Category: Spring Entertaining

This category offers tips, inspiration and solutions for Spring Gatherings.

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Classic Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwich

Hosting a Tea Party is the best reason I can think to pull out your fancy dishes, iron your linen napkins, invite the ladies over and wear a frilly dress. Plus those cute little Tea Sandwiches… let’s start with a classic Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwich recipe and add to the menu from there. 

Tea Party Menu

::  ::  ::

Variety of Hot Teas

Smoked Salmon + Dill Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber + Butter Tea Sandwiches

Mary’s Maine Spice Bars

cucumber-and-butter-tea-sandwich-recipe-by-kraylfunch-anappealingplan-2

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Tea sandwiches are two bites of yumminess. Perfect for trying a few different flavors and still leaving room for the sweets on the table.

As the name suggests, Cucumber and Butter tea sandwiches have only a few ingredients so it is important they are high quality and fresh. Splurge a little and you will be able to tell the difference I promise.

Note:: although I always like to make entertaining easier, I will say that these beauties are best when made fresh the day of your tea party as the bread tends to absorb the moisture in the cucumbers after if left over night.

tea-party-with-smoked-salmon-and-dill-sandwich-recipe-for-sundaysupper-by-kraylfunch-5

For a step-by-step demo of the recipe, you can watch my video tutorial below. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss a recipe or design idea! {It’s free!}

 

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Weekly Recap :: Krayl On Instagram August 13th

Happy Weekend!! 

This week behind the scenes on Instagram is full of images celebrating my favorite season and month! I hope you are celebrating as well and will come on over and follow along on Instagram! 

This time of year people start talking about the end of summer and how they are ready for the sweaters and scarfs of fall…

Me? I’m trying to hang on to every bit of summertime. I just love everything about this season- morning coffee on the porch, neighborhood bbq’s with fresh corn, dips in the lake and sandy toes from the day at the beach.⚓️

So while I appreciate every season and will get on board when autumn arrives, right now I am happily savoring summer.☀️

Looking for more ways you can celebrate the seasons? Sign up for my updates and get my monthly calendar filled with seasonal celebrations and reminders! Simply click on the link in my profile or go to AnAppealingPlan.com/free-updates. See you there!

#SummerLovin #LiveInTheMoment #CelebrateEveryday


It’s #friyay !!! Spotted these chairs on a recent mini beach getaway. ⚓️

Anyone want to join me for a beverage and some people watching? 

Oh cabana boy…I will have another please.

#weekendgoals #cabanalife #anappealingplan

I have to admit, the first time I heard about a spiked Agua Fresca I was watching Shahs of Sunset on BRAVO, yes it’s true. #bravoholic

Reza had just arrived at MJ’s house and she greeted him with an Agua Fresca spiked with Tequilla. If you are a fan of the show you can image it was most likely heavy spiked however, it looked refreshing, super pretty and sounded exactly like something I would love to offer my guests this summer when they stop by.

My version has watermelon + basil and is just as tasty as it is pretty.

Making your own is easier than you think learn how here. 

{ps @rezafarahan if you are reading this, you are always welcome to knock on my door for a cocktail… just saying}.

#bravosuperfan #bravoandy #mjmademedoit


Apparently I was too busy reading to realize it was #nationalbookloversday yesterday!

I’m taking the opportunity to post the cover of my own book for those of you who are new around here and may not know about it!

Learn more about it here! http://bit.ly/AAPBook or click the “buy the book” flag at the top! .

An Appealing Plan : A Year of Everyday Celebrations was written with my goal of encouraging everyone to celebrate everyday. It’s part cookbook, part decorating, with menu and tablescape ideas for every season! .

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

#anappealingplan #celebrateeveryday #bigmagic


The birthday celebration continues.

Feeling blessed to have wonderful friends to toast with.

@emily_ellyn @michaelrizzo69 #gingeraleoverchampagne #theshowmustgoon #epiccheftb #epicchef


“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

It’s a rainy Monday here which makes me want to stay in bed and watch movies under the covers… But not today. My to-do list is long and I need to get them all crossed off early this week. Productivity is a key word for me this month so please pass the coffee. ☕️

What’s getting you motivated today? 

{grab your own motivational quote from my Pinterest board! }

#mondaymotivation #coffeetime #bosslady


Missing this two little faces on #nationalfriendshipday !

