A whole new way to connect. -...

A whole new way to connect.

Cook Up Fun and Festive Meals in your NEW Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ System

Recipes • Hints • Party-planning Tips

TheRecipes.

Connectable Entertaining System

Ingredients¾ cup apple cider1 tbsp cornstarch1 cup grated Emmental cheese (4 oz)1 cup grated Gruyere cheese (4oz)2 oz Brie, rind removed1 large clove garlic1/8 tsp coarsely ground black pepper1 tbsp fresh lemon juiceCubed sour dough or French bread

Directions1. In small saucepan, heat ½ cup apple cider to boil. Blend cornstarch into remaining ¼ cup cider. Add to saucepan and cook, stirring, until thickened and smooth.

2. Pour into stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit and stir in the cheeses, garlic, pepper and lemon juice. Place the glass lid on.

3. Cook on Low for 2 ½ hours until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove garlic.

4. Change setting to Warm to serve. Serve with bread cubes or buttery crackers, such as, Ritz or Pepperidge Farm.

Tips for Entertaining:Serve as the first course before the beef stew. Also, ideal for a winter evening and for sports get togethers.

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Crock-Pot® | HookUp™

Cheese Fondue With Apple Cider

Sausage and Cheese Dip

Ingredients6 ounces pork sausage, crumbled ¼ cup sliced green onion 1 large garlic clove, minced 1 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese 1 package (3 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies Tortilla chips

Directions1. In small skillet, sauté sausage over medium heat, stirring to break into bits.

Add green onions and garlic; cook several minutes to soften onions. For those who like a really hot dip, add 1 to 2 diced jalapeños with the onions in the skillet.

2. In medium bowl, blend cheeses and stir in tomatoes and sausage mixture. Spoon into stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit and place the glass lid on. Cook on Low for 3 hours.

3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tips for Entertaining:Great for home gating or tailgating, or casual get togethers with friends and family.

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Recipe / Entertaining Guide

Ingredients¾ cup sour cream½ cup mayonnaise1 tsp Worcestershire sauce½ tsp hot sauce1 cup coarsely chopped artichoke hearts1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese¼ cup finely chopped green onions

Directions1. In medium bowl, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients.

2. Spoon into the stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit; place glass lid on. Cook on High for 1½ hours. Keep on warm to serve.

3. Serve with chips or fresh cut vegetables.

Tips for Entertaining:This dip would be great served as an appetizer with the beef stew and spoonbread. Omit the maple syrup from the spoonbread recipe when serving with the stew for a savory side.

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Artichoke and Spinach Dip

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Refried Bean Dip

Ingredients1/3 lb chorizo, casing removed and cut into small pieces 1/3 cup chopped onion 1 large garlic clove, minced 1 jalapeño, chopped (seeds and filament removed) 1 tsp olive oil 1 can (16 oz) refried beans ¾ cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mixture 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 2 tbsp picante sauce 1 tbsp chili pepper paste

Directions1. In small skillet, sauté chorizo with onion, garlic and jalapeño in oil until

onion is tender; stir often.

2. In medium bowl, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce until smooth. Stir in chorizo mixture and remaining ingredients.

3. Spoon into stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit and place the glass lid on. Cook on High for 1½ hours. Serve with potato or tortilla chips.

Tips for Entertaining:Great dish for home gating or tailgating with friends and family, or for taco night.

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Ingredients1 cup mayonnaise½ cup sour cream1 tbsp dry sherry½ lb lump crab meat¼ cup diced green pepper¼ cup diced pimento2 tbsp chopped green onion1 hot red pepper, diced2 tsp fresh lemon juiceGarlic bread crisps or buttery crackers

Directions1. In stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit combine mayonnaise, sour cream and sherry; place the glass lid on. Heat on Low for 2 hours.

2. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on Low for 30 minutes. Serve with Garlic bread crisps or buttery crackers.

Tips for Entertaining:This crowd-pleaser is great for any night of the week. Great accompaniment with Curried Chicken.

