Challenge Your Guests — Invite guests to get in the kitchen and whip up their favorite version of a summer staple such as sangria or salsa. Number all the entries and set them out small notepads, pencils and a jar for the “ballot box.” At the end of the party, announce the winner – or winners (in addition to overall “best,” winning categories can include “most exotic ingredients,” “spiciest” or “most visually appealing.”) Don’t forget the prizes! Make your own Short Cut Salsa using Traina Foods California Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup or Sriracha Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup:

Ingredients:

1/2 C Traina California Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup or Sriracha Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup
1/4 C Salsa of your choice
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 Tbsp reserved for avocado
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 Tbsp reserved
1 avocado, finely diced (prepare right before serving)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, except avocado.
2. Before serving, dice the avocado, squeeze fresh lime juice over it
3. Top the salsa with it and reserved cilantro
4. Serve with warm tortilla chips

Make a Spread of Salads

Don't feel like sweating over a hot grill or oven while your guests mingle? No problem! Hosting a party with an easy spread of salads (think everything from greens - like Traina Foods Crunchy Greens with Dried Fruit Salad and fresh fruits to pasta, egg and chicken varieties) allows you to set out the goodies, and then join the party!  

Try Traina Foods NEW  Red White and Blue Salad for a festive punch of color and flavor!

Ingredients: 

Salad:

3 Medium red apples, diced
5 stalks celery, diced
4 oz. goat or feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 C Traina Foods dried blueberries
1/2 C pan-tasted pecans

Vinaigrette

4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tsp honey
1 Tsp dijon mustard