Sip 'n See: Apparently a Southern Tradition

So today I may have come across the most exciting thing I have seen since I found out I was pregnant (granted I have not found out the sex of my baby yet still 16 days).  For those of you who know me, you know that there is nothing I love more than entertaining.  Therefore, when it comes to getting married, having babies or just celebrating day to day life, I live to throw a good get-together. Exhibit A:  I have been dreaming about the 1st birthday party I will throw for this kid since before I was pregnant. On the flip side, I struggle when I am not the planner of these events, so I don't enjoy people throwing me parties nearly as much as I enjoy celebrating others.  Exhibit B:  I am throwing a shower for a good friend of mine on August 13 and I am already ordering invites for her bachelorette in September.  Don't get me wrong, I always enjoy and appreciate when this is done for me (and I don't have a problem begin the center of attention... I am not shy), but it takes all my self-control not to jump in a start helping throw things together.  Sooo you can imagine my surprise when I found out that you can actually throw a big party for this baby before its first birthday.

This phenomenon is called a Sip 'n See and, from what I have read, has been around in the south for quite some time.  Now, all my friends with children live in the cornfield with me, so I have never attended such an event, but I CANNOT wait to host my own... or my child's should I say.  My research shows that basically, this is an open house when people come, have drink, have a snack and swoon over my baby (no gifts of course, baby showers are over).  How can one go wrong with this?  However, I know the fatigue of being a new parent may overwhelm me, so I am already brainstorming simple appetizers that could be an option for this event.  And I can always order dessert from one of my favorite local bakeries:)  So here is one of those easy recipes below.  Even my husband could make this, granted he wouldn't eat it, but you will!  Enjoy!

Brie and Jam Bites


1 refrigerated pie crust
Brie Cheese (cubed)
Your favorite flavored jam (I use raspberry)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roll out the pie crust and use a small dough cutter to cut into circles.  Press the crust into your pan.  I use a Demarle mini tartlet tray which makes 30, but if you don't have a one of those, use a mini muffin tray (just no need to fill the whole thing and you may also need to grease it).  According to the size of your pan, place a small cube of brie in each crust and then a small dollop of jam.  Bake for about 10-12 minutes and you are all set.  Serve them hot for best taste.

Now this obviously isn't a terribly specific recipe so add an almond or whatever else you think might taste good.  They are bite size, delicious and so easy!

One more thing... you may have noticed from exhibit b above, I think it can be all about the invite.  So in true type A personality fashion, see below for one option I found from one of my favorite websites tickledpinkdesign.net: