I will certainly vouch for Ann T's Swedish Meat Balls best Ive ever had! I also love the Brie cheese served with Carmelized onions on top...delicous!

Do the names next to some of the dishes refer to other people who are bringing them? If so, the number of dishes isn't of concern. However, if you are making all of them yourself, and the names refer to folks you've gotten the recipes from, I agree that there are too many dishes. You want to be able to enjoy yourself too, and your guests would feel uneasy if you are constantly cooking, replacing dishes and generally running about.

When I have hosted such affairs, I find it a terrific help to hire a friend's teenager to attend to refilling platters, picking up empty plates/glasses, running more ice to the ice bucket etc. The kid will be thrilled to make some money, and you will be relieved of the pesky stuff that must be done.

As for your chocolate fountain, I used to set them up quite frequently when I booked and ran weddings, so have a number of suggestions.

If you can get mini candy canes yet in your area, they are great!

Rice crispy squares are better than pound cake...they don't leave crumbs in the chocolate.

Dried apricots, peaches, pineapple, and mango are terrific.

If you want to offer bananas, which are terrif with chocolate, slice the peel down on either side and remove half. Loosen the banana in the other half, but leave it cradled in the peel and slice thick chunks. The peel helps keep it from turning brown. If you squeeze a bit of lemon or lime juice over it, that will help as well. Stick toothpicks or skewers in the chunks. If you don't want to deal with this, use banana chips, which are great too.

Candied citrus peel is yummy dipped in chocolate.

Biscotti or other cookies.

If you have not used a chocolate fountain before, it is worth the trouble to have a test run, so you can work out any problems ahead of time. It would also be a good idea for you to assign a friend or family member (one of those people who say, "if there's anything I can do?") to keep charge of arranging the trays of dipping items, fish lost bits out of the chocolate, and add more chocolate when necessary.

All good suggestions here. I want to emphasize the importance of having at least two or three good helpers both before and during the party. You're having a lot of guests; it's impossible to manage that much food and that many people by yourself, no matter how good you are at it. I'm glad you have two friends who will be helping.

As for food, I agree that you need fewer munchies and more substantial food, such as the sandwiches suggested or perhaps something like Italian Beef that takes care of itself (with help from your watchful helpers). The chocolate fountain sounds like a lot of fun, too, but also a lot of work.

I love parties and have hosted many like the one you're planning, always with helpers who are not guests. Sometimes, it's been my adult kids, other times friends of my kids. Do you have tables, chairs, etc., for that many people, or are you renting some? Is it going to be inside or out?

Oh, makes me wish I were having a party this weekend! Have fun!

Like Cathy, I see two heroes here. Wishing your nephew the best of luck on his deployment.

I can't add or subtract anything from your menu as it all sounds great to me. Agree on the clear plastic plates, though.

If you'd like to make your own pound cake for the chocolate fountain, here's the best pound cake recipe I've ever found (I think Marigene will concur):

CREAM POUND CAKE

1 cup butter, softened (no substitutes!)
1/2 cup shortening
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
1-1/4 cups heavy cream
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 Tblsp. vanilla extract

Cream butter & shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of electric mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 hour and 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.

Sounds great David! If you're looking to add some more cold stuff, roll-ups are nice. We made some for my college age daughter's Halloween party last year and they went over big time!

Fillings included:

Buffalo chicken (shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with hot sauce, lettuce, thinly peeled carrot & blue cheese dressing)

Rueben (corned beef, cole slaw or kraut, swiss & thousand island dressing)

Italian (genoa, mortadella, hot ham & provolone with lettuce and roasted red peppers)

Chinese chicken (again, rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced romaine or use napa cabbage, mandarin oranges, almonds chow mein noodles and a ginger dressing)

Greek vegetarian (hommous (optional, but it makes a nice 'glue', lol), lettuce, tomato, thinly slice cukes (the long way), green pepper, olives, feta and Greek dressing)

These were sliced into 5s with a toothpick to secure, You might be able to find some American flag topped ones appropriate for the occasion - good luck and we will keep Justin in our thoughts!