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Peppered Crab Dip

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Apple Cranberry Crumble

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Ingredients2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 cups)2 pears, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries½ cup dried sweetened cranberries½ cup granulated sugar2 tbsp minute tapioca2 tbsp cranberry or apple juice½ cup unsifted all-purpose flour½ cup old fashioned oats¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar½ tsp ground cinnamon3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and well chilledVanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream

Directions1. Spray stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit with aerosol cooking spray. Combine apples, pears, cranberries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, tapioca and apple juice in the stoneware insert and place the glass lid on. Cook on High for 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and remaining ½ cup granulated sugar. Add juice and butter. Press together using fingers to form clumps. Sprinkle evenly over fruit. Change setting to Low and cook 2 hours. Uncover and cook 20 minutes longer.

3. Set to Low and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Pears can be substituted with more apples. Fresh/frozen cranberries can be substituted with blueberries.

Tips for Entertaining:Great dish paired with the crab dip and/or the cheese fondue for a girls’ night out. Also can be paired with the beef stew for a Holiday party, New Year’s Eve get together or just because.

Ingredients2 large shallots, chopped (about ½ cup)1 medium clove garlic, minced1 tbsp olive oil1 cup Arborio rice½ lb trimmed asparagus, cut diagonally into 1½ inch pieces1 tsp salt1/8 tsp pepper2¼ cups chicken broth1 cup spinach leaves½ cup grated Parmesan cheese1 tsp grated lemon peel

Directions1. In small skillet, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil until shallots are tender; stir occasionally.

2. In stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit, combine shallots, rice, asparagus, salt and pepper. Add chicken broth; place lid on unit. Cook on High 2 hours. Almost all liquid should be absorbed and rice should be al dente.

3. Add spinach and cook about 10 minutes longer until spinach is wilted. Add cheese and lemon peel. Cover and let stand about 1 minute to melt cheese. Serve with additional cheese.

Tips for Entertaining:This is a delicious rice dish perfect for a Bridal or Baby shower, a Women’s Garden Club luncheon or a Book Club gathering.

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Arborio Rice with Asparagus and Arugula

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Baby Vegetable Blend

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Ingredients1 lb mixed baby potatoes, halved¾ lb baby carrots ¾ lb baby patty pan squash¾ cup vegetable stock or broth1 tsp dried herbs de Provence1 tsp dried thyme1 tsp salt1/8 tsp black pepperChopped parsley

Directions1. In stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit, combine all ingredients, except parsley; place lid on unit. Cook on Low for 4 hours. Serve, topped with parsley.

If desired, add 1 cup frozen green peas last 10 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Entertaining:Serve with Curried Chicken. This lightly flavored vegetable dish is a perfect complement to a spicy dish.

Ingredients1½ cups yellow cornmeal1½ cups boiling water1½ cups milk3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled1 can (8 oz) whole kernel corn, drained3 tbsp sugar1 tbsp baking powder1 tsp salt4 large eggs

Directions1. In large bowl, combine cornmeal and water; stir to blend. Let stand several minutes. Whisk in milk and melted butter until smooth and well blended. Stir in corn, sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until blended and mixture is smooth.

2. Spray stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit with aerosol cooking spray. Spoon cornmeal mixture into the stoneware and place the glass lid on. Cook on High for 3 hours. Serve with maple syrup or honey drizzled over each serving.

Tips for Entertaining:This light and delicious dish is a perfect accompaniment to baked ham or pork roast, chicken or beef.

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Corned Spoonbread

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Sweet N’ Sour Meatballs

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Ingredients2 lbs ground round½ cup fresh bread crumbs½ cup minced onion1 egg, slightly beaten1 tbsp tomato paste1 tsp salt1/8 tsp coarsely ground pepper1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce½ cup grape jelly¼ cup maple syrup2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions1. In medium bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, tomato paste, salt and pepper; blend well. Shape into 1-inch meatballs. In large measuring cup, combine remaining ingredients; blend well.

2. Spoon some of the sauce into stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit, Place a single layer of meatballs in insert. Spoon remaining sauce over the meatballs; place glass lid on. Cook on Low for 2 hours. This has a great sweet ‘n sour flavor and holds well on Warm for a gathering. Serve these over hot cooked rice for variety.

For a flavor variation, place meatballs in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 350° F for 20 minutes. Place in stoneware insert and proceed as above. This variation removes some of the fat from the meatballs and ensures they have a great round shape.

Tips for Entertaining:Cook the Refried Bean Dip and Artichoke Dip in the Two, 1-Qt double cooker, the meatballs in the 2 Qt round cooker and the Chicken Wings in the 3.5 Qt oval cooker for a casual or sports party.

