Planning and Hosting a Cupboard Party.......let's eat!

Valentines Day, 2006, five single women refused to succumb to the pressure of this "lovers" holiday without a fight! No dates, no room in the budgets to go out, and the need to satisfy their "pity-party" attitude; the first official "Cupboard Party" was held!

Now, as it is with all successful parties or events, there are specific rules a good hostess follows. First the name, "Cupboard Party", as it implies you and your guest can only make food from existing items in your cupboard, pantry, frig, or freezer. This rule alone contributes to an unusual selection of tasty morsels to be sampled ( and maybe a few you wish you hadn't tried). The only items that can be purchased are alcoholic (if you and your guest so choose). Second rule; no formal invitations. Phone call invites , text, IM, even emails are acceptable, but don't lose sight of the "come as you are" theme of this party. The final rule; everyone must bring a board game or cards with a specific game in mind. Yes, yes, I know. How old fashioned. It is all about being creative and interacting with others on a different level from our regular Hi-tech life style.

The fun of this party is you never know what will be created from those items in your pantry like; jello, cool whip (one of the favorite recipes of these parties is below), Ritz Crackers, Philly Cream Cheese, the possibilities are limitless. You might even find yourself creating an award winning new recipe you can submit into a recipe contest. The addition of board games brings a whole new level to a gathering of friends. Suddenly that tech savvy friend may be the worst (and sometimes give the funniest answers) in a hot challenge of Trivia Pursuit.

Cupboard parties are a way to re-connect to your close friends and are often called at the last minute when one or more of them may be in crisis mode and about to pig out on a gallon of "Ben and Jerry's" ice cream. (We all love Ben and Jerry's, but even the sweetest tooth should balance it with something salty from the pantry).

Good food, budget savvy, and lots laughs, all with people who love to embarrass you due to your lack of board game skills; who wouldn't want to have a "Cupboard Party"? So reach out to your gals and, as the Cupboard founding members say, "I'm calling a Cupboard Party" today.

Easy and Versatile

1 package chocolate flavored instant Jello (sugar free works just as well)

1 Cup milk

2 Cups Cool Whip (Fat Free or Sugar Free works great)

1/2 cup additional Cool whip

1 Package Phillo Pastry Cups precooked (optional)

Suggested toppings; Andes mints cut into tiny pieces, miniature Toll-house Chocolate chips, Snickers Candy Bars cut into tiny pieces.

1) Mix package of Jello into mixing bowl with one cup milk. Whisk thoroughly. Chill for five minutes in frig.

2) Fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip. Chill mixture for 10 minutes in frig.

3) Spoon mixture into Phillo precooked pastry cups filling them completely.

4) Top each pastry with a dab of Cool Whip.

5) Add toppings if desired.

Other serving options; Spoon Jello/Cool Whip mixture into fancy glasses like Champagne glasses and add toppings. Metallic cupcake liners work as well if doubled.

Other flavors that have been tested; 1package Chocolate Jello and 1 package Pistachio Jello, 2 cups milk, 3 cups Cool Whip. (this one is a favorite around Christmas)