I would agree about adding something that is substantial for those who will treat this as dinner. And keep in mind, if all those college kids hang out and drink (and why wouldn't they?), then you want to make sure that they aren't drinking on an empty stomach (I know they would eat what is there, but probably too polite to really fill up.) At first I was thinking a big turkey, but then checked the calendar. I would do a spiral ham, with rolls and assorted mustards. Put it near the cheese tray so those who want cheese can add it. General rule, keep it simple. They are coming to see your nephew. The food is secondary.
Your a great guy to do this.
jo

What Cathy said! And I wish i were closer to you, I could loan you party ware from my stash.

And FWISW, ditch the tuna spread and add a sliced ham with some rye bread and rolls. Scale back on the nutty nibbles, they just end up sqaushed into the carpet as guest grab handfulls. And for extra plates, check the dollar stores, they are loading up with the holiday party ware. And if you do borrow, ask the loaner to keep a list of what they lend so you don't have to. Or have a sign in sheet as they bring it over.

Give Justin a hug from me and thank him. He has the bestest uncle too!

I disagree with some who thought you needed something more substantial. the fact is, with the variety you are ofering, it IS substantial.
I do, however, think your selection is vast, and a lot of work. It would be less work to offer the more substantial item, like the ham Peppi suggested with some breads, and cut out a few of the snackies.
If I were to serve a table like you are suggesting, I would ned a whole bottle of valium and a two weeks vacation afterward.
You are a very brave man, David. What you are doing is so wonderful.

I only skimmed through the other responses but I agree, too many different things. Aside from being a huge task to make that many different things, it's going to cause a bottle neck at the serving table.

How do I know this? I did a home party for both of my boys' Bar Mitzvahs. Each time I had close to 100 people show up. The first time I did a large variety, probably not even as many different things as you have. And what happened was that as each person had to take some of everything, the line at the buffet table just dragged.

The next time I had just as much food (too much!) but less variety. Worked much better. I would eliminate any foods that require last minute prep. And have lots of extras of everything you serve. Meatballs in a chafing dish on the table, extras in a pot on the lowest heat on the stove so easy to replenish. Same with little smokies. Veggies with dip, extra in the fridge. Etc.

I'd probably skip the hot wings (too messy) and stuffed mushrooms (have to be served right out of the oven). I'd definitely do cheese blocks (have extras, that goes surprisingly fast!) rather than slices.

The one thing I didn't do but probably would now in retrospect is hire someone to do the replenishing and picking up trash and empty plates. The more you can do before the party or hand off to someone else to do during the party, the more YOU will enjoy yourself.

David, kudos to you for hosting this for your nephew!!

Thank you all for all the suggestions, ideas, and insight!!

I printed this off and took it to our lunch meeting to finalize our plans. We will be making some changes....

I'm at work so I'll post later tonight...have a few more questions too.

Tomorrow is our deadline so we are still open to more suggestion and input.

All y'all are the best!!

David

What no ice wine!!!!

First of all my heartfelt thanks to Jason for his service. Having been lucky enough to meet your family I know this will be a hell of a party but I also know it's going to be hard on Mom, Grandma and Uncle David so big hugs to you all.

David I know first hand how much you like to feed people and I also know you can overdo it just a 'tich ! LOL

I think I'd cut out a few dishes and , if you are worried about quantity....not that you should be!.....then make extra of something.

I'd do lots of the meatballs, smokies and wings but I'd loose the shrimp. It's expensive, will never be missed and it's a shame to have toss it once it's sat out for any length of time.

You have a lot of oven stuff happening. I know you have two ovens but still that's a lot of tending, timing and serving when you should be visiting and drinking! LOL I'd drop one or two of either the crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms, spanikopita, brie, palmiers, onion toasts or surprise nipples.

All the cold/room temp nibblies sound great. I'd serve them all (except the shrimp).

Don't bother with a sheet cake, the other sweets are plenty.

As for quantities.......cut whatever you are thinking in half, I've seen what you serve! LOL

Seriously that's a tough one. I think I would start with the chips, dips, nibblies, cheeses etc and two or three of the hot fancier finger foods and let that go for awhile. Kinda like a Happy hour.

A bit later, maybe 6:30 - 7 ish I would bring out the meatballs, wings and smokies, assuming most of the kids have arrived by then. The kids will devour these regardless of what they have been grazing on but the "grown ups" will take less because they have already had some good eats. I'd plan on 3 of each per person.

Then, a bit later in the evening (I'm assuming that if it;s an open house people will be coming at different times) I'd serve two or three more of the hot appetizers and freshen the veggies, cheese, salamis, nibbles and dips as required.

