A tropical party menu should reflect the foods available on an island.
A tropical party offers the chance to create a menu that reflects the bright, fresh flavors of a meal on a tropical island. As you plan the menu, look for the seasonal fruits that are available in your area, and focus on fresh fruit, fish and vegetables. Make use of a grill to mimic food that is cooked on a spit over an open fire, and have a blender handy for fruity drinks. Does this Spark an idea?
Fruit Skewers
For a simple, colorful food item that can be eaten as a dessert or an appetizer, make tropical fruit skewers. Gather pineapple. mango, papaya, banana, kiwi, grapes and strawberries and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Using standard barbecue skewers, alternate fruit chunks, leaving several inches at the bottom for ease of carrying. Arrange the skewers in a large vase or bowl with the fruit ends facing up for a decorative and delicious table decoration.
Blended Drinks
For a tropical take on drinks, create blended drinks from fresh fruit, juices and ice. Mix ingredients together for a bulk mix, or take individual requests from guests. You can also set up a smoothie bar with different frozen fruits and juices so that guests can make their own mix. If possible, set the bar up near a sink so the blender can be rinsed out between uses. Put out brightly colored paper cocktail umbrellas for a tropical touch.
Meat
For a taste of a tropical island, make jerk chicken skewers and grilled salmon patties with a mango-papaya chutney. To make the chicken, simply marinate chicken tenders in jerk seasoning and olive oil and grill on skewer sticks. To make the salmon, simply grill it and top it with the chutney while the fish is still warm. Guests can eat both options to enjoy the combination of spice and fresh fruit with fish.
Grilled Vegetables
Be sure to cover all dietary restrictions by including hearty grilled vegetables that can be used as side dishes or main courses. Marinate and grill large portobello mushroom caps, corn on the cob, sliced eