Graduation Party

My absolute favorite party I have done up to this point would have to be my husband’s graduation party from college. After 5 ½ years of college I knew I had to do something special for him, since he (finally) reached this milestone in his life and join the wonderful life of a working adult, ok that might be a little sarcastic. It was also the first get-to-together/party we had in our new home together so it was a chance to show off our new house as well. Since he graduated in December, I went with a Chili themed party, and let me tell you I made way too much chili that I don’t think we ate chili again for a year after this party.  We did a build your own chili bar, which was a huge hit because it catered to everyone. We had hotdogs, baked potatoes, fries, Fritos, corn bread, chips, and toppings for everyone to indulge in whatever their little hearts desired.

 I put the crock-pot full of chili on an upside down wooden crate, and then made the “chili” sign with a frame from our local craft store and then bought fabric, black paint, and stencils. I love the way it turned out.

His favorite dessert is cheesecake so I made cheesecake cookie bars and then my mom brought cookies. (See recipe below)

 

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

 

Ingredients

1package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated chocolate chip cookies

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth

 

In ungreased, 9 or 8-inch square pan, break up half of cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in the bottom of the pan to form crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Crumble and sprinkle remaining half of dough over cream cheese mixture

 

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 minute. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store in refrigerator.