No matter what I think you need to stagger the food and serve foods that will keep for another day closer to the end so they aren't wasted if people are full and have stopped eating.

Have a great party, and say hi to your faimly from the "pickle lady from Canada"

David, I was just thinking of you the last couple of days. You haven't been around much. I assumed you were busy.

Your menu sounds wonderful to me.

If you are still looking for another dessert - a square or bar, you might consider Hello Dolly Squares, Silly Toffee Squares or the Graham Cracker Chewies.

Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table

Graham Cracker Chewies
======================

These are amazingly good and simple to make. They are a nice alternative to brownies.

Recipe from the Nantucket Open House Cookbook.

Crust

1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons all purpose flour

Topping

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs beaten
. Preheat oven to 350°

Prepare the crust:
Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter and flour in a mixing bowl
until moist and crumbly. Press the mixture firmly and evenly in the
bottom of a 9 inch square baking pan. Bake until lightly browned,
about 20 minutes.

Prepare topping:
Stir all the ingredients together until blended. Spread the topping
over the baked crust and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool completely,
then cut into 16 squares.

Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table

Hello Dollys
============
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup of sugar
1 1/2 to 2 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup of chopped walnuts
1 cup of coconut
1 can of condensed milk

Heat over to 350°F

Melt Butter and add graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Mix together and then pat into a 8 or 9 inch square baking dish.

Sprinkle the walnuts over the crust, then the chocolate chips and finish with the coconut. Drizzle the condensed milk evenly over the top. Bake for about 25 minutes until the coconut is lightly brown. Cool and then cut into squares.

Home Cookin Chapter: Recipes From Thibeault's Table

Silly Toffee Squares
====================

Source Patty

Base
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup rice krispies cereal
1/4 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup butter melted

Toffee Layer

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c butter
1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips semi sweet
1 1/4 cup Rice Krispies cereal .
.
Combine all the ingredients for the base and press into an 8 inch
square pan. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

While base is baking make the toffee layer.

In a heavy saucepan combine the condensed milk with the 1/2 cup of
butter and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and
simmer for 5 minutes. Keep stirring as this mixture burns easily.

Pour toffee over the base.

Melt chocolate chips and stir in the 1 1/4 cups of rice Krispies.
Stir to coat well. Use two forks to spread evenly over the toffee
layer. Chill and cut into squares.

David that is some spread! A lot of work to take on - I applaud you. I would be peeing my pants over this, LOL.

I agree with May that if you have the variety, people naturally will want to try one of each which will leave you with not enough of some things, and a busy buffet line.

Plastic is not tacky. For 70+ people it's practical.

I hope you have time to take some pix of the final spread!

I'm rethinking my logic. Maybe leave off the cheese board, it's so ubiquitous, and the other things sound so fun and yummy. But hard to say, because I would be going for the gourmet stuff, and some people don't like anything but the tried and true cheese plate. I don't think your crowd is a picky as mine, at least I HOPE not.

David,I also want to add my heartfelt thanks to your nephew! And what an awesome Uncle you are to have such a wonderful party! I wish I were closer to help! I love your menu and think you've have received really good advise here, as always this is an awesome forum! The only thing that I can add is last year we hosted a huge open house on Christmas day for neighbors and friends who didn't have family or guests. We had tons of food and the one thing I would eliminate this year is the cheese and cracker board!! I had 5 or six different cheeses cubed and aranged beautifully with all types of crackers, I think maybe 2 people ate the cheese! I had bags of cubed cheese in my freezer for the next year! If I do it again this year I may make a Torta, but will eliminate the cheese and crackers from my menu! Just a thought!
Have fun!!
Gina

Cheese pre cut...gets dried out in a matter of an hour. In my experience, people don't eat pre sliced or cubed cheese...but they do eat cheese that they can cut themselves, as thin or as thick as they choose.
And while we are critiquing....I really don't get the whole chocolate fountain thing. It sounds better than it is. I can see that 10 year old kids think that a fountain the pours chocolate is a great thing...but in reality the chocolate is oily and not very good chocolate. And then you have to cut up all the stuff. And you have cubes of cake drying out and chunks of bananas browning and out of season strawberries....
And messy?! Hoo boy!
In my opinion, humble that is is ;Q a better idea if you must dip stuff in chocolate, is a chocolate fondue. You can use wonderful dark Swiss chocolate and you don't need to add oil to keep it flowing....and because you don't have to add oil...more sticks to the cake or fruit!
But for my money...I would much prefer a plate of double chocolate brownies!!
Sounds like a great thing! But remember that though they be soldiers....they are still "kids" and a bunch of burgers and dogs on the grill about 9 would be very welcome!
Have a great party!
Linda C

It looks amazing! What lucky party goers!

I can vouch for Ann's recipes above. Easy and delish.

Plates and flatware are inexpensive to rent from a party rental place.

I agree with Linda on both points.

I was going to say the exact same thing regarding the cheese. I have had both cubed cheese trays and slice-it-yourself cheese blocks. The cubed cheese sits. The blocks go fast.

I was actually very surprised at how quickly those cheese blocks got eaten. I had done them at one party out of shear laziness. I didn't want to make another dish but needed one more thing on the table. And I was too lazy to cut cheese into cubes so I just slapped the blocks down with knives. I fully expected them to sit as cubes had in the past but midway through the party there were just small bits of each block left and they were all gone shortly thereafter. Next party, same thing. "Blocks o' cheese" has become my throw-down easy fill in dish on all buffets.

And what Linda said on the choco fountain. Keep in mind that 70 people are going to be there and anything that is the least bit messy gets magnified times 70. Do the brownies instead. You'll still find pieces of brownie ground into the carpet, but at least there won't be drippy chocolate all over your furniture! LOL

The thing with chocolate fountains, is you must use good quality chocolate, high in cocoa butter, not the stuff you have to add vegetable oil to. There are sources for easily meltable, high cocoa butter content chocolate wafers on the net that are specifically formulated for fountain use.

Also, I only had one experience with the mini fountains that were all over the department stores a few years ago and it wasn't a good one. You're better off buying a small sized professional fountain (if you think you might use it again) or renting one.

It can be messy, it's true...but, if you put the fountain itself far enough away from any furniture, and swath the table in cloth, you'll catch most of the drips. We used to set it up on a large table and surround it with trays of goodies to dip into it. The chocolate dries onto the dipped item fairly quickly, so by the time someone carries a skewer across the room to where furniture is, dripping isn't much of a problem.

Take the time to make sure the table is absolutely level. And don't put the fountain anywhere near a door, where opening and closing might cause breezes/winds to blow the chocolate around. A patio can be a problem for the same reason, and if it is too cold out, it can cause problems with the chocolate flow.

David, I think your menu sounds great. I have to agree with everyone else, you are a super Uncle.

Give your nephew my thanks and appreciation and I wish him well.

Have fun!

David, kudos to you for being such a great uncle and my heartfelt thanks to your nephew for his service to our country.

WOW -- looks like you have alot of work to do. I'll be interested in your final menu. Wish we were coming to OKC this weekend and I'd stop on the way to help.

Brenda

Your menu sounds awesome!

On the subject of the chocolate fountain, maybe I'm weird, but as hard as my area has been hit by H1N1 I'd avoid it like, well, the plague. Too much constant contact with sneeze and cough infested air, and the potential to have been double-dipped in.

David, it sounds like an awesome party. Hug Justin for me and save a big hug for yourself too.

First, I'd definitely use the plastic plates. Second, I don't think you need cake. Third, I think your menu sounds delicious but you have a lot of work there. Some bread or buns and a ham would be less work and take the place of a couple of nibbly things.

Have a good time!

Annie

David, the party you're planning will be a wonderful send off for Justin, you're a great uncle.

Whatever you finally decide on for the menu will be terrific and devoured and appreciated. Just don't get yourself so bogged down with prep and serving that you can't spend time with Justin-he'll remember that you had a party with food, you also want him to remember his time with you.

It does simplify things to make more of fewer dishes and get all the help you can for passing, replenishing and cleaning up abandoned plates and glasses.

I know you'll all have a wonderful time. Please add my thanks to Justin for serving and hugs to both of you.

Lee

Thanks again everyone for the recipes, ideas, and suggestions! I REALLY appreciate it. Had a slight delay of game thanks to me catching some kind of crud. I woke up Tuesday night with a fever and generally feeling like carp. Thankfully I'm pretty much back to normal as of this evening. I can't remember the last time I've been sick and this couldn't have come at a worse time. Thanks to friends and family we are still kind of on schedule..lolol!