Ingredients1½ lbs boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces2 leeks, sliced1 large apple, cored and cut in 1-inch pieces2 large cloves garlic, minced1 cup chicken stock or broth2 tbsp tomato paste2 tsp curry powder½ tsp ground ginger1 cup frozen peas½ cup raisinsHot cooked riceChopped parsley

Directions1. In stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit combine chicken, leeks, apple and garlic. In large measuring cup combine chicken broth, tomato paste, curry and ginger. Pour over chicken; toss to blend well. Place glass lid on. Cook on High for 3½ hours.

2. Add peas and raisins and cook 10 minutes longer. Lower heat to Warm until ready to serve. To serve, spoon chicken mixture over rice blended with parsley.

For added flavor try this variation on the method. In large skillet, brown chicken in 1 tbsp, each butter and oil over medium high heat, turning to brown all sides. Remove to stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit. Add leeks and garlic to skillet and cook several minutes to soften leeks. Add to chicken and proceed as above.

Tips for Entertaining:Accompany with Arborio Rice or Vegetable blend in the 2 Qt round cooker and the Sausage Dip in the two, 1-Qt double cooker. For a more elegant touch replace the Sausage Dip with the Fondue.

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Curried Chicken

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Pulled Pork Sandwich

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Ingredients3 lbs pork boneless butt or shoulder cut in 3 equal pieces1 tsp salt1/3 tsp coarsely ground pepper 1 cup root beer1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce1 cup reserved cooking liquid, fat removed2 tbsp fresh lemon juice2 tbsp molassesHamburger rollsColeslaw

Directions1. Season pork with salt and pepper. Place pork in stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit. Pour root beer over meat. Place glass lid on. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours until pork shreds easily when touched with fork.

2. Remove meat to bowl and tent with foil. Pour off liquid and reserve enough to make 1 cup of cooking liquid with fat removed. Let pork rest until easy to handle. Shred, using 2 forks. In stoneware insert, combine remaining ingredients with 1 cup cooking liquid; stir to blend. Return meat to stoneware insert. Place lid on unit. Cook on Low for 2 hours until mixture is hot. To serve, spoon meat mixture onto split hamburger rolls and top with coleslaw.

Note: Pork may be cooked ahead and, after shredding, refrigerate up to 4 days. Reserve enough of the cooking liquid to have 1 cup of stock with fat removed.

To serve, combine meat and sauce ingredients in stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit. Place glass lid on and reheat on Low for 2 hours until mixture is hot.

Tips for Entertaining:This is a great summer entertaining dish. Serve the crab and one of the cheese dips to begin the party and then end with the Apple Cranberry Crumble for dessert.

Ingredients4 lbs chicken wings, tip removed and cut at the joints 1 tsp salt¼ tsp coarsely ground black pepper½ cup ketchup1/3 cup honey¼ cup balsamic vinegar3 tbsp soy sauce¼ cup minced onion

Directions1. Season chicken wings with salt and pepper. Place in stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit. In large measuring cup or bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Pour over chicken. Place glass lid on. Cook on Low for 4 hours.

Tips for Entertaining:Crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for casual get togethers or game time events. Goes great with the Refried Bean or Sausage Dip. The spoonbread also goes well with these 2 dishes.

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Spicy Chicken Wings

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Beef Stew with Winter Vegetables

Ingredients1½ lbs boneless chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces1 tsp salt¼ tsp pepper6 Brussel sprouts6 small boiling onions, peeled6 small golden potatoes2 small turnips, peeled and cut in 6 equal pieces2 large cloves garlic, minced1 bay leaf1 tsp dried thyme1½ cups beef stock2 tbsp tomato paste

Directions1. In stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit combine all ingredients; place glass lid on and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours

2. Remove bay leaf before serving. Lower heat to Warm until ready to serve.

NOTE: To thicken the sauce, remove meat and vegetables to serving bowl and keep warm. Change setting to High. Blend 3 tbsp unsifted all-purpose flour into ½ cup water. Stir into liquid in stoneware insert and cook, stirring until thickened and smooth. Spoon over meat mixture.

For added flavor this step takes a little more time but certainly bumps up the flavor of the sauce. Beef may be combined with ¼ cup unsifted all-purpose flour in a plastic bag. Seal and toss to coat meat with flour mixture. In large skillet, brown beef in 1 tbsp oil over medium high heat, turning to crown all sides. Add to stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit.

