I’m a part of a Bunco group, where twelve of us get together once a month taking turns hosting at each others home. We get together to play a game but really it’s an excuse to connect with friends for some good food, fun and lots of laughs. The month of June was my turn.
See all these women here, they can get pretty wild and crazy!
In case you’re wondering what Bunco is, it’s a game of dice played in rounds. Players take turns rolling the dice and trying to accumulate as many points as possible to win each round. The game is played at tables of four in competing teams of two. The first one that yells out “Bunco!” wins the round. This is a game that requires no skills at all, anyone can learn how to play in 5 minutes!Yes, we’re high rollers and we play with money, everybody chips in five bucks!
The one hosting supplies all the food and drink but almost always someone will walk in with delicious homemade cookies or a cake. We usually visit and eat first then play the game, afterwards we’ll have coffee and dessert. Finger foods and appetizers are typically served.
Along with various dips and a caprese pizza, here’s a few other things I made when I hosted at my house.
The one hosting supplies all the food and drink but almost always someone will walk in with delicious homemade cookies or a cake. We usually visit and eat first then play the game, afterwards we’ll have coffee and dessert. Finger foods and appetizers are typically served.Along with various dips and a caprese pizza, here’s a few other things I made when I hosted at my house.Salami and Bocconcini Bites
On a piece of thin sliced salami place one basil leaf, one half of a cherry tomato, a small bocconcini ball or a cube of fresh mozzarella and one sun-dried tomato in oil. Secure with a pick and drizzle with balsamic and olive oil.
Fruit Kabobs with strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe and blueberries.
Fruit Kabobs with strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe and blueberries.If you have extra fruit freeze it into ice cubes it tastes great in a punch, tea or lemonade and it keeps it nice and cold.
Tostada Cups with Artichoke Salsa
The tostada cups are made by spraying both sides of a tortilla with cooking spray and then cutting into 8 wedges. Press the wedges into 8 muffin cups with all 3 points sticking out. Bake in a 450F oven for about 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Tostada Cups with Artichoke SalsaThe tostada cups are made by spraying both sides of a tortilla with cooking spray and then cutting into 8 wedges. Press the wedges into 8 muffin cups with all 3 points sticking out. Bake in a 450F oven for about 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
The salsa is simply made by opening a jar or two of your favorite marinated artichokes, draining them and pulsing them in your food processor. When finished pulsing, pour into your bowl.
Then chop some red onion, kalamata olives, 1 clove of smashed garlic and diced and seeded tomatoes. Finish off with salt, pepper, shredded basil, a hint of lemon peel and a little olive oil to taste.
La Bomba, is a mix of eggplant, fennel, roasted peppers, onions, artichokes, mushrooms and olives diced up small and served with Mini Pita Rounds flavored with olive oil and rosemary. This is a perfect party appetizer, it makes a huge amount and can be made ahead of time.
Then chop some red onion, kalamata olives, 1 clove of smashed garlic and diced and seeded tomatoes. Finish off with salt, pepper, shredded basil, a hint of lemon peel and a little olive oil to taste.
La Bomba, is a mix of eggplant, fennel, roasted peppers, onions, artichokes, mushrooms and olives diced up small and served with Mini Pita Rounds flavored with olive oil and rosemary. This is a perfect party appetizer, it makes a huge amount and can be made ahead of time.Here’s the recipe.
The pita chips I made before but this time I just used mini round fresh pita’s, split them horizontally and baked them like this.
These bite size spaghetti appetizers were a big hit, I got the inspiration from Joan at Foodalogue, she added bacon and peas to hers but I had a lot of different things going on so I wanted to keep them lighter.
Cooked spaghetti, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, eggs and fresh basil mixed together and baked in mini muffin tins topped off with a light marinara sauce.
When the cheese melts and the flavors blend together with the spaghetti the result is addicting! Here’s Joan’s original recipe.
And of course sipping on some chilled Limoncello while your playing the game makes everything just perfect!
These bite size spaghetti appetizers were a big hit, I got the inspiration from Joan at Foodalogue, she added bacon and peas to hers but I had a lot of different things going on so I wanted to keep them lighter.Cooked spaghetti, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, eggs and fresh basil mixed together and baked in mini muffin tins topped off with a light marinara sauce. When the cheese melts and the flavors blend together with the spaghetti the result is addicting! Here’s Joan’s original recipe. And of course sipping on some chilled Limoncello while your playing the game makes everything just perfect!