We did cut some things from the original list. Gone are the crab cakes, stuffed shrooms, palmiers, shrimp cocktail and maybe the onion/cheese toast. We are adding a honey baked ham with rolls and mustards. I already have the cheese balls and spanikopita in the freezer. Also, a friend is making a huge batch of her pasta salad. I think that should go well with the sandwiches and help fill people up. Another said she could bring some roll ups or a fruit tray. I'll do blocks of cheese and have some sliced by the ham and rolls for sandwiches. We plan on making more of what's left replenishing things as needed. I've got three people that will be taking care of that durning the party. Honestly, with my group there will be plenty of help so I'm not to worried about that.

I have three friends coming over tomorrow night to help clean prep and make what we can ahead of time and set up the food areas. Most of the food will be in the dining room with a smaller back up table in the sun room. The weather is going to be great, high of 80, so will be able to use the back patio and pool area. We have had some cancelations but are still expecting around 60 people give or take. I'm guessing a third of those will stop by have a drink or two and something to munch on and leave. The rest will stay and really eat....and us die hards will be here til the wee hours. LOL Not to mention the Sooners will be playing so I know the game will be on in one room at least.

The chocolate fountain is a gift from a friend and I've yet to use it so I feel I really need to. I wish I had time to get some of the better chocolate that doesn't require adding oil. I plan on setting that up on the kitchen table or breakfast bar so hopefully it won't be to messy. Just have to keep an eye on my DN and her friends. LOL Their age range is 7 - 10 years old. That with the cookies and apricot bars should be good enough. I can always get out all that leftover halloween candy if I need to.

I'll post a follow up and some pics in a couple of days. Justin leaves Thursday and we have very busy schedule with lots of things going on with the family.

Thanks again everyone...y'all are the best!!

David

Thank goodness you lost the shrimp but what about the Ice Wine? ....love you big guy!

Say hi to the family for me.

Whew! A ham is a good idea! And pasta salad too...
Palmiers and stuffed mushrooms are for a much smaller party!!
Have a great time....but I know you will!
Linda c

David, just an idea...when I was working at the wedding/catering place, we occasionally had people contact us looking for the special chocolate I wrote of and we would sell it to them if we had it on hand and hadn't an event coming up before we could order more. So a call-round to any wedding facilities in your area might give you a source. Also, if you have any of the bigger party-rental stores in your area, some of them rent chocolate fountains, and so also sell the chocolate.

On the other hand...if most of your guests are kids and your nephew's peers, they likely won't care if you use the chocolate you mix oil with, it will just all be fun. So, these suggestions could be filed under "for future reference!"

Coming in too late to have anything to say but....WOW!

You must post a posed picture of you doing something with the chocolate fountain.

Sounds like you have enough pre-made stuff and friends to help, you got it covered.

Rachelellen, thanks for the tips! Yes, just for fun this go around....

EJ, lolololol....we might need your tool chest...um cough...cough..night stand! Spike(back in the day) would send to the "cups" for sure...LOL!

David

Hey Big Guy, just checking in to see how the prep is going. That's all you need is SKofC. I'm glad you have helpers.

Enjoy the party and the game. Go Sooners!

*I can be gracious because you aren't playing the GATORS.

Your buddy,
Cathy

Spike was rather prudish, wasn't he. He shut down the singles forum for a while for ribald posts. I can't report on content as I missed it all.

I was checking in on the party count down. Have a wonderful time!

Another who hopes the prep is well in hand! Knowing you it will be. Have a great time! Dont' you dare forget pics, especially of the "before", goodness knows how the focus will be in the "after" ! LOL

The party was a blast and overall I think everyone enjoyed the food. I ended up cutting the meatballs and cheese toast too. We did add a fruit platter though. I did manage to get a few pics before things got crazy.

The little table under the windows had the chips, salsa, quac, and queso on it. The buffet has the smokies, ham, buns, wing, and sliced cheese. The big table held the remainder of offerings. I had a small back up table in the sunroom with a variety of stuff on it too. Bowls of nuts, and chex mix were placed on coffee and end tables in the living room and sun room. We decided to put everything out all at once and just bring more out as it was needed. Worked out great and there was never really a waiting line for the food.

