Prep time: 12 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
- 1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
- 1/2 cup white balsamic or cider vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, seeded, if necessary, and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
DIRECTIONS
Saute pierogies according to box directions; place in large bowl.
In small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, salt and oregano; whisk in olive oil until well-blended.
Add tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta and vinaigrette to bowl with pierogies; toss to mix well.