Crowd-Pleasing Summer Entertaining

If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game night or TV show marathon with friends this summer, it’s helpful to have a plan in mind before diving in.

Consider these tips and recipes featuring Mrs. T’s Pierogies that can help make planning a breeze and allow you to kick back and enjoy the fun alongside your guests.

• Master the Music. Set the mood as soon as your guests walk in with an upbeat playlist.
• Add a Creative Twist to Your Menu. When you’re craving something real and satisfying – but want to keep things simple – reach for an option like Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Available in 16 varieties, including mini-size, these pasta shells, filled with creamy whipped potatoes, are loaded with flavor and perfect served alone or as part of creative recipes like a Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad. You can also grill them up like in this Mini Pierogy Slider Kebab recipe.
• Create Self-Serve Stations. Arrange a buffet-style table to allow your guests to help themselves to food. It’s a simple way to ensure you get to enjoy yourself. Just remember to provide the necessary fixings at each station.
• Bust Out Some Games. Whether it’s a game night or just a get-together with friends, keep games like cornhole or bocce ball on-hand to keep your soiree lively.

For more recipes perfect for entertaining, visit MrsTsPierogies.com.

Mini Pierogy Slider Kebabs
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• kosher
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced red onion
• 4 deli slices Colby Jack cheese, quartered
• 4-6 skewers
• 14 pieces curly leaf lettuce
• 7 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 14 cornichon pickles

Heat outdoor or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Toss pierogies with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove.

In medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt and pepper. Form into 14 equal-sized patties.

Add patties to grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side. Add one slice of cheese to each during last minute of cooking to melt. Remove and cool slightly to handle.

To assemble: skewer one pierogy, flat-side down, then one piece of lettuce, tomato, pickle, burger and another pierogy, flat-side down, to sandwich it all together. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad
Prep time: 12 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 1/2 cup white balsamic or cider vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large tomato, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded, if necessary, and coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Saute pierogies according to box directions; place in large bowl. In small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, salt, and oregano; whisk in olive oil until well-blended.

Add tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, and vinaigrette to bowl with pierogies; toss to mix well.

(Family Features)