Here we go with the close of summer and intro to fall. That means it is time for a party. Here are some ideas for some simple food items that will reduce the labor on Labor Day Weekend.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pinwheels

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 package dry ranch mix
• 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or combination of cheese mix
• 1 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken
• ¼ cup hot sauce, optional
• 6 large tortillas, flour or corn

Directions:

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, sour cream, and dry ranch mix until well combined. Stir in bacon, cheese, shredded chicken, and hot sauce.
• Divide cream cheese mixture between the tortillas and spread out evenly.
• Roll each shell up tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
• Slice the tortillas into 1-inch pieces.

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Ingredients:

Marinade

• ½ cup  barbecue sauce
• ⅓ cup  soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce of your choice
• 2 teaspoon  sesame oil
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• salt and pepper to taste

   

Kebabs

• 2  chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 cups  cubed pineapple
• 1  red onion, quartered, layers separated
• 3 bell peppers, cubed
• Grilling skewers

Directions:

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 1 hour before using to prevent burning.
• Preheat grill to medium heat (about 425°F).

Marinade

• In a large bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper until completely combined. Remove 1/2 cup of the mixture and place in an airtight container (for basting later).
• Add chicken to the remaining marinade and combine, cover and chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Kebabs

• Once marinated, build skewers by alternating chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onion.
• Place skewers on an oiled and preheated grill, and brush with reserved marinade.
• Cook 5 minutes and flip, brushing the other side with marinade as well.
• Cook until the chicken is cooked through.

Blueberry Lemon Heaven Dessert

Ingredients:

• 1 whole Angel food Cake

• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 can (21 ounces) blueberry pie filling
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Cut angel food cake into cubes.

• In a large bowl combine lemon pudding, milk, and sour cream. Using a hand-held mixer, beat on medium-high for 2 minutes. Set aside.

• In a 9×13 baking dish, arrange 1/2 of the angel food cake cubes in a layer.
• Place half of the blueberry pie filling over top of the angel food cake cubes.
• Cover the blueberry filling with the remaining angel food cake.
• Spoon lemon pudding over the cake and spread evenly.
• Add whipped topping in dollops over the pudding layer. Using an offset spatula, spread into an even layer.
• Carefully spread the remaining blueberry pie filling over the whipped topping. Garnish with lemon zest (optional).
• Place in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Serve cold.