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Home » Dinner Parties » Whipped Pesto Obsession Dinner Party

Whipped Pesto Obsession Dinner Party

May 19, 2023 by Lori V Leave a Comment
Disclosure: This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not change your price should you buy something.

Dinner Party Diaries – Volume 1: Issue 11

As I’ve mentioned before, some Dinner Parties don’t have a theme per se.  Sometimes, I wouldn’t even call it a “unifying ingredient”.  Sometimes, I just get a wild hair for a specific food idea that has been preying on my mind and we jump off from there.  This week’s party is one such event.  I have been waiting for an excuse to make pesto whipped cream for weeks and weeks now, but it just hasn’t fit into the program.  Well, my impulse control finally lost the battle and here we are.  However, once having given in to my pesto whipped cream obsession, I had to answer the question “What else will go with it?”  To me, the flavors of tomato and roasted red peppers are a natural fit.  And since, in my head at least, this dinner party has an Italian vibe, I feel like dessert should include espresso in some form.  

Place setting with whipped pesto and pesto styled on plate, black napkin in napkin ring, and empty wine glass

What We’re Having at our Whipped Pesto Obsession Dinner Party

This time around, since I know that the cute little canapés that I have planned for the Whipped Pesto are going to take a chunk of my Time Budget for hand work, I’m sticking with a few tried and true recipes to balance out the prep time and “day of” work plus one other new dish that can be completed in advance.  

Check out my notes on planning for one-bite food prep.

We’ll start this dinner party off with two versions of the canapés and the Whipped Pesto Dip with veggie dippers, paired with the cabernet franc.  

Then for dinner, we’ve got Chicken with Tomatoes, Cumin, and Feta for a main, served on a bed of my Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice.  For sides, we’re serving a Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup along with Broccoli and Roasted Red Peppers with Parmesan.  

On a wine note, we’ll continue with the cabernet franc for now and then move on to a pinot noir.  

Finally, we’ll wrap it all up with a decadent Espresso Mousse with Squirrel Dippers.  Okay, they really have nothing to do with squirrels other than having nuts in them.  I just very much wanted something that I could call “Moose & Squirrel”.  However, these delicious Keto Maple Walnut Biscotti are from All Day I Dream About Food (one of my favorite blogs for keto baking).  I just swapped out the walnuts for pecans because that’s what I was feeling.  

Things I Would Change

Lori Side Note: In retrospect, I would actually recommend making the NY Times Best Gazpacho recipe instead of the Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup that I tried this time around.  (That was my one new recipe that could be made in advance).  The “Best Gazpacho” has a bit more depth of flavor on its own whereas this Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup is more muted.  Not bad; I just like the other one better. 

Multi-Course Dinner Option

Lori Side Note: If you wanted to turn this into a multi-course dinner, you could serve the soup by itself as a starter course.  You’re already keeping the main course warm during appetizers, so another 15 – 20 minutes won’t have any impact on your warming strategy.  

The Details

Number of People: 7

Serving Style: Appetizers on Table Upon Arrival; Buffet for Main and Sides; Dessert Served Family Style

Guest Arrival Time: 7:00 pm-ish Arrival and Appetizers; 7:30 / 7:45 pm Dinner

The Menu

Appetizers

  • Zucchini Parmesan Chips (brought by a guest)
  • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (brought by a guest)
  • Whipped Pesto Dip with Veggie Dippers
Whipped Pesto
Whether you need a savory dip, a classy spread, or just the right dollop of flavor for a canape, this Whipped Pesto is an easy and versatile solution. You can whip it up in minutes with very little effort. Try it for your next dinner party and your guests will love it!
View Recipe
Whipped Pesto Spread and Dip in small bowls
  • Canapés using both versions of the Whipped Pesto
Prosciutto Pesto Canapes
These Prosciutto Pesto Canapes make an elegant little bite to whet your guests’ appetites. You’d never know how easy these are to put together.
View Recipe
Proscuitto Pesto Canapes
Soppressata and Manchego Pesto Canapes
Dress up your hors d’oeuvres table with these fantastic Soppressata and Manchego Pesto Canapes. Just make sure to make plenty for your guests, because these will go fast!
View Recipe
Soppressata and Manchego Pesto Canapes on plate

Main

Braised Chicken with Tomato, Cumin, and Feta
I use this recipe from the New York Times but I substitute the harissa paste for chili garlic sauce.
Note: This is one for which you need to give some thought to your cooking vessels if you are cooking for a larger number of people.  Ideally, you want something that can hold heat well.  I used 2 Dutch ovens.
View Recipe
Braised Chicken with Tomato, Cumin, and Feta on plate

