Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Appetizers

I found this appetizer in the freezer section at the store for an outrageous amount of money. It only rendered 20 pieces of shrimp, but they were really tasty. So I set out to make a more economical version for the party I was throwing since seafood appetizers always add a nice flare to any menu. I was able to make over triple the amount of shrimp appetizers for the same price. They are really simple, can be made in advance, and frozen until the day of the party. Then just place the frozen appetizer in a piping hot 475 degree oven for 10-12 min and you're ready to serve.

all you need is a 1-2 pkgs of bacon depending on how many servings you're making,
 cheddar and pepper jack cheese cut into slices, and 1-2 pounds of medium shrimp cleaned,
deveined, and tails removed, and bamboo skewers

cut bacon in half

place 1 cheese slice on top on shrimp

wrap with bacon and place bamboo skewer
through the shrimp securing the bacon

place completed appetizers in a freezer bag
and place in the freezer until the day of your party

Yummy!!! I have to admit my favorite was the shrimp with pepper jack cheese.
 It held up better when heated in the oven, and added a nice spicy kick.
 I was trying to make an alternative for those who don't eat spicy food. 

Posh Elephant Baby Shower

I loved working on this shower; it was for a very special friend of mine. I really tried to make it a reflection of her personal taste and style, and a intimate celebration of this beautiful time in her life.  She was using elephants to accent the baby's room, but I didn't want to go with the obvious jungle theme, or have animal print just thrown everywhere. Finally, I decided on a palette of ivory, pastel blue, sliver, and used elephants just as an accent piece. I ordered silver elephant place card holders online, and made a edible ivory elephant gum paste cake topper with the baby's initials to add a personal touch.

 The food was more upscale as well, I mean this is a "posh" baby shower after all, you can't just slap cocktail wieners in barbecue sauce and call it a day. The menu consisted of pork wellington, bacon wrapped shrimp with cheddar and pepper jack cheese, Caesar salad in cucumber cups, assorted mini quiche, Swedish meatballs, baked spinach artichoke dip, and finally fried macaroni and cheese bites (the mother's favorite recipe of mine). I made a two tier cake with pastel blue bows and the custom topper, and as a thank you to the guests for attending I made pound cake onesie cookies. I hope you enjoy, and are inspired by this event.