Tips for Entertaining:Start this meal with the crab or refried bean dip in the two, 1-Qt double cooker. Serve with thinly sliced toasted crusty bread. Add a salad of spinach, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, purple onion and olives tossed with a Balsamic dressing.

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White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients2 lbs boneless chicken, cut into ¾-inch pieces (Use boneless breasts, thighs or a mixture of both)1 tbsp oil1 medium onion, chopped1 cup chopped green pepper1 cup chopped red pepper3 large cloves garlic, minced1 can (15.5 oz) white kidney beans1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies2 tsp chili powder1 tsp salt½ tsp ground cumin½ tsp dried oregano leaves1 bay leaf¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions1. In large skillet, brown chicken in oil over medium high heat, turning to crown all sides. Remove to large bowl. Add peppers, onion and garlic to skillet and sauté, stirring often, until softened. Add to chicken along with remaining ingredients. Toss to blend well.

2. Spoon into stoneware insert of the Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit. Place glass cover on appliance. Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low 6 to 8 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving. Lower heat to Warm until ready to serve.

Serve this chili Cincinnati style over hot cooked pasta or traditionally topped with crumbled corn chips and spooned over hot cooked rice.

Tips for Entertaining:Accompany this dish with the Arborio Rice in the 2 Qt round cooker and Cheese Dip as an appetizer in the two, 1 – Qt double cooker.

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EntertainingTips.


Fall* Carve out a large pumpkin. Place a plastic or stainless steel bowl inside the pumpkin and fill with ice and drinks for a festive fall cooler!

* Make some delicious Apple Cranberry Crumble (see page 10). Carve out some large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji and Gala work best for this), leaving the walls about 1/2” thick. Serve your yummy crisp in these perfectly portioned bowls with a cinnamon stick for garnish. Adventurous guests can eat their bowl after all the cider is gone!

* Carve out some small pumpkins and fill them with dips for crackers and fresh sliced veggies.

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Seasonal Entertaining TipsFrom Harvest Parties to cozy Winter evenings, here are some seasonal tips to make sure you reap the full bounty of your hosting prowess.

Winter* Tie nametags to fresh-cut sprigs of evergreen for easy, great-smelling place cards at the dinner table.

* Upside-down wine glasses over shiny Christmas ornaments make great candle holders for votives, tea lights or small pillars.

* Silver bells (often found in large bags at a dollar store) can be piled around candles on a long serving dish to act as a festive, jingly centerpiece.

* Pierce a large marshmallow with a peppermint stick. Dip into white chocolate. Roll in coarse sugar. Serve with hot chocolate. Enjoy. Receive compliments.

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Spring* Cut egg shapes out of paint chip samples from the hardware store and string them together for a colorful Springtime garland.

* Snackitizer idea: Create pastel candy melt and dip pretzels, cookies and fruit into the colorful dip for quick and easy coordinating treats.

* Purchase some faux bird nests from your local craft store and fill them with candy eggs, raffia, straw or some other grasses, along with fresh-cut flowers for seasonal table decorations.

* An “all-green” theme works great for any Spring party – use lime green balloons over the table, green poppies, a green table runner on a white tablecloth, green plates, napkins, cups, folding chairs, etc. It’s easier than you think to “go green”!

Summer* Scoop out half a watermelon and serve chilled watermelon punch out of it!

* Hollowed-out watermelons can also be used as planters that you can fill with colorful summer blooms.

* You can even create easy frozen Watermelon Pops by cutting a watermelon into triangular wedges, piercing the rind with an extra-wide popsicle stick and placing them in the freezer overnight. It’s the perfect summertime chiller!

* Get inspired by vintage games and findings for your next Summer event – for example, find an old wooden bottle crate at an antique store and fill it with vintage glass soda pop bottles to play a good old-fashioned game of Ring Toss. You’d be amazed at how even with all of today’s electronic forms of entertainment, kids can still be entertained by these kinds of classics!

Christmas* Use a tiered serving tray filled with fresh pine branches and glass ornaments for a beautiful and festive centerpiece.

* Fill a large glass bowl or terrarium with white sand or artificial snow, then add small plastic deer, little pine trees, cottages, even a small Santa with his sleigh to create a miniature winter wonderland for your table.

