On Saturday, my mom and I hosted a bridal shower for 25 in honor of Tricia — my oldest friend.  The shower was at the bride’s parents house in beautiful Spring Lake, NJ.

My mom and I cooked all the dishes — an array of summer salads — on Friday and brought them over on Saturday morning.

For dessert, we ordered cupcakes (I’ll provide a link to my red velvet cupcake recipe), filled store-bought chocolate shells with fruit, and bought chocolate-covered pretzels.

Everyone raved about the food.  I think people enjoyed the variety of dishes and that nothing was too hot or heavy for a summer afternoon.  My personal favorites were the Chinese Chicken Salad and the Roasted Shrimp & Orzo.

The Menu

Ranch Dip with Vegetables

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White Bean & Olive Salad

Celery Salad with Walnuts, Dates & Pecorino

Chinese Chicken Salad

Roasted Shrimp with Orzo

Penne with Beef & Arugula

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Red Velvet Cupcakes

Chocolate Tulips filled with Berries Marinated in Chambord