The way to party

Last Saturday, we hosted a Leadership dinner for my co-workers and their spouses (or +1's). My boyfriend is a party planner by nature, (I think a lot of that comes from his Momma!). He took the menu and the setup to a whole other level then what I would have been able to do alone.

We started our get together with drinks, (served from our new industrial ice coolers, rocking the Red Bull and Rockstar logos) kimchi quesadillas and homemade guacamole and chips. This was followed by a main course of smoked whole chickens, cedar plank sockeye salmon, spicy prawn orzo, and  a spinach walnut cranberry salad. We finished off the meal with dark chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries and mint.

But the star of the event were these adorable and scrumptious mojito jello shots that a friend showed me on another blog.

Look at them! Don't you want to eat them all up?!

I made a few changes to the recipe that we found. I highly suggest these but give yourself lots of time.

Mojito Jello Shots - Adapted from A beautiful mess

16 whole ripe limes
1.5 cups of sugar
1.5 cups of water
3/4 cup of fresh lime juice
3 packets of unflavored gelatin
1 box of sugar free lime gelatin
3 stems of fresh mint
1.5 cups of rum (optional)

Cut all limes in half. Juice all of the limes into a measuring cup until you have 3/4 of a cup. If you have more feel free to add it in the next step or discard it. Use a small sharp knife and a spoon to remove the lime flesh from each half. Set these in a container so that they are all holding each other as straight as possible.

Simmer water until just under a boil. Add sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir is one packet of unflavored gelatin at a time until combined into the sugar/water mixture. Then stir in the lime flavored gelatin as well. Add in the fresh lime juice and stir together. Take 2 mint stems and place them into the gelatin mixture and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Remove mint stems and add in rum.

Poor the gelatin mixture into the pre-scooped out lime cups. Place the limes into the fridge for at least 3 hours or over night. If possible place the jello shots into the freezer for an hour before you serve them. Prior to serving, cut each lime cup in half, this will give them the segmented look in the picture. If you want fresh lime on top, cut remaining mint leaves and sprinkle on top. Serve. Enjoy.

It was DELICIOUS! I honestly can't take a lot of credit. Although, I was very impressed and slightly amazed at how smooth the whole preparation of the event went. I never felt stressed or frazzled and I was able to enjoy all of our company.

There are few things in this world as wonderful and amazing as close friends, great food, and intense laughter.

This will not be a night quickly forgotten.