* For a children’s Christmas party idea, have some pre-baked Christmas tree cookies ready to go, then allow children to “decorate” their trees with green, red and white icing (in clear diner-style condiment squeeze bottles), along with different colored sprinkles and other edible “trimmings”. They might actually enjoy the decorating part even more than the eating part!

* Set up a “Hot Cocoa Bar” in one area of the room with hot water in an electric tea kettle and warmed milk kept on LOW in your Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit, along with several different flavors of cocoa powder, marshmallows, peppermint sticks and some spoons.

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Holiday Entertaining TipsFrom decking the halls to hunting for eggs, these tips are sure to surprise and delight any guest – even those arriving by sleigh.

St. Patrick’s Day* Use a giant glass bowl (perhaps the same one you used for your “Winter Wonderland” – see above tip) filled with chocolate gold coins to create a lucky “pot o’gold” centerpiece. You can even attach rainbow-colored streamers to the ceiling or chandelier and have them “end” inside the bowl.

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July 4th* Roll up blue patterned scrapbook paper into funnels and tape the seams. Serve red, white and blue tortilla chips inside them (don’t forget the salsa!).

Halloween* Use plastic “vampire teeth” as napkin rings for your place settings – guests can wear them while you’re serving up the main course.

Thanksgiving* Fill glass vases with unpopped popcorn kernels for a Thanksgiving-inspired base for pillar candles.

* Thanksgiving party food: fill waffle cones with fresh cut fruits for mini “cornucopias” that are completely edible!

* Instead of serving whole caramel apples, consider serving just slices of apples on a stick, dipped in caramel and rolled in chopped nuts. They’re a whole lot easier (and less messy) for guests to nibble on at the party.

* Have some pens, envelopes, and sheets of paper on a side table with the phrase “I’m most thankful for...” at the top. Offer for guests to fill out a page and place it in a sealed envelope, after which you will mail them the list in six months as a reminder of what they were thankful for, or what’s different then.

Football* Fill tiny dinner rolls with chili and top with cheese for mini chili bites that guests can just grab and pop in their mouths during commercials.

* Add “laces” to chocolate eggs with white cake icing to create tiny football treats. (Alternative: dip strawberries in chocolate melt and then draw laces onto them with a cake decorating tool for a somewhat healthier version.)

* Try to coordinate snack colors with your home team’s colors sometime to add some team spirit to your football party.

* Have a table filled with pom-poms, big foam fingers and foam footballs to toss around the house (without damaging anything!) to liven up your festivities.

* Tiny plastic footballs (or candy ones) placed on a bed of fresh wheat grass make a great football-field-inspired centerpiece. You can even paint lines on the “field” with a stencil and some powdered sugar!

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Sports-Themed Entertaining TipsWhether you’re watching the Big Game for the action, or just for the commercials, these tips will definitely score big with your guests.

Baseball* Sugar cookies with white icing make great baseball-themed treats after drawing “laces” on them with red cake icing.

* Have some small bags of warmed peanuts and other mixed nuts available for snacking – your guests will feel like they’re really at the ball park! (You can just microwave the nuts in a large microwave-safe bowl and scoop them into bags, or keep them in your Crock-Pot® Hook Up™ unit on LOW to serve one at a time.)

Auto Racing* Have a bowl of little chocolate donuts out as a snack with a hanging sign that reads “Spare Tires”.

* Black and white checkered duct tape can add a racing feel to your event when used to wrap paper cups, water bottle and party invitations.

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Hockey* Peanut butter cups or two-bite brownies at the end of a long lollipop stick make great “puck-on-a-stick” or “slapshot” hockey-inspired treats.

* Use plastic whistles as cupcake toppers on black and white frosted cupcakes for “ref” inspired desserts.

Soccer* A real soccer net purchased from a sporting goods store makes a jaw-dropping backdrop for the snack table at a soccer-themed party.

* A few feet of green outdoor patio carpet makes a great “field” table cover. You can even use little orange cones and real soccer balls (preferably unused!) as centerpieces and table decorations.

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Bridal EventsBefore she says “I do”, knock her garters off with an unbelievable shower using some (or all) of these creative ideas.

Bridal Showers* Arrange white frosted cupcakes in the shape of a wedding dress for a fun-to-eat “pull-apart” cake.

* Add orange sorbet to champagne for a cool, creamy mimosa – perfect for morning and daytime bridal showers!

* Create a table runner of stitched or stapled-together photos of the bride-and-groom-to-be.

* Ask guests to write “date night ideas” on extra-wide popsicle sticks with a marker and put them in a large Ball® jar to present to the bride at the end of the shower. After the wedding, the newlyweds can just dip into the jar anytime they need a fun idea for the evening!

* Print out or handwrite “Ten Things You May Not Know About...” for the bride and groom, for guests who may not be as familiar with both sides of the couple.

* This “Love Potion” Cocktail/Mocktail is popular at bridal showers, Valentine’s parties or anywhere else that love is in the air: equal parts pink lemonade, raspberry sorbet and lemon-lime soda, garnished with marschino cherries skewered on a little plastic arrow. (Add you favorite liquor if desired.)

* Ask each guest to bring a bottle of wine, and add a gift tag that says things like “First Date Night”, “First Dinner at Home”, “First Christmas Tree”, etc. You can even provide a list of options for the tags and check them off as each guest RSVPs to make sure there are no doubles, or just provide the tags and idea list at the event. This way, early guests have something to do do while you’re waiting for everyone to show up.

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Baby ShowersWith a bun in the oven, it’s time to celebrate new life. These shower tips will ensure a memorable arrival of the new addition to the family.

Baby Showers* Use golf tees to stake helium-filled balloons to the ground – line the driveway, sidewalk, backyard patio, etc. with pink or blue balloons (or use all purple, all mint green or all bright yellow if the gender is unknown or secret).

* Have a calendar page with the expected month of delivery, then ask guests to guess the exact date of the birth by writing their name on a specific day. The winner gets to have the baby named after them! (Note: The second part of this tip is completely optional and should be used at user’s discretion!)

* You can use pink or blue dollar store tablecloths to decorate doorways and windows – simply bunch them up along the borders of the openings like draperies and tie them back with thick ribbon or tulle.

* Pacifiers make fun (and completely usable!) cupcake toppers at a baby shower.

* Use real baby bottles (either glass or plastic) with colorful straws to sip champagne or juice at the party. Don’t forget to check antique stores and vintage shops for cool old bottles as well!

* Have guests wear a large cotton “diaper” made of a burping blanket and fastened with a large safety pin upon arriving – or, only make those who are late wear one!

* Some classic baby shower theme ideas include: Rubber Ducky, Rock Star, Space Invaders, Adventurer/Explorer, Safari, Princess, Sailor, Tiffany’s Blue, The Old West, Bumblebee, Mustache, Vintage, Midcentury Modern and Sports.

* Set up a craft table with some white “onesies” and non-toxic fabric markers, and ask guests to decorate an ooutfit for the new baby’s arrival. (You can even display the “onesie art” on a clothesline run above the table, using old-fashioned wooden clothespin to hang them.

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Everyday EntertainingYou don’t need a special day to make an event special – just a good idea, some good friends, and these inspiring tips.

Everyday Entertaining* Serve hummus in tiny martini glasses with a few breadsticks and sliced veggie sticks pre-dipped into the glass.

* Surround tea lights with decorative Washi tape for fun, festive, customized candles all around the house.

* A “Guess How Many?” jar filled with candy, ping-pong balls or other goodies is a great way to create an “event within an event”.

* Use the small paper cups (commonly found in the bathroom or kitchen) to create a colorful light garland by cutting an “X” in the bottom of each cup and poking Christmas lights through the bottom of the cup.

* Cover the walls with giant “confetti” by cutting 5” circles from different colored paper, then sticking them to the wall randomly with paint-safe sticky tack.

* When serving cotton candy on a stick at an evening event, place glowsticks inside the paper tube for a glowing treat.

* Dip the bottoms of wine glasses in chalkboard paint so guests can write their names on them with chalk to keep them from getting mixed up. A fun and creative alternative to wine charms!

* Cored strawberries filled with cheesecake filling and chilled overnight make simple and delicious bite-size snacks to bring to any event. (Always a big hit!)

* Use a paint pen to turn common office staples into gold (or any color) to match your event invitations or favors.

* If you don’t have a cooler (or if it’s not large enough for your event), you can also use a plastic wheelbarrow filled with ice to serve drinks outside. It’s also easier to fill and move around the yard throughout your event.

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Everyday Entertaining (cont.)* Instead of making a large fruit salad, put small slices of fruit and berries in a champagne or wine glass and top with a scoop of whipped cream. Serve with a parfait spoon.