Buon Appetito!
I’m Marie, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and gramma of two beautiful girls. My passion is food, clear and simple but especially Italian food, hence the name of my blog, Proud Italian Cook. I want you to feel right at home here so grab a cup of coffee, I’ll get the pastries, take a look around and enjoy your visit! {
The recipes are very delicious…And I am following your blog for some time, now……
You are amazing!! I would love to attend one of your foodie soirees.. 🙂 I really am going to try the spaghetti in the mini muffin tins, that is the cutest!!
What fabulous photos and delicious looking food! Also love the Limoncello, it pairs nicely with Bunco and good friends. I just signed up to follow your fabulous blog! Stop by and visit sometime at http://www.stephaniesavorsthemoment.com. Looking forward to your next post – Cheers!
God Love you! How do you find the time to do all that? When I host a get together, cleaning up uses all my energy and I’m usually scrambling at the last minute looking for heat and serves!
now you had too much fun at that party!!! I love those spaghetti cups!
I wouldn’t have known about bunco until you told me about it. I can just imagine everybody looks forward to when you host it. Everything looks great, but those little spaghetti appetizers are calling out to me. I can’t wait to try them when I get home.
Being someone who prefers to make a meal out of small bites (and married to someone who prefers… well … a meal), I could dine all week on your spread. I do have to say those spaghetti bites are in my near future. Such goodness all packed into a few bites. Bunco?Must definitely check that out!
Looks like a wild bunch for sure. but where are YOU Miss Marie? Maybe someday we’ll see the rest of your lovely face!!
LOL
I just made the spaghetti bites and they’re SO GOOD!! I used Fontina and Asiago cheeses and we loved them. Wasn’t sure how long to cook them though. For those of you who want to make these, they bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Delicious!
I used to play in a bunco group – it was a lot of fun. Your house must be the favorite location – everything looks delicious! Thank you for all of the inspiring ideas!
All of your party treats look delicious, Marie! I would love to come play at your house. 🙂
Wow, this sound so much fun…not only getting together with friends but enjoying food…everything looks so delicious…love the idea of the spaghetti in bite size…nice pictures as well 🙂
These spaghetti bites look so adorable and sound so good and cheesy. Perfect for our next party, grazie.
All get togethers are fun when grerat food is thrown into the mix:D
Those bite sized spaghetti appetizers look delicious, as does everything else. Nice photos.
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Great job on the spaghetti bites! And I love the addition of the salami on the caprese skewers. I agree with Stacy – the gals must love when it’s your turn to host.
What a spread! Everyone must love coming to your house, Marie 🙂
I never heard of Bunco before my my daughter-in-law joined a group in her town in Colorado. I’m going to make sure she sees this post so she can try some of your recipes next time she hosts.
What fun, Marie! Your party food looks so wonderful. I’ve been making a version of the spaghetti bites for years, but never thought to bake them in little muffin tins! Thanks for that great idea!
How fun…I love those little spaghetti bowls.
I bet the girls love Bunco night at Marie’s house! You go all out!
I am making that La Bomba this weekend!
OMG those little spaghetti bites look amazing! I can’t wait to try them, along with the salami, basil, tomato, cheese skewers. And the eggplant and the….
I’ve never played bunco but have always thought it sounds like great fun, especially when the food is so delicious. I want to come to your party.
Those spaghetti apps look crazy good.
Reminds me, I keep meaning to make a spaghetti pie. Been awhile.
My mother been playing Bunco for years!! She always does the December bunco and I get to play. The women do get wild and crazy!!
I will have to show my mom your delicious food spread. I’m liking some of these ideas for her bunco this December!
PS: Tomorrow morning I’ll have a new post on the grilled turkey breast that you made a few weeks ago, that I decided to try!
They play Bunco at out church but never have a spread like this!
I want to go to your next bunco tournament! Mainly for the food. But also for the company!
You really know how to throw a games party. Our domino nights don’t usually go beyond tortilla chips and beer. I’m definitely going to have to up my game. Thos spaghetti muffins look delicious and so cute! Great pics!
Im in love with the spaghetti bites! Very creative. You ladies play big.