Parrttyy?

I've always been pretty big on hosting random BBQs and dinners and miscellaneous events, so I'm always on the lookout for good "feeds lots of people" options that don't taste like crappy buffet food. We had a little release party for work last week, and I was definitely a little overambitious with the whole affair. I had plans to make a lasagna and some jello cheesecake, but I went to the store and came out deciding I wanted to make a lasagna, a spinach & artichoke lasagna, jello cheesecake, jello shots, spinach dip, and 7 layer dip. I also didn't start until 10 o'clock after Tom Ham's. Insane right? Totally. Thank goodness my roommate likes to help me when I lose my mind and think I'm superwoman. I'm sad I didn't get pictures of everything, but here's the lasagna & 7 layer dip I made. I'll have to capture the rest when I make them again, which shouldn't be too long from now.

I loosely follow this recipe-- I love this recipe, I've made it a few times now, and every time I adjust the sauce and portions a little bit more to taste, but it turns out pretty well every time! There's a lot you can do with it, and it also feeds a lot of people. Each piece is quite filling, and you can easily feed 9-10 people with one pan (it is HEAVY). Warning: it does take a good chunk of time, so be prepared!

 I love making layered dip -- it's easy, it feeds a lot of people, it's good for carnivores and herbivores alike, and it's yummy! I usually do beans on the bottom, then olives, homemade guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, salsa, shredded cheese and green onions.

--fatty monkey