Wine and Cheese Party: On a Budget $

I had a wine and cheese party over the weekend but had to keep it on a budget this month because I'm going to a destination wedding soon.  So, how can you be a good host without spending a lot of money?

*disclaimer: The wine did add up, but the party itself was extremely fun without spending too much.  You can substitute for cheaper wine if needed.

1.  Enlist the other guest to bring something - anything helps and friends like to help.



2. Don't go overboard - I always seem to have leftovers that get thrown away.

3. Don't buy decorations for one party.  For example a regular plate can be used for a cheese plate.

Martini glasses that hold salsa and peanuts for around the room

4. Use glass storage bowls from the start so clean up is easier and you don't have to wash as many dishes.

5. You can use wine pens Wine Glass Writer Metallic Color 3-Pack  to decorate a normal wine glass which will be fun for guest to decorate their own or you can write something on it before they get there sparking conversation.

6. Use wine you already have... I know you have more then one bottle at a time. This means you won't go to store and you won't spend more then you planned.

7.  Get great wines under $20 at Harris Teeter (they have a large selection)

8. Make sure people have water at all times because they will feel fuller longer. This means you don't need to buy as much.

 9. We used a crockpot to have lots of food for not that much money.  (Under $9 for 3lb)

Pulled Pork Recipe

 What You'll Need

A crockpot

3 pounds of boneless pork (either boston butt or country rib cut). Do NOT substitute pork loin, it will be super dry

salt

pepper

1/2 cup of chicken stock

1/2 cup of water

1 big yellow onion

What You Do

1) Cut up the pork into chunks that are appropriate for serving and will fit in your crockpot

2) Season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper

3) Cut of half of 1 big yellow onion into slivers or rings, whatever you like here.

4) Put the onion into the crockpot in a layer on the bottom. The onions will give the pulled pork a little sweetness during cooking

5) Put the pork on top of the onions

6) Put in a 1/2 cup of chicken stock

7) Put in a 1/2 cup of room temperature or cold water

8) Set the crockpot to high and cook for 3 hours

9) Reduce the crockpot heat to low and cook for 5 more hours

Note: Do NOT lift the crockpot lid during cooking. You may be tempted to, but it will make the cooking time take longer.

 

10) You can then leave the crockpot on low or warm for however long you like.

11) When ready to serve simply use tongs to pull out the meat, it will likely fall apart upon picking up, but you can use meat shredders or forks to spread the bits that don't break up easily.

12) Serve however you like. I prefer a sandwich with a little mayo and BBQ sauce. 

11) If you want to make carnitas tacos/burritos season add a packet of your favorite taco seasoning mix prior to putting into the crockpot. 

The 4 BBQ sauces pictured are: Heinz Tangy Vinegar, Heinz Sweet & Smoky, Slow's Detroit Spicy, Slow's Detroit Sweet.

It helps to have a sampling plate for the BBQ sauces so people can try different flavors without having to commit.

10. Have fun! / Don't buy a new outfit :)