A good friend of mine recently asked for suggestions for a meal that would please both kids and adults alike. She was having a few friends over with their families, and wanted to create a meal that satisfied everyone.

My advice for my friend was to keep dinner simple, and then wow her guests with a homemade dessert the kids could help create!

For an appetizer, I suggested she make a dill dip that was a staple at our house growing up. It’s great with everything from veggies to chips. This dip can be made two days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Dill Dip Recipe

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise

• 2/3 cup sour cream

• 1 Tablespoon chopped green onion

• 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley

• 1 Tablespoon dill weed

• 1 teaspoon Beau Monde seasoning (found in the spice isle)

Mix ingredients together and chill. Serve with carrots, celery, chips, etc.

One to two days before your get together, purchase a roast chicken or two already pre cooked at your grocery store. Have some frozen veggies on hand, and boil just before dinner. Dinner’s never been so simple! Best of all, everyone can enjoy each other’s company, without having to worry about cooking or cleaning up a messy kitchen.

Now for the fun part—dessert! This recipe is one that my grandmother made for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and fun gatherings with friends. I loved helping my grandmother make this as a child.
I suggested to my friend that she purchase three pie shells, and that way there would be plenty of pie leftover to send home with her friends.

Grandmommy's Chocolate Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

Combine the following ingredients in a bow:

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 Tablespoons of Flour

• 2 Tablespoons of Cocoa

• Mix the following ingredients, stirring slowly:

• 2 Egg Yolks

• 1 cup milk

Cook over medium low heat until mixture thickens. Add the following:

• 1 Tablespoon of butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Pour ingredients into premade pie crust.

Meringue Ingredients:
Mix the following ingredients until soft peak forms:

• 5 egg whites

• 6 Tablespoons of sugar

• 4 teaspoons of Vanilla

• 1 teaspoon Cream of tarter

Pour pie mixture into shell, and gently spread the meringue.
Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, about twenty minutes.

By taking advantage of ready to eat roasted chickens from your grocery store, along with some frozen veggies, you’ll have plenty of time to make the chocolate pie. My friend tried the above tips, and told me the kids loved making the chocolate pie. It baked as they enjoyed a relaxing dinner together.