What a great time I had visiting with them recently. We hardly left the house all week {or even the pool for that matter}. ☀️Time with friends and family is so important our souls. It nourishes me and gives me memories to last until the next visit.

In the comments, Tag a friend you are thinking about today and wish them a happy #friendshipday2016

#friendshipgoals #anappealingplan #sundayfunday

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Setting A Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3212 1000x

This week I am collaborating with The Inspired Home who has sponsored my feature on Planning a Gold Themed Bridal Shower. I have to tell you it was a pure pleasure creating a pink and gold tablescape with their lovely brands and products. As you can see, I was in pink and gold heaven!

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3441 1000x

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3128 1000x

As I was thinking about my top tips for creating a pink + gold bridal shower tablescape I knew Peonies would be the star of the table. Their delicate petals and romantic scent create a focal point for the center of the table. The pink peonies mixed with white tulips and placed in gold striped vases became my inspiration for the entire tablescape.

The other stars of this table – gold stemware, rose gold flatware, clean white plates, rose inspired cloth napkins and of course rose wine to be served to all the guests!

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3188 1000x

Be sure to add special touches to your table with small gift bags tied with gold name tags  or place settings and gold cupcake “bride” banners to top mini cupcakes to serve as both decor and dessert.

Read my top tips for planning your gold themed bridal shower and find out more about the products I used on The Inspired Home website. Be sure to leave a comment letting me know you stopped by! 

Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape - Krayl Funch 3507 1000x

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Tinto de Verano ~ A Sangria Alternative {#SundaySupper}

Tinto de Verano, translation the “red wine of summer”, is a refreshing blend of Spanish red wine and lemon-lime soda and the perfect beverage to serve on a hot summer day… or night!

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 39 1000x

A sangria alternative Tinto de Verano, with just 3 ingredients or less, could be one of the quickest cocktail recipes you will ever make! And when you chill the ingredients over night before mixing them, you will have one less thing to think about right before your guests arrive.

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 40 1000x

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 57 1000x

In Southern regions of Spain it is common for locals to drink Tinto de verano as it is easy to make at home and is considered less touristy than the more expensive Sangria. And as the name implies tinto de verano is often served during warmer days of summer.

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 62 1000x

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 66 1000x

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is that you can choose a mixer that you prefer to suit you or your guests tastes. I happen to love San Pelligrino Limonata, however Squirt and Sprite mixed with sparkling water is another option readily available in all areas.

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 88 1000x

Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 71 1000x

Tinto de Verano Recipe

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Tinto de Verano recipe on AnAppealingPan.com by @KraylFunch A sangria alternative 94 1000x

Para Empezar, Las Tapas (Appetizers/tapas) –

Postres (Desserts) –

Bebidas (Drinks) –

Plus Alcachofas al Ajillo – Garlicky Artichokes – and Spanish Tapas Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board

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Fresh Lime, Grapefruit + Mint Rum Cocktail

Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day or any Summer holiday gathering call for cocktails that are a refreshing blend of all the season has to offer! Fresh squeezed lime and grapefruit juices muddled together with just picked mint create a tasty fresh citrus rum cocktail perfect for entertaining or simply cooling off with your toes in the water.

Grapefruit Lime Mint Rum Cocktail on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 2329 real 750x

Inspired by the popular Paloma Cocktail I wanted to create a cocktail that brought together my favorite citrus flavors but that would blend well with rum rather than tequila. I know most people love tequila in the summer but it’s just not my favorite – something to do with a certain senior class trip, but that’s a long story for another time.

Grapefruit Lime Mint Rum Cocktail on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 2288 real 750x

Grapefruit Lime Mint Rum Cocktail on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 2333 real 750x

Really you could use most white alcohols you have in your bar in this recipe but I chose to start with white rum and it turned out really tasty! The ice will water it down after a little while but you could also add tonic water if you are worried about guests enjoying them a little to quickly, as can happen in the warm summer months.

Grapefruit Lime Mint Rum Cocktail on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 2305 750x

Grapefruit Lime Mint Rum Cocktail on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 2314 750x

I was concerned about the rum being too sweet but actually the fresh citrus juices and mint took the front stage and I have to say even I am impressed about how delish this Lime, Grapefruit + Mint Cocktail turned out. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think! Cheers!

