This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Johnsonville. The opinions and text are all mine.
‘Tis the season of holiday entertaining and I have a few tips and tricks to make entertaining a little easier and a whole lot more fun this holiday season! Starting with maple balsamic pear and sausage bites {yum} and a simple appetizer station and ending with a fabulous Christmas music playlist, your holiday can be a big hit without a lot of stress!
Food and drinks might be the most important thing at a gathering but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Make one easy appetizer, add a few simple store bought snacks, and place it all on a bar cart. Simple!
Johnsonville Summer Sausage is perfect for easy entertaining. Slice it up on a charcuterie board, serve it with cheese and crackers, or make this simple appetizer. The sausage is smoked over real hardwoods and packed with flavor! With the same recipe for over seventy years, Johnsonville sausage is made from choice cuts of meat with a variety of flavors and spices mixed in. From start to finish, Johnsonville Summer Sausage takes 24-48 hours to be perfect.
To make maple balsamic pear and sausage bites, you’ll need Johnsonville Original Summer Sausage, pears, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar.
Mix the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup together in a 1:2 ratio. You won’t need a lot so mix approximately 1/8 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1/4 cup maple syrup.
On a foil-lined baking sheet, place slices of summer sausage and top each one with a slice of pear.
Drizzle with the balsamic syrup mixture …
… and bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Serve on a tray with cute little party sticks or toothpicks to make them easy to grab.
Drizzle with extra maple balsamic sauce and set them on the bar cart along with a few of your favorite snacks.
Seasonal cheese varieties, artisan crackers, olives stuffed with something gourmet, grapes and dried fruit, and nuts are all great choices for a charcuterie board or bar.
Spread the items on a large cutting board, place them in coordinating dishes, or scatter nuts and fruit right on a tabletop or bar cart.
A bar cart is my favorite serving surface because it doesn’t give you much space to fill, it can be decorated easily with festive decor, and it can be moved to any room you want so the party crowd doesn’t have to stand around the kitchen all night. Place the food on the top of the bar cart and drinks and napkins on the lower layer.
In addition to food, you really only need a few other things for a great party or gathering. A party pantry can make last minute hosting super simple! Fill a small basket with decorative plates and napkins, add a few bottles of italian soda or wine, throw in a few coordinating paper straws along with some non-perishable snack items, and you have an instant party in a box. When last minute guests show up, grab the basket and you’ll have everything you need for an impromptu gathering! Johnsonville Summer Sausage is the perfect item to throw in your party pantry because it’s hard dried and smoked, similar to salami, and can be kept without refrigeration!
Music adds instant decor especially during the holiday season where a favorite old tune can instantly warm up a room and bring back fun memories. Need some ideas for your playlist? Check out some of my favorites!
In addition to music, create instant atmosphere with candles and dim lights. Even the dustiest room looks fabulous in candlelight {wink} and quiet lighting lends intimacy and warmth to a space.
Be spontaneous! This Christmas season, embrace the busy month, round up your friends, and enjoy time together … even if it’s less than perfect. You’ll never regret the memories you make!
Visit www.SummerSausageStory.com to view recipes and videos about Johnsonville Summer Sausage, as well as an online store where you can order products to be delivered to your door in time for holiday entertaining!
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