I was counting down the days for the new Pioneer Woman cookbook to come out.
Pre-ordered it from Amazon.
Made sure that I was home the day it was delivered.
Spent that afternoon pouring over it.
Dreaming of all the delicious choices inside.
Knowing that the best way to try as many dishes as possible would involve hosting a potluck.
Luckily, I have dear friends who were just as excited as I was.
A date was chosen.
It was written on the calendar.
Then, sadly, it was canceled.
Selfishly, I might add. It was smack in the middle of my no-sugar Lent and I really, really, really, wanted to make (and eat, hello) the Knock You Naked Brownies.
It was bumped back another long, torturous month.
A crazy, psycho, busy, month in which I had no business hosting another single thing.
But everyone has to eat right?
Plus, I wasn't making all the food, and it was just my friends.
NBD.
It was on.
I sent out a simple evite, while they are not my favorite, the feature that asks guest to bring something, makes it very easy and organized for each person to sign up for what they are bringing.
My table fits eight, so eight it was.
I thought that we would have eight dishes to try. The thing is, my friends are overachievers, and there were fourteen different dishes.
Swoon.
The table decor was simple. Burlap, a dyed runner, spray painted mason jars, PW's favorite Cafe Bustelo cans (from my iced coffee debacle) as flower vases, and little seed packets in plantable containers for favors.
The food was the star.
Ree was the guest of honor.
What a guest she was.
I honestly did not have a favorite dish. Choosing one would be an impossibility. Each and every single one is a recipe that I would make again and again.
Sooooo good. All winners. Zero fails.
I would get in a time machine right now just to be back in front of my island filled with so much yummy goodness.
Thankfully, my brilliant friend Amy had the foresight to stop at Target on the way and stock up on take home containers for all of us. Take home we did. OH DID WE. Leftovers for our entire families for days.
Get your friends together. Share a yummy meal. Laugh until you cry. It will be such a great night.
The abundant menu:
(Sighhhhh....)
Brie Stuffed Mushrooms
Hot Artichoke Dip
Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Soups and Salads
Corn & Cheese Chowder
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chipotle Steak Salad
Sides
Buttermilk Biscuits
Twice Baked Potatoes
Cilantro-Jalapeno Slaw
Main Dishes
Dr. Pepper Pork Sandwiches
Chicken Spaghetti
Desserts
Apple Dumplings
Strawberry Shortcake
Knock You Naked Brownies
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