Here is the dessert area with the chocolate fountain. Oatmeal raisin cookies, apricot bars, strawberries, marshmallows, and rice crispy bars for dipping. Forgot to put out the pretzels. You can see one kid waiting to get at it on the right. She kept asking me why I had to take a picture first.

People spread out and mingled well. The kitchen was always packed and the garage was a popular place too (smokers)they even got a game of basketball going out in the driveway. Some hung in the living room too. The kids had their video games and movies going in the sunroom.

Hanging with the girls....

Me, Justin, and DM/DGM

As the night went on us older folk were having fun too...this was pre dirty dancing time...LOL

This last shot is for the Evil One/my swap partner a few years ago. LOLOLOL!

The only thing we had leftover for the most part was some ham and wings. Everything else was pretty much consumed and everyone said they had plenty to eat....time to restock the liquor cabinet though! Thanks again for all your help and advice everyone. We put Justin in the plane this morning. : (

David

David, I can't imagine how special Justin must have felt with such a fabulous send off! You are one cool dude; I couldn't have pulled it off.

Cathy

Thanks for the great pictures, David! What a wonderful party, I'm sure he'll carry the memory of that night with him.

I never doubted you would pull off a fantastic party David. Now you need some holiday time - how 'bout, say, Southern California? LOL.

Looks like a FAB time! Thanks so much for posting the pics and I will keep Justin in my thoughts.

Alexa

I missed this dangit! I knew Justin was leaving but I had no idea about the party.

Hey Big Guy, You've done it again...a great party that I wish I could have attended. From my place to your place is just not that long of a drive or plane ride(ahem)!

You rock when it comes to your family and friends and the food looks amazing! I love the pic of you, Justin and DM all together.

Dang!! Sorry I missed that one!! Looks like a great party...
And that baby faced boy can't really be going to be "deployed"?
Where did that word come from? Sort of sanitizes something very nasty.
God speed young Justin....you had a great send off and I am sure the welcome home will be even better!!
Linda C

What a great party, David, and you are as handsome as ever. Safe travels to Justin until we see him again.

Annie

aaawwww...what a great family and friends...sure look like you all know how to have a good time. You must be so proud anddd...worried. Sigh. Is so hard for families. You got my admiration and luv :) ...and you got some good DNA, too! You a bunch of hotties :)

Hey! I wanted a picture of YOU doing the nasty with that chocolate fountain! What you got is good enough, LOL.

What a great party for Justin. I'm sure the joy will keep him warm and fuzzy for months to come!

What a bash! Everything looked wonderful and the guests looked happy too! Justin's a cutie and he obviously inherited some of those good looks from his Uncle and Grandma! I know y'all will be missing each other, but loads of good memories will carry you through.
I second the idea of a CA trip!
Hugs,
Ellen

Woweee!!! What a wonderful bash, and love the photos! Darn good recipes posted on this thread too.

I'll be holding a good thought for Justin :O)

Sooz

David, what is your feedback on the chocolate fountain? Would you do it again?

Looks like it was a great party! Way to go, David, and way to go, Justin! Take care of yourself.

Sally

Knew it would be wonderful Big Guy. It seems like just yesterday we were standing in that kitchen partying with some of those same folk!

Justin looks like he has lost a bit of baby fat with all that training! He looks fabulous.

God please keep him safe.

hugs to all....

Thanks ladies! EJ, there are other pics just not forum friendly! LOL Karen, you are right, we are not that far away from each other. Yes, Justin has lost his baby fat and buffed up some. Gina and Ellen, Southern CA is sounding real good to me now.

Cathy, the fountain was fun but not sure I would do it again. For a bunch of younger kids yes, even though the adults liked it too. I think a fondue would be better and you would not have to use so much chocolate. I used 14 cups of chips and 1 3/4 cups of oil. I tossed a bunch of chocolate the next day. The machine ran fine for about 4-5 hours and then it made some funny noise and started choking so to speak. We shut it down for awhile and then it ran fine for another hour or so. I think something may have got stuck in the auger??? I will say it wasn't as messy as I thought it might be. Yes, some drips on the counter but the floor and my rugs made it without a drop. Actually, the whole house survived very well. One small stain in the dining room but it cleaned up great. It's made by Rival and she said she picked it up at Big Lots.

Thanks again everyone!!

David

awwww come one David post 'em...on the gallery....hee hee