Jenny From The Block (Party)

it was a bit warm out. :)

We went to our first neighborhood block party tonight. It was pretty amazing to be able to meet so many of the neighbors at once!

We were very lucky to have one family start the ball rolling; they created a private Facebook group and passed out fliers, asking everyone in the neighborhood to join. Once there were enough people, events started to be planned. Our first was tonight’s block party. There’s already our first ladies’ night on the calendar, and of course, the first community garage sale that I’m helping to put together.

We had such a great turn-out! It was hosted at our local park, and there were tons of food, activities (drawing chalk, bouncy house, bubbles, and more) and best of all, great people. 

he's more of an organizer than a drawer.

I’m not going to lie—it was quite a chore to get our little family ready for the event, since kid's been cranky for the past few days. It was an even bigger task to keep the kid entertained, hydrated and where he was supposed to be for two hours. We ended up having to leave early because it was just too hot for him.  

kid, drinking his weight in water.

 But enough about that… I know you all want to know about the FOOD!

yum, right?!

I decided to make three dishes for the party: jalapeño cilantro dip (something my MIL has been making at her parties for years), Oreo truffles and bacon bites (huge thanks to my bud K for suggestion this one!).

Delicious, right? Well, here’s how YOU can make them. Each recipe is super-easy.

Jalapeño Cilantro Dip

• 1 jalapeño cilantro dip packet
• 1 cup mayo
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 jar salsa (we prefer peach, but any will do)
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Mix the seasoning packet, mayo and sour cream together. Spread in a serving dish, and place in the fridge for an hour to set up. Layer on the salsa, then sprinkle the cheese on top. Serve chilled, with tortilla chips or crackers.

Oreo truffles (sans usual chocolate truffle coating)

• 1 box Oreos
• 1 8-oz. bar of cream cheese, softened

Mix cream cheese and Oreo cookie crumbs until well blended. Shape into ¾” balls. Refrigerate until ready to serve. DELISH!

Bacon bites

• 1 package bacon
• 1 sleeve club crackers
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Cut bacon strips in half. Place small spoonful of Parmesan cheese on cracker then wrap tightly with bacon strip. Place wrapped crackers on baking sheet, and bake at 350° for 25 minutes, or until bacon is done. Do not turn. Serve warm or at room temperature.

it looks pretty, but DON'T use a slotted pan to cook them in. bacon grease will drip.

this food is kid-approved. ;)

—Supermom OUT