* Margarita glasses rimmed with colored salt or sprinkles make more elegant dipping bowls at a party.

* Create champagne ice cubes the night before a morning event and add to orange juice for chilled mimosas. (You can also have some orange juice ice cubes to add to champagne instead, for those who prefer a stronger morning beverage!)

* Use boiling water instead of room temperature tap water for crystal-clear ice cubes. This tip is especially helpful when placing mint or other garnishes inside of each cube, using an ice cube tray.

* When serving a cheese plate, make sure to have something sweet (i.e. grapes, apple wedges), something salty (i.e. crackers, pretzels) and something crunchy (i.e. almonds, pistachios) to balance out the cheese flavors.

* For a bug-free event, place a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil on a cool light bulb in the room. When the bulb heats up, the scent will repel most insects and add a “light” scent to the room as well!

* Place a flattened coffee filter between plates when stacking fine china or other easily-damaged dishes, such as non-stick pans.

* Always make sure to have at least one vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free snack option for guests. You may not always be aware of the specific dietary restrictions of all your friends!

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Outdoor EventsSometimes the weather is so perfect you just have to entertain outdoors – use these tips to make sure the sun shines on your event.

Outdoor Events* Light a piece of charcoal placed inside a foil-lined terra cotta pot (a small one works best) to cook tabletop smores.

* Write on linen napkins with a felt marker for fun, easy and usable seating place cards.

* Punch holes in your paper plates and tie a ribbon around a napkin, plastic utensils and then through the hole. It’s much easier for your guests to grab one item instead of five!

* Serve shot glasses half-filled with ketchup and french fries pre-dipped as quick and easy snackitizers.

* Paper cupcake liners (with holes poked in the bottom for a straw) make great lids for drinking glasses at an outdoor party to keep bugs out!

* Patterned duct tape dresses up water bottles at a hot outdoor barbecue party (and hides the labels).

* Place veggie dip in shot glasses with a few pre-sliced veggies (carrots, celery, zucchini, toothpick-skewered tomatoes, etc.) stuck in them for fast and healthy snackitizers at an outdoor event.

* For a pest-free picnic table, simply add two drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil to 32 ounces of water, add to a spray bottle, and use it to wipe down the legs, benches and top of the picnic table.

* If your yard has dirt patches or spots where grass won’t grow, pick up some bales of straw from your local home improvement center to cover them up and prevent guests from tracking dirt inside the house.

* If your outdoor shindig will be continuing past sunset, set out a basket of blankets for friends to grab and use throughout the night.

34(800) 323-9519


Birthday PartiesBalloons, piñatas and cake are a given, but these unique tips are sure to enliven any birthday, no matter what age you’re celebrating.

Birthday Parties* Serve hummus in tiny martini glasses with a few breadsticks and sliced veggie

sticks pre-dipped into the glass.

* Surround tea lights with decorative Washi tape for fun, festive, customized candles all around the house.

* A “Guess How Many?” jar filled with candy, ping-pong balls or other goodies is a great way to create an “event within an event”.

* Use the small paper cups (commonly found in the bathroom or kitchen) to create a colorful light garland by cutting an “X” in the bottom of each cup and poking Christmas lights through the bottom of the cup.

* Cover the walls with giant “confetti” by cutting 5” circles from different colored paper, then sticking them to the wall randomly with paint-safe sticky tack.

* When serving cotton candy on a stick at an evening event, place glowsticks inside the paper tube for a glowing treat.

* Dip the bottoms of wine glasses in chalkboard paint so guests can write their names on them with chalk to keep them from getting mixed up. A fun and creative alternative to wine charms!

* Cored strawberries filled with cheesecake filling and chilled overnight make simple and delicious bite-size snacks to bring to any event. (Always a big hit!)

* Use a paint pen to turn common office staples into gold (or any color) to match your event invitations or favors.

* Use sparklers instead of candles on a birthday cake (or just one on a cupcake) for an even bigger birthday celebration! (Note: It can get smoky if done indoors, so make sure you can open doors and/or windows if you light more than one.)

© 2013 Sunbeam Products, Inc. doing business as Jarden Consumer Solutions. All rights reserved. Distributed by Sunbeam Products, Inc. doing business as Jarden Consumer Solutions, Boca Raton, Florida 33431.

SPR 082613-034P

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