Last night I helped with a baby shower - a long-awaited for shower. The new mom decided not to find out what she was having....which meant that if she had a shower before the baby was born everyone invited would be limited in what they could bring...yellow sleepers, yellow onesies, yellow blankies...you get my drift. So she had to wait until after the baby was born to have her shower....she had a boy... he's adorable - definitely worth the wait. But...to all you expecting moms out there....the BEST reason to find out what you're having before it arrives is so you can have a shower and get all the lovely little things you'll need in advance! This baby definitely got lovelies...and then some.
It was truly one of the nicest showers I've ever attended - including the ones I've given! The hostess, the incredible Becky, is a perfectionist (and I mean that in the best sense of the word) and her attention to detail made the evening and all of the food just wonderful. I took these humble little appetizers - not much to look at but they pack a wonderful "punch."
Using a mini-cupcake tin to transport the mushrooms kept them from rolling around. You can also bake them in the tin.
Stuffed Mushrooms - Pots and Pins
1 lb. bacon, cooked until crisp, drained and crumbled (or you can use cooked Italian sausage, equally as good!)
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
3 green onions, finely chopped
freshly ground black pepper
30 medium-sized mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, soften cream cheese in microwave, about 25 seconds, or until it can be stirred easily with a wooden spoon. Add remaining ingredients to cream cheese, except for mushrooms; mix well to combine. Spoon as much mixture as the mushroom can hold into the center of each mushroom, about a large teaspoon or so, mounding a little in the center but do not push out over the sides. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and juices have started to flow from the mushrooms. Serve immediately.
Makes 30 stuffed mushrooms. 
I thought you might like to see some shots of the other gastronomical treats from last night....so sad you couldn't be there! All of the treats were made - nothing was store bought except the cheese and the drinks....The incredible Becky even made the sugared birds nest that went on top of the chocolate cake - which was the best cake I've ever tasted...maybe I can get the recipe and if I do, I promise to share, I shouldn't be the only one with drool and chocolate on my face!
Baked brie drizzled with honey and served with fresh raspberries and sliced pears, grilled shrimp skewers served with fresh mango salsa, chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting and toasted almonds, the invitation...courtesy of moi and my chocolate dipped coconut macaroons with fondant babies on top...
Mini-coconut cupcakes topped with toasted coconut and teensy-blue egg-shaped candies, the sugared birds nest with candy eggs, baby-boy-blue drinks, cheese board, chicken and rice salad in lettuce cups.
