Issue 023: Party Pleaser Appetizers

Hey Q-Crew!

I love cooking for friends and family when they come over and for special occasions to celebrate their big moments. Whether you’re headed to a potluck or game night, these recipes will be the perfect bites to keep everyone satisfied. Let’s make some classic Baby Shower Meatballs and Air Fryer Orange Pepper Chicken Wings!

This month’s theme is Sweet & Sticky! Who doesn’t like to indulge their sweet tooth every once in a while? We deserve a little treat. But just because we want something sweet doesn’t mean we have to stick to just desserts. We’re exploring appetizers, mains, AND desserts this month to satisfy our craving!

P.S. This issue comes out nearly 6 months to the day since I published my first newsletter on 2/4/26. I can’t believe it’s been 6 months already! To my Q-Crew who have been here since the beginning, thank you soooooo much for believing in me and coming along for the ride. To the new folks who just joined, thank you soooooo much for taking the chance on a new content creator and letting me send you my recipes each week.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this community that we’re growing. If there’s any recipe you want to see please let me know! But I do have a ton (over 200 now) of recipes in my phone notes that I can’t wait to show you! 💗

Baby Shower Meatballs

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 55 minutes

Servings: Many

Ingredients:

• 2 packages frozen mini meatballs
• 12 oz bottle of chili sauce
• 15 oz grape jelly
• 5 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (optional)

Step 2: Pour the chili sauce all over.

Step 4: Toss a few pats of butter on top.

Step 6: Uncover and stir while the sauce is still coming together.

Step 8: Remove the foil and bake open for 15 minutes until the sauce has reduced and gotten sticky.

Air Fryer Orange Pepper Chicken Wings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Chicken wings
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp corn starch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp canola oil
• Orange glaze
  • 1/4 cup Orange marmalade
  • 1/2 stick Butter
  • 3 tbsp Fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp minced onion
  • 1/2 tsp Chili flakes

Step 2: Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and tsp of oil.

Step 4: If necessary, put the chicken on an elevated rack so it is not touching the bottom.

Step 6: Flip and air fry for another 10-12 minutes.

Step 8: Mix in the marmalade, black pepper, garlic powder, minced onion, and chili flakes until you have a smooth thick glaze.

Step 10: Serve hot!

Now on Ko-fi

Bonus Recipe: Hennessy Bacon Jam Burger Sliders

I’ve been wanting to try making bacon jam for years and let me tell you, WORTH IT. This meaty, sweet, and sticky mini burger will be gone in no time so make sure to stash a few away for yourself for after the function.

For The (Food) Lovers E-Cookbook!

This PDF mobile cookbook is designed to be easily viewed on your phone so that you have all the recipes on hand exactly when you need them!