Grapefruit Lime Mint Rum Cocktail on AnAppealingPlan.com by @KraylFunch 2333 750x

Fresh Citrus + Mint Rum Cocktail

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Seasonal Inspirations + My May 2016 Calendar

May has arrived and this month we celebrate the beauty of Spring + the start of the Summer Entertaining season. Just a few of the special days in May are :: Cinco de Mayo, The Kentucky Derby, Mothers Day, Memorial Day and SO many more.

april showers bring may flowers quote and flower image on AnAppealingplan.com @KraylFunch

 

It’s here! My May 2016 printable monthly calendar just for you. Print it out + mark the reminders in your day planner or digital calendar.

I hope this calendar inspires you to find new ways to celebrate everyday of the month + season!

{click here to download your May 2016 calendar + to automatically receive a monthly calendar to your inbox}

MAY 2016 - An Appealing Plan by Krayl Funch Printable Calendar cover

 

The Kentucky Derby 2016 is May 7th :: 

Celebrate by hosting a Kentucky Derby Party complete with Bourbon Bacon Deviled Eggs + Mint Juleps! Get your Kentucky Derby Party planning guide here.

Kentucky Derby Party ideas. Min Julep cocktail recipes. Starting with fresh mint and silver mint julep cups. AnAppealingPlan 1000x

Mother’s Day 2016 is May 8th ::

Celebrate Mom in style with breakfast in bed or a special brunch to honor her special day!

mothers day quotes #AnAppealingplan

 

Memorial Day 2016 is May 30th ::

Invite a few friends or neighbors over and cook out as we remember those who have given their lives for our country.

Land of the free home of the brave - #MemorialDay #USA

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Chive, Leek + Cheese Quiche {#SundaySupper}

Brunch is my favorite meal to serve when hosting a Spring Gathering and it must feature a menu highlighting the best herbs of my Spring garden. Flowering chives and spring leeks are the perfect combination for a Chive, Leek and Cheese Quiche.  

Chive Leek and Cheese Quiche for Spring Brunch or Entertaining on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunch

Sure I liked chives, who doesn’t. They added color and flavor to baked potatoes right?

But then it happened…. I fell in love with chives.

At the time, I was working with a caterer in Bucks County, PA and had to stop at one of our local suppliers for micro greens – Blue Moon Acres in Buckingham, PA – on the way to the office. I had passed the farm a zillion times before but never a reason to head to the back to the wholesale area. As I walked back towards the far greenhouse to pick up my crate of micro greens there it was … a garden of chives, really a ring of chives surrounding a smaller garden, all framed by a pea gravel walk way. It was April or May and the chives where in full bloom. There purple globes opening up to the sun. Love at first sight! My inner gardener, inner cook and inner designer all came together there in that very moment. I wanted to stay in that circle forever. I have been in love with Chives ever since.

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Once you are in love with an herb you find every way possible to blend it into your recipes. Luckily chives are perfect compliment to most savory dishes and work well in salads and as a garnish on platters if you have extra.

Don’t even get me started on the edible chive flowers. Those little beauties are like purple gold! If you see them, buy them and add them to a spring salad. Your guests will never stop talking about it!

Chive Leek and Cheese Quiche for Spring Brunch or Entertaining on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunch 25 1000x

Chive Leek and Cheese Quiche for Spring Brunch or Entertaining on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunch 46 1000x

Chive, Leek and Cheese Quiche is a fantastic combination of subtle spring flavors perfect for breakfast, brunch or as far as I am concerned really any meal you wish. Share the flavors with friends when they stop over and be sure to accent your table with fun colors of spring like peach, white and turquoise. And yes, BTW I am a silverware convert – Rose Gold flatware will be making many appearances on my table this Spring.

Chive Leek and Cheese Quiche for Spring Brunch or Entertaining on AnAppealingPLan.com by @KraylFunch 44 1000x

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Melting snow, blooming flowers and trees, and greening grass means spring is here and everything is coming to life! There is nothing so wonderful as grilling on the deck, enjoying a drink on the patio, and soaking in all the new life that is surrounding you! Let’s bring some of that life to the Sunday Supper table this week and share recipes to welcome spring in 2016!

Thank you Renee from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures for hosting this week’s Sunday Supper event features all the best Spring has to offer!

Breakfast:

Appetizers:

Beverages:

Main Dish:

Side Dish:

Dessert:

Plus Spring Vegetable Minestrone and more Spring Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement

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Krayl’s Spring Entertaining Must Have’s

Some may say that for me, Spring Entertaining is simply an excuse to set a glorious spring tablescape, and they may be right… Who wouldn’t want an excuse to gather up all the prettiest flowers at the market, pop open a bottle of chilled Rose Champagne, and set the table with all your favorite spring tableware. Here are my suggestions for this Spring Tableware Picks to start fresh or to mix into your current collection.

Krayls Spring Picks for your spring Table #AnAppealingPlan

  1. Creative Candles – Taper Candles 12″ :: Don’t store you candles away after the winter, simply change out your colors for a fresh color that reflects the season. These Creative Candles Taper in Lime green is a reflection of the new grass growing outside your window.
  2. Hampton Forge Paris Hammered Gold Flatware :: The gold trend is here to stay. And there is no need to fight it any longer when flatware is available in chic hammered gold patterns. Don’t be afraid to mix metals – gold + silver are a classic tablescape combination.
  3. Spring Garden Dinnerware by Williams-Sonoma :: I can’t get enough of this fun garden inspired dinnerware featuring birds, bunnies and butterflies set on a pure white background. A border of sky blue completes the look and is perfect for Spring entertaining.
  4. Waterford Lismore Essence Ice Bucket :: Can you ever have too many ice buckets? Clear crystal in the timeless Lismore pattern by Waterford compliments any table – chill some bubbly and celebrate!
  5. Fresh Pink Peonies :: I wait all year-long to see that first peony bud open up in the garden and it never disappoints. If you can’t grow your own, find a resource and spend a little extra this month on flowers for the table, I promise their beauty will captivate you like it has me.
  6. Edge Rose Gold Champagne Saucer – Set of 2 :: OMG! When I first saw these saucer champagnes I wondered where they had been all my life! Are they to die for. Seriously.
  7. Ideal Home Range Artichoke Paper Cocktail Napkins :: Yes, 95% of the time I am all about reuseable and sustainable entertaining however, that 5% is left open for festive paper cocktail napkins. Add in bright green artichokes and I will buy out the store!

 

How are you entertaining this Spring season? What are your top must have’s for your table? Leave me a comment below and join the community by signing up for my newsletter here.

Looking for more Spring Entertaining tips + Recipes – Look Here!

 

Disclosure Statement 

 

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Sesame Chicken + Green Herb Tahini Dipping Sauce {#SundaySupper}

Finger foods are perfect for entertaining, no doubt about it! I love to put an easy spin on classic party food recipes when I am hosting guests. Ingredients like, Black Sesame seeds have a great flavor and add a much needed pop of color to this Sesame Chicken Skewers with Green Herb Tahini dipping sauce recipe.

Sesame Chicken Skewers with Herb Tahini Dipping Sauce #AnAppealingPlan @KraylFunch 27 700x

Sometime in my teens, when I first starting expanding my cooking skills past more than frozen pizza squares, one of my first “real” recipes was Sesame Chicken Fingers. I would proudly cut chicken breast in strips, coated them with a batter mixture of eggs, flour and white sesame seeds then lightly fried them in vegetable oil. Of course being a teen, honey mustard dressing was served as a dipping sauce and they were a big hit with the family {my other recipes included Corned Beef + Cabbage, yes it is true}!

Sesame Chicken Skewers with Herb Tahini Dipping Sauce #AnAppealingPlan @KraylFunch 33 700x

Sesame Chicken Skewers with Herb Tahini Dipping Sauce #AnAppealingPlan @KraylFunch 37 700x

While chicken fingers are still a big hit at parties, these days I like to mix it up a bit when entertaining at home. For instance in this Sesame Chicken with green herb tahini sauce recipe, white sesame seeds have been replaced with black sesame seeds – they have a similar flavor but look just a touch more chic on the platter. And who doesn’t love that.

Honey mustard has also been replaced at this party as the dipping sauce by a fresh herb tahini sauce. It’s complex flavors pair well with the quick and easy chicken skewers and I highly suggest making extra to use on salads, sandwiches and as a dip for fresh carrots. It’s become a favorite in our house already!

