Election night is upon us and as a child raised to enjoy the democratic process, and as an adult who is always looking for an excuse to part-ay, I am thinking about having some friends over to watch history be made…or watch the world end, either one.

I love love love to entertain.   The whole reason we got this apartment is because it has a big open kitchen with an island, that is perfect for having friends over.  I am not the kind of gal who opens up a package of sharp cheddar and calls it a day.   No no, there is a spread involved, my friends.  I typically change up menus depending on the season, but there are two standards that I serve for any soiree.  The first is warmed up brie (yes, it’s as simple as it sounds.  If you can punch a ballot, you can heat up some brie.)  The second is my mom’s famous garlic pizza.  These make for the perfect, nervous eating, snacks.  

Here are your step by steps for the extremely simple, crowd pleasing bites.

Warm Brie:

Ingredients:

• Brie (duh) – the entire wheel.  I like La Bonne Vie – well priced, nice taste.
• Honey
• Seasonal fruits or nuts
• Crackers

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Line small cookie sheet with parchment paper, set brie on paper
• Place in oven for 5-7 minutes (keep a watchful eye!  You can reduce or add time depending on how gooey you want the cheese.)
• Once cheese is melted and bubbly, drizzle with honey, and top with whatever seasonal fruits and/or nuts you’d prefer

I love to use pears, raspberries, blueberries or almonds for my topping.   This is a great opportunity to play with what’s around during the season and always keeps it interesting.   On some occasions I’ve pretended that I was bouji and got some fancy crackers, but I always go back to Wheat Thins.  I love Wheat Thins.  Specifically the Reduced Fat Wheat Thins.  Seriously, I can’t say enough good things about them.  They are sturdy, delicious, and if I ever get trapped on a deserted island, I want a box of Reduced Fat Wheat Thins with me.  

Ok – now onto the piece de resistance… the Garlic Pizzas

Ingredients:

• Frozen bread dough or pre-made pizza crust
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Dry oregano
• 2 tbs Ricotta
• 2 tbs pesto
  
• 1 cup Italian cheese blend

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 425
• Grease a rimmed cookie sheet
• Spread defrosted dough onto cookie sheet
• Spread minced garlic with hands across dough
• Sprinkle garlic powder and oregano
• With spatula spread ricotta and pesto
  
• Sprinkle cheese blend across dough, cover from end to end
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, until dough is golden brown

This is so easy and so versatile, you can seriously put any toppings you want on the pizza.  Don’t be afraid to get creative – however do be afraid to kiss anyone for the next 2 days.  Seriously, it is loaded with garlic.  One of the best things about this pizza is that you can make it ahead of time, cover with saran wrap and pop it in the oven right before guests come over.

So there you have it – some delightful dishes, ones that I plan to serve on election night and probably for every party I ever throw until the end of time….which might be next week, depending on the results.

Oh, and don’t forget to vote.