Sunday, December 19, 2010

Mashtini Anyone?

For the past seven years, I have hosted a Christmas Day open house. It is an open invitation to the family to come to our home and share in some good food and Christmas cheer. Guests may pop in or out any time throughout the day, so I like to serve food that will keep well all day long. This year, the main menu will include:

Petite Shrimp Salad Sandwiches
Petite Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Maryland Style Crab Soup
Cole Slaw
Assorted Cheeses and Crackers
Chips and Dip
and....
A Mashtini Bar

What is a mashtini bar you ask? Well, basically it is mashed potatoes served in a martini glass and garnished with a variety of toppings, such as sour creme, chives, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, black olives, brocoli bits, cubed ham, gravy, etc. There will be a "salad bar" of mashed potato toppings to choose from.

I was first introduced to this idea at my niece's wedding reception a year and a half ago. It is a fancy way to serve mashed potatoes and a fun way for guests to eat them! Here are some photos of my mashtini bar preparations and my oldest daughter testing it out:






9 comments:

betty said...

never heard of a mashtini bar before but it sounds delicious; wonderful concept! your open house menu sounds delicious too! Enjoy!

betty

Cheeseboy said...

Brilliant idea! How fun. I think this might actually be more fun than a martini bar.

Faye said...

What an original idea. When I saw mashtini thought sour mash whiskey--I'm from KY! Everyone loves mashed potatoes and has definite ideas about the proper toppings. Hope everyone has a grand time.

Anonymous said...

You know the problem with those Petite sandwiches is that us that can eat a lot...well we look like pigs cuz we have to eat so many just to put a dent in our food craving. ROFLMAO. I've heard of those Mashtini's before but never seen them. Brilliant..but, and I know your thinking what the hell is wrong with him and these downer comments, but can you imagine if you've had a few too many what those tatertini's would come out looking like? YIKES. Happy Monday.

Jan n Jer said...

Wow, I am so bummed that we will be missing this event. Looks sooooo delish and what a fun idea!

Jen said...

Another cool idea :)

Have a great time with your Christmas open house!

Deborah Ann said...

Mashtini, huh? Sounds divine! Love those festive pictures too...

Merry CHRISTmas, my dear friend!

quilly said...

How are you going to keep the potatoes soft and keep a crust from forming over the top? and with fish in those sandwiches, how are you going to keep them chilled? I am asking because that knowledge will come in way handy for me at my next party. Yesterday we had about 50-60 people through our house in 4.5 hours.

gayle said...

Great idea! Love your menu!

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