Sesame Chicken Skewers with Herb Tahini Dipping Sauce #AnAppealingPlan @KraylFunch 44 700x

 

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If you haven’t guessed it yet, this week’s Sunday Supper is featuring recipes for Finger Foods! Perfect for entertaining, I love this topic and know you are going to love each and every recipe the community has shared. Have a look around and be sure to tell them Krayl sent you!

Pinky Appetizers

Manual Mains

Digit Desserts

Plus Bite-sized Pavlovas and More Finger Food Recipes from Sunday Supper Movement

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

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Spring Flowers. The Perfect Way to Celebrate the Season In Your Home.

Spring days scream for spring flower arrangements placed on every surface of your home. Don’t save these gorgeous spring blooms for Easter dinner or Mothers Day brunch, brighten your living room, entranceway table and Spring tablescape with a combination of Snapdragons, Pussy Willow branches and fragrant stock everyday!

Spring Flower Arragement with Pussywillows By @KraylFunch on AnAppealingPlan.com 1027 1000x

I have a collection of vases for everyday flowers that sits on top of a sideboard in my dining room that I grab on a regular a basis, and then I have an amazing collection of art glass pieces I have purchased and acquired over the years that I bring out when I want to create something special. Now that doesn’t have to mean I am throwing a party, it can simply mean I picked up an extra bunch of flowers at the market or that I need a little pick me up on a Thursday.

Spring Flower Arragement with Pussywillows 979 1000x

Of course I start with my favorite flower arrangement filler, Eucalyptus leaves, in the base of my large glass container, cutting them to lay just on the edge of the vessel and then begin to add a layer of white fragrant white stock. On top of the line of white stock, add a large bunch of purple snapdragons for that pop of color.

Spring Flower Arragement with Pussywillows 992 1000x

Spring Flower Arragement with Pussywillows By @KraylFunch on AnAppealingPlan.com 1018 1000x

Finish off this spectacular spring flower arrangement with a few Pussy Willow branches in the center. Spread them out so they arch over the top of the entire arrangement adding texture and height to the arrangement and your spring dinner or coffee table.

Spring Flower Arragement with Pussywillows 1001 1000x

Promise me you add more flowers to your home this spring. Don’t wait for a holiday to add beauty to your table ~ try it today, just because. Celebrate everyday ~ Krayl 

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Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs {#SundaySupper}

Deviled Eggs are a retro side dish recipe that has had more than its 15 minutes of fame in the last few years. Yet I simply still can’t seem to get enough of them! This recipe for Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs adds a bit of edge, and crunch, to a vintage recipe perfect for serving at your next Spring gathering.

Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs by @KraylFunch #AnAppealingPlan for Easter or Derby Party

There is a joke in our house that my husband is going to burn out his tastebuds with tha amount of Sriracha he adds to pretty much every dish, so I have to credit him for the inspiration behind this Spicy Deviled Egg recipe. As the saying goes…if you can bet ’em, join ’em. 

Believe it or not this recipe isn’t super hot so feel free to add an extra teaspoon of Sriracha if you really want to kick it up. I love the heat level and feel that it allows you to actually taste the flavor of the Sriracha as well as the celery, which to me is the perfect balance when working with flavors that could easily over power the other ingredients. 

Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs by @KraylFunch #AnAppealingPlan for Easter or Derby Party plate in a hand

Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs by @KraylFunch #AnAppealingPlan for Easter or Derby Party single

Add this Spicy Srirachi Deviled Egg  dish to your menu as a welcome appetizer served with a Modern Relish Tray, or as a side dish on a buffet along with your other favorite dishes. The bright red dot of sauce and thin sliced celery on top of each one not only adds color and texture but gives a clue as to the ingredients however, if you will have kids at the gathering, you may want to label them so as not to catch anyone off guard. 

Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs by @KraylFunch #AnAppealingPlan for Easter or Derby Party on tray

Spicy Sriracha Deviled Egg Recipe

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Spicy Sriracha Deviled Eggs by @KraylFunch #AnAppealingPlan for Easter or Derby Party group

This week the Sunday Supper Family is celebrating everything Egg-stastic. From a recipe for Classic Egg Salad to a Pistachio Chai Baked Alaska everyone has totally out done themselves! Have a look for yourself… 

{a special thank you to our host for this week, Wendy from Wholistic Woman }

Appetizers & Sides

Main Dishes (Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Brinner and Dinner!)

Desserts

Sunday Supper MovementJoin the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.