Have a son or daughter graduating from high school this year? Celebrate his or her accomplishments with a casual party that makes the grade with guests of all ages.
Entertaining is a breeze with this simple spread. Sideways subs, a colorful potluck salad, sparkling punch and a big batch of tasseled treats will satisfy a crowd of 20—or a few slightly hungry teenagers!
You won't need to pull an all-nighter to prepare this fuss-free fare, either. Each of the main menu items is ready in less than half an hour...while the cute chocolate desserts can be assembled ahead of time.
Special Sandwich Loaves
These satisfying sub sandwiches from our Test Kitchen staff are a study in simplicity. Offering the seasoned mayonnaise and submarine sandwich dressing on the side makes it easy for guests to personalize their helpings and serve themselves. Look for bottles of submarine salad dressing in the deli section of many grocery stores...or use bottled Italian dressing as an easy alternative.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Layered Salad for a Crowd
This salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district's food service manager. She was very complimentary and even asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before for the flavors to blend together.
—Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
Pretty Party Punch
This sparkling punch has been a lifesaver for many last-minute showers, parties and get-togethers, because it's quick and inexpensive. You can use any flavor soft drink mix for a different flavor and color, but black cherry is my favorite. For a lighter version, replace the sugar and soft drink mix with sugar-free Kool-Aid, and substitute diet soda as well.
—Kelly Wilson, Bloomington, Indiana
Brownie Graduation Caps
Our home economists needed just a few items to create these cute chocolaty caps that guests will gobble up. The tasty treats are a snap to assemble by topping brownie cupcakes with mortarboards made from chocolate-covered graham cookies. A red licorice tassel adds the fast finishing touch.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen