The original thought was to have a few friends and the family over to celebrate Trevor turning two – I would put out some chips and dip. Maybe even buy a store bought cake. And relax all day.
Brilliant.
But of course this entire idea was fleeting, since I am completely incapable of buying pre-made dip and cake…or relaxing, for that matter.
(I envy those moms. They’re smart. And I bet they sleep better at night.)
So instead, I dug into my archives and pulled out some of my easy favorites. And created a few new ones.
Like these BBQ Chicken Drumettes (a.k.a. “little pieces of chicken candy”)
This flawless Israeli Couscous Salad that has come with me to many potlucks.
A tangy bean salad, courtesy of my friend Christy. She calls it Texas Caviar. Ready in 10 minutes.
And S’mores Brownies for the grand finale – taking an already perfect treat and adding some crunch and gooeyness.
We ate. We drank. We were merry.
And my little potato – who isn’t so little anymore – had his moment in the sun.
He got sung to. He got presents.
And he ate his scrumptious brownie…
…and loved me just a tad bit more.
You would too, if I made these dishes for you. It might be the only reason I have friends.
Happy birthday, T. You fill me up.
Print the recipe for BBQ Chicken Drumettes, or send me to the original Very Culinary post.
Print the recipe for Israeli Couscous Salad, or send me to the original Very Culinary post.
Print the recipe for Texas Caviar.
Print the recipe for S’more Brownies (adapted from Joy The Baker, originally from Bon Appetit.)
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
awww. Big HAPPY BELATED Birthday to Trevor! What a sweet boy and I love the look on his face with the chocolate brownie was presented to him. kekeke.
great friends, great food= happy moments!
Yum! I only make sandwiches and ask family members to bring side salads. This looks great. You can cater for Matthew’s. :) haha. And the pics of him are adorable. He’s SO cute.
Happy {belated} Birthday, Trevor! Just look at those pink cheeks!!! The food looks simply scrumptious, Amy! I’m SO happy you’re in California. Enjoy, sweetheart. *hugs*
Jude – Don’t forget about Ginger and Ebi…also named after food. What can I say? I didn’t even realize it until my Dad pointed it out. I guess it’s in my blood.
Dina – I actually got all choked up when I wrote it.
Mom – I did forget the antipasto tray. Oh well. It wasn’t a recipe, anyway…just stuffed olives, cheese, and salami.
Heather – Love that I got to share it all with you in person! These are the moments that make it surreal being back.
The food was so good! I’m so glad you posted the recipes. It was so great to be part of Trevor’s second birthday!
I can attest to the fact that everything was delicious, even the birthday boy. Amy, you didn’t mention the antipasto tray you also served. Just wonderful to have the family together and see old friends.
That was very sweet and even brought a tear to my eye thinking of you with your family at last!
Happy Birthday Trevor!
Amy has foodie nicknames for the kids…hmm, wonder what she calls Paul
Happy birthday, young Trevor!
Cheryl – Ha! With all the sand, dirt, and sunscreen on my kids, I don’t even want to touch them.
Helen – Trevor wasn’t interested in the Texas Caviar at all and only took a few bites of the Couscous Salad, so he’s a typical 2 year old. He’s not turning out to be the great eater that his big sister is, but I still love him.
Wow – Trevor is a great eater. My kids (now older) at that age would never have touched anything like that except for the brownie of course. I, on the other hand, would have eaten way too much of everything. I’ll be your friend!!
Oh man is he a cutie. And look how happy he is to receive that brownie! Your dad makes a good point about naming all your family members after food. Just don’t eat them. Happy birthday Trevor!
Jen – ya, those drumettes…now you know why Paul and I refer to them as “chicken candy.” Seriously, make them for poker night and get ready for the love.
The party was a lot of fun, and it was great to watch all the kids play, especially when Paul put the sprinkler out.
The food was, as always, scrumptious! My favorite was the cous cous salad (it was light and yummy, and I love the texture of the Israeli cous cous), but I could NOT stop eating the drumettes – I kept saying “just one more” and then “well…just *one* more”, as I stood in the kitchen eating “just one more” for about another 10 minutes (and this was after I had discarded my plate because I was, ahem, done).
The brownies were heavenly and dense and just plain ol’ chocolaty, surgary, yummy goodness.
Good day with family and friends…and, of course, the birthday boy.
Cathy – oh, how I wish you were here. I’ll keep wishing…maybe for his 3rd?
Astrid – I did at least plan out the menu/morning accordingly, so I wasn’t stuck in the kitchen the entire time everyone was here. So, I’m not totally dumb ;-)
Joanne – your future husband and kids are going to be the envy of all their friends. No doubt. And if I had to choose between homemade brownies or homemade bread, the bread would win. Barely. But it would.
Natasha – Thanks!
Pam – LOL. I know, right? I’m wondering who’s going to cook for me when it’s MY birthday.
Dad – Hee hee. And don’t forget about the dogs, Ginger and Ebi (which means shrimp in Japanese)…also food!!
I WAS at his birthday party. I was at Haley’s first. And now, although I didn’t think it could be done, I’ve seen Haley, Trevor, and Paul put entire brownies and cupcakes in their mouths at one time. We don’t remember Amy or Jennifer ever doing that but, then again, we were just young parents and not getting much sleep.
For the rest of you, have you noticed that Amy is all about food. She’s nicknamed her two kids “The Bean” and “My Little Potato.” Hmmmmm.
Happy Birthday big boy! What a spread he had. Umm…my birthday is in May. I’m just sayin’
so cute! Happy birthday Trevor! That is quite a birthday feast and the brownies look so scrumptious!
Awww happy birthday Trevor! What a cutie pie! I could practically eat HIM, he’s so adorable.
I plan on being that mom who’s incapable of buying premade dip. Heck I can’t even buy storebought bread. I’m already that kind of mom. Minus the kids.
Those brownies look kind of like heaven. And I will definitely be making that couscous salad. So good.
Happy birthday Trevor!! You are an awesome mom. I am definitely going to be one of those moms that makes everything from scratch, too. I don’t let myself relax either, there is just something comforting about doing something, anything, and being productive. It looks like he had an amazing birthday party.
Yum. Wish I could have been there! Happy birthday, T.
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