Sides

Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Full of flavor and creaminess, this delicious side comes together with fairly minimal effort. After some up front work, this cauliflower rice dish can mostly cook on its own while you focus on getting other things ready.
View Recipe
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan
Quick and easy, this Broccoli with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan makes a terrific side dish and is a great way to change up your broccoli game either for your next dinner party or a quick weeknight dinner!
View Recipe
Broccoli with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan - Finished and on plate
Chilled Tomato & Sweet Pepper Soup
I made keto croutons to go with it and topped it with Feta.
I used a recipe from a physical cook book for this one so I can’t give you the direct link.  However, here is the citation information:
"Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup." Recipe. Appetizers Finger Food Buffets & Parties: How to plan the perfect celebration with over 400 inspiring appetizers, snacks, first course, party dishes and desserts. Ed. Bridget Jones. London: Hermes House, 2009. 279. Print.
I would actually recommend the Best Gazpacho from the New York Times instead.
View Recipe
Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup with Keto Croutons and Feta in bowl
Best Gazpacho
I've made this many times and would highly recommend this as an alternative soup.
View Recipe

Dessert

  • Keto Meringues with a Tangy Sauce (brought by a guest)
  • Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (brought by a guest)
Espresso Mousse
Sophisticated but easy, this Espresso Mousse looks and sounds fancy but comes together very quickly and with very little effort! Add this to your “quick win” dessert repertoire and your guests or family will thank you.
View Recipe
Espresso Mousse in cappuccino cup with biscotti
“Squirrel Sticks” (Really Keto Maple Walnut Biscotti)
This recipe is from All Day I Dream About Food.
I just swapped the walnuts for pecans.
View Recipe
Keto Maple Walnut Biscotti

Wine Pairings

  • 2019 Paraduxx Howell Mountain Red Blend
  • 2016 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Franc Tonella Vineyard
  • 2020 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Le Ciel Serein

Getting Ready for our Whipped Pesto Obsession Dinner Party

Advanced Prep (2 or More Days in Advance)

Notes:

As always, the first part of prep falls under “the usual” category, meaning that you’ll see some version of these steps repeated frequently.   

  • Make space in your refrigerator
    • Refrigerator – Here’s what you’ll be storing:
      • Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice (day before party)
        • 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with a lid
      • Canapés
        • Soppressata, Manchego, and Prosciutto cubes
          • Separate gallon size zip top bags
        • Whipped Pesto Spread
          • 1 quart container with sealable lid
        • Whipped Pesto Dip
          • 1 quart container with sealable lid
      • Broccoli – (2 days in advance)
        • 1 gallon sized zip top bag
      • Chicken
        • Slice Red Onions – (2 days in advance)
          • 1 gallon sized zip top bag
        • Chicken – (day before or day of)
          • 1 rimmed baking sheet, covered (chicken will still be raw, so the bottom rack of your fridge is best)
      • Chilled Soup
        • Chopped Spanish Onions – (2 days in advance)
          • 1 gallon sized zip top bag
        • Chopped Roasted Red Peppers – (2 days in advance)
          • 1 gallon sized zip top bag
      • Espresso Mousse Mixture (day / night before party)
        • I use a 2 quart container with a lid. (Because this is before whipping, it’s still liquid.)
    • Counter Top
      • Canapés
        • Dried keto bread cubes / toast points
          • 1 gallon sized zip top bag on counter top
      • Chilled Soup
        • Tomatoes until you’re ready to chop them and make the soup
  • Make your Grocery List
  • Go Grocery Shopping
  • Pick up around the house (for any rooms / areas that will actually be seen)
  • Plan out serving dishes & utensils (to make sure you have what you need, ready when you need it)
  • Plan out eating plates & utensils (to make sure what you need will be clean and ready for guests)

2 Days in Advance (~ 3 hours)

Notes: 

The idea for this part of your prep is to get all of your bread cube drying and all chopping out of the way, with the exception of your tomatoes. Those will keep better if you don’t chop them up until you’re ready to cook with them.  As you’ll see below, I also have making making broth / stock on this list. Unless you have the time and inclination for making it, just go ahead and buy it.

  • Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup
    • Roast red bell peppers, peel off skins, and dice (20 minutes in oven (inactive) + 20 minutes cooling (inactive) + 10 minutes chopping)
    • Slice Keto Bread slices into 16 pieces, spray or drizzle with olive oil, dry in oven to make croutons (10 minutes + 40 minutes inactive oven time) (NOTE: Make the toast points for the canapés at the same time you’re doing this step.) 
    • Chop tomatoes (10 – 15 minutes)
    • Make soup and  let cool (45 minutes)
    • Blend and store in fridge (15 minutes)
  • Pesto Whip Canapés
    • Slice Keto Bread into 9 pieces and dry cubes in oven (5 minutes + 40 minutes inactive oven time)
    • Cube / slice Manchego and store in fridge (5 minutes)
    • Cube / slice spicy pepperoni and salami and store in fridge (5 minutes)
  • Braised Chicken with Tomato, Cumin, & Feta
    • Slice Red Onions and store in fridge (5 minutes)
    • Combine cumin, salt, and pepper; store in baggie or airtight container (3 minutes)
  • Broccoli with Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan
    • Trim broccoli and cut it into bite size pieces, store in fridge (15 minutes)
  • Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
    • Chop 1 Spanish Onion, store in fridge (5 minutes)
  • Make stock / broth (if not using store-bought) → See Homemade Chicken+ Broth
    • Chop big chunks of carrot, celery, onion (10 minutes)
    • Cook in Instant Pot on High Pressure (10 minutes coming up to pressure (inactive) + 55 minutes at high pressure (inactive) + 15 minutes natural steam release (inactive) + Strain (5 minutes) + Cool (2 hours)

Day Before Prep (~ 3 hours)

Notes: 

The plan for this day’s prep is to get all of your pre-cooking or long cook times out of the way. Then that day, you can focus on the recipes that need to be cooked at the end and the hand work for the canapés (which always takes longer than you think it will).  

  • Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
    • Make Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice (other than topping with Feta), cool, cover, and store in fridge (10 minutes additional prep + 30 – 40 minutes cooking + 1 hour cooling)
  • Squirrel Sticks
    • Bake, cool, and glaze coat (15 minutes prep + 25 minutes bake #1 + 30 minutes cooling + 5 minutes slicing + 30 minutes bake #2) (mostly inactive time)
    • To make these, I followed the directions for All Day I Dream About Food’s Keto Maple Walnut Biscotti but just substituted pecans for walnuts.
  • Espresso Mousse
    • Make mousse mixture and store in fridge (5 minutes)
  • Whipped Pesto Spread
    • Whip heavy cream, pesto, and grated Parmesan.  Divide into thirds.  Place one third of the whipped cream in this “lighter” phase into a sealable container and store in the fridge.  (10 minutes)
  • Whipped Pesto Dip
    • Add the remaining ingredients to the remaining 2/3s of the Whipped Pesto for the amped up flavor version to turn the whip into a spread. (5 minutes)
    • Store in a sealed container in the fridge overnight.

Day Of Timeline (7:00 PM Guest Arrival Time “T”; Dinner Time: ~7:30ish)

  • 5:00 pm (T – 2 hours)
    • Espresso Mousse
      • Remove mixture from fridge, pour into stand mixer, whip mousse and store covered in serving bowl in fridge
  • 5:15 (T – 1h 45m)
    • Braised Chicken with Tomato, Cumin, and Feta
      • Pat dry chicken on a rimmed baking sheet, season with salt, pepper, and cumin that you already mixed. Cover and store in fridge until ready to use. (10 minutes)
  • 5:25 pm (T – 1h 35m)
    • Canapés
      • Pull out your pre-cut ingredients, line them up like an assembly line, place finished canapés on serving plates, and cover with saran wrap
      • Suggested Assembly Line: (1) Serving Plate, (2) ½ of the Toast Points, (3) Whipped Pesto Dip, (4) Prosciutto Pieces, (5) Serving Plate, (6) other ½ of the Toast Points, (7) Whipped Pesto Spread, (8) Sopressata Cubes, (9) Manchego Cubes
      • Cover with plastic wrap and store in fridge
  • 6:00 pm (T – 1h)
    • Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
      • Remove from fridge to warm up
  • 6:15 pm (T – 45m)
    • Chicken with Tomato, Cumin, and Feta
      • Sear Chicken (12 – 15 minutes)
      • Cook Veggies (8 – 10 minutes)
      • Combine and cook in Dutch Ovens, leave on warm (20 minutes, then leave on warm until ready to serve)
  • 6:30 pm (T – 30m)
    • Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice
      • Place in oven – 350 for 30 minutes. Then drop the temp to 180 degrees F to keep warm.
    • Broccoli and Roasted Red Peppers with Parmesan
      • Cook in large sauté pan. Then, keep it warm either in a covered pan on the lowest temp setting or in 9×13 dish in oven at 180 F covered with aluminum foil.
  • 6:35 pm (T – 25m)
    • Prep Plates, Glasses, Serving Utensils, & Flatware
      • Get out and / or make sure are readily available
        • Serving Dishes
        • Appetizer, Small Soup Bowls, Dinner Plates, Dessert Plates
        • Water Glasses & Wine Glasses
  • 6:45 pm (T – 15m)
    • Chilled Tomato and Sweet Pepper Soup
      • Transfer soup to serving bowl and place back in fridge

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