Sassy Living with Caryn

One Sassy Lady Doing It All

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Time for Girlfriends

It is crazy busy right now and boy could I use a lunch with my girlfriends! I love when we all come together to laugh, counsel and sometimes just to be. Those lunches tend to give me energy and power to get back to life. Tackle those crazy obstacles. All knowing that it is not weird or crazy! Girlfriends make you feel normal! And boy could this mama use normal right about now!

So in honor of my girlfriends I want today’s recipes to be all about Lunching with the Ladies!

There is no better way to set a table than visiting On a Whim!

Their unmatched selection of Mackenzie Childs is truly a sight to behold! Wow! I am so in love with this line of table ware. My current favorite is the Courtly Check Enamelware. It goes with anything and can be mixed and matched throughout the seasons! Best thing about this collection is that it can be dressed way up or be used everyday in your home. Class with a touch of whimsy! You will have so much fun shopping at On a Whim just exploring all of their incredible table top options!

Here are some of my favorites that I am adding to my Christmas List NOW!!

  • Courtly Check Enamel Compote (Large)- This is perfect for salads, desserts and even to display fruit when you are not entertaining!
  • Cake Carrier– This is just too gorgeous yet super functional! Sturdy hand painted enamel that is fun to carry and then display your perfect baked goods!
  • Piccadilly Au Gratin Dish– Cooking your casserole in this dish takes it from ordinary to extraordinary! 
If you are looking for the perfect placemats and napkins then check these out! They come in a roll and you just tear off what you need. They are cotton and can be washed to be used again! Perfect party idea! Plus they  come in tons of fun colors!
Now that we have a beautiful table lets talk food! When you are cooking for your friends, keep in mind any dietary needs they might have. One of my best pals is gluten free so I always make sure to have something special for her. I also want this lunch to be easy so I can enjoy them and not fuss with the food! Here are 2 of my go to things I like to make!

Carribean Chicken Salad

A perfect dish to serve on a bed of lettuce or even in a croissant! Make this the day before for even richer flavors!

  • 6 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
  • olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained and juice reserved
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 3/4 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup toasted coconut
  • 1 mango, cubed
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a large baking sheet place chicken breasts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme. Drizzle with olive oil and place in oven to bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  2. In a small bowl mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 tablespoon of coconut milk, and 1/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice. Mix together.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken, pineapple tidbits, green onions, celery, coconut and mango. Pour dressing over the top and carefully toss to cover every ingredient with the dressing.
  4. Place in refrigerator to chill. Serve with croissants or on a bed of lettuce.  Serves: 6
Now it is not a good lunch without a sweet treat! I like to make “bars” when the girls come over. That way you can eat more than one and no one is counting!

Butterscotch Pumpkin Bars

  • 1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
  • 1 egg
  • 8 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Smoosh the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.
  3. To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice and butterscotch chips. Mix well. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little mushy.
  4. Serve with fresh whipped cream.