If you’re anything like us, sunny weather doesn’t just signal the start of spring—it's the perfect time to shake off the winter doldrums and get together with friends and family! Whether you’re throwing a brunch (always a favorite topic with us, make sure to read here and here), an afternoon happy hour, or a special dinner, we have the recipe for togetherness right here in this article.
As the temperatures slowly rise, it’s the perfect time to plan an al fresco brunch, and share the flavors of spring with the people you love! Fortunately, our Signature Blends Baking Mixes make it easy for you to create impressive scratch-quality treats!
This incredible Raspberry Almond Coffee Cake is made with our easy-to-use Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Mix. Our expert blend of premium flours and other pantry essentials provides the perfect backdrop for an addition of fresh raspberries and crunchy sliced almonds. All you need is a darn fine cup of coffee!
Another deliciously easy choice is our Roasted Strawberry Cornbread Loaf, made with our magical Golden Cornbread Mix. We love this berry-fresh hack: simply stir in roasted strawberries and bake it in a loaf pan for a sweet brunch treat, or make it dessert with ice cream or whipped cream! Our signature blend of stone ground cornmeal and high-quality flours creates incredible flavor and texture, without the fuss.
What’s a brunch without fluffy, golden pancakes? Made with simple ingredients, our easy-to-use pancake and waffle mixes bring you homemade taste, light-as-air stacks, and stress-free entertaining!
Our Whole Grain Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix is made with real buttermilk and organic whole grain flour, so you can whip up the sweet aroma and hearty taste of a classic homemade breakfast in minutes. Bring out all the toppings for your guests—this all-purpose mix complements pretty much anything!
Need pancakes for the gluten free friends in your life? While our original gluten free mix was a longtime fave, we couldn't resist tweaking the recipe for our updated Gluten Free Pancake & Waffle Mix. The result? Pancakes that are fluffier, lighter and more delicious than ever before. They’re so delicious, even people who aren’t gluten free love them, so they’re ideal for a party.
Finally, our Organic 7 Grain Pancake Mix has a new name: Organic Multi-Grain Pancake Mix! This hearty mix is made with an expert blend of organic whole grain flours, for fluffy pancakes and irresistibly crisp waffles bursting with whole grain goodness. Like all of our mixes, it’s so easy to use—so call the neighbors and invite them over!
It’s a fact: once the weather starts heating up, so do our schedules. How many times have we pledged to host summer dinner parties, only to get swept away by weekend after weekend of activities and obligations? Let’s put a stake in the ground: more Wednesday dinner parties! With a little prep and advanced planning, you can enjoy casual (yet yummy) dinners together.
Hear me out: you can make this showstopping Springtime Focaccia for a midweek dinner—just start on Monday. Breaking down larger projects over a few days can make them achievable and even fun! Mix up a simple focaccia dough with our no-fail Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour Monday evening, then let rise, decorate, and bake on Tuesday. Once cool, wrap in plastic and refrigerate, then reheat in the oven right before guests walk in the door.
One seasonal dish we love is this Watermelon Farro Salad. Our advice? Precook Organic Farro and mix your white wine vinaigrette in the days before your dinner. Then simply toss with cubed watermelon, sliced onion and salty feta for a substantial side.
Another springtime favorite is this Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Radishes and Goat Cheese. Here, protein-rich Organic Tri-Color Quinoa is combined with a fresh lemon vinaigrette, spring asparagus and crisp sliced radishes to create a colorful centerpiece for your next spring gathering.
Did your garden (or local farmers market) grow a bumper crop of strawberries? Put them to good use with this delightfully easy Chocolate Strawberry Cake. Our Decadent Chocolate Cake Mix is crafted with our expert blend of premium flours, so you can bake up a rich, moist sheet cake in no time. Covered with whirls of intensely flavorful strawberry buttercream frosting and topped with juicy fresh strawberries, it's a deceptively easy, unbeatably crowd-pleasing treat!
Going out with the girls can be super fun—but really expensive, too (especially when you factor in Ubers). Why not host a Girls’ Night In with quick, easy snacks that dial up the fun—and keep the fuss to a minimum?
These crispy, juicy Oat Crusted Air-Fried Chicken Tenders are perfect for munching on while catching up on the latest tea. Plus, they have a secret ingredient: Protein Oats! Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for a moist, tender texture, then blend our protein-packed oats with fresh parmesan and seasonings for the ultimate crunchy coating.
Jalapeno and Cheese Hush Puppies are another irresistible snack! Whisk our Golden Cornbread Mix with Cajun seasonings, spicy jalapeno and rich cheddar cheese, then fry right before serving. Does deep frying feel a little . . . aspirational? Fair. We also love this Spring Onion and Herb Cornbread. Start with our Golden Cornbread Mix and add a sprinkle of spring onions, sweet yellow corn and fresh herbs to make it extra-special.
But what good are all these crunchy, tasty treats without something to dip them in? We have the perfect easy option: Protein Ranch Dressing. This creamy and delicious ranch dressing combines Almond Protein Powder, almond milk and traditional spices to create a plant-based powerhouse!
Round out your evening with one of our favorite easy desserts: Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies. Do we feel a little like the Golden Girls when we eat them? Yes, in the very best way. Our Signature Blends Fudgy Brownie Mix levels up with a layer of creamy cheesecake and a fresh, vibrant sauce of the season’s raspberries.
The holiday season is long past and it may have been awhile since you hosted your last gathering, so we’re reviewing the basics here. Why they may seem like no-brainers, they are essential to make any gathering run smoothly.
Tip #1: Keep utensils and napkins within reach. I’m totally guilty of focusing so much on the food, that I forget the things people need to actually, well, eat it. Put everything on the table!
Tip #2: Stock your bathroom. I’m talking soap, hand towels, extra toilet paper. Don’t put your guests in the awkward position of having to search—or ask!
Tip #3: Create a water setup. Many times I’ve been mid-stir when folks wander into the kitchen, looking for water. Make it easy. Have a pitcher on the table (or in the fridge). Get your glasses out. Make sure you have enough ice!
Tip #4: Help your guests help you. If you can, start every party with an empty dishwasher, sink and countertop, so folks can bus and rinse. Have your trash and recycling accessible!
I'm sure it's no surprise that at Bob’s Red Mill, we believe in the power of homemade food and its ability to bring people together—even when our schedules get busy. That’s why we’ve been creating good ingredients that make meals easier to share for 45+ years. It’s the best way to make memorable times with family and friends!
What are your go-to warm weather party tips? Post them below!
