Party Theme/Idea: Caribbean Party. Everyone loved vacationing in the islands so host a Caribbean inspired party at home. Play Bob Marley, serve tropical drinks and island food.

Favorite Recipe: Jerk Chicken with Fried Plantains from Southern Hospitality

Ingredients:
8 (6 ounce) chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 habañera pepper, diced and seeded (use gloves)
4 scallions, chopped
4 sprigs thyme, chopped
2 plantains, peeled and quartered
Salt and pepper, to taste

Marinade Ingredients:
2 medium onions, diced
2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, diced
½ cup sugar
½ cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon ground allspice
¼ cup fresh lime juice (approx 2 limes)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup olive oil
1 red jalapeño pepper, diced and seeded.

Preparation:
Marinate chicken overnight. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. In a large skillet, sear chicken breasts until golden brown, finish in oven at 375 degrees until done (approx. 10-15 minutes).

Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add habañera, scallions and thyme to pan. Sauté lightly. Add plantains and brown lightly. Add chicken and simmer until plantain is done, but still firm. Add seasoning. Serve hot over rice. Serves 8.

Favorite Flower: Gerbera daisy

How-to Idea: Grass skirts for cocktail tables

– For 30 inch cocktail tables, cut 45 inch circles our of burlap. 
– Put the burlap on the tabletop and pin two grass skirts around the perimeter. Pin the skirts from the underside of the table so that the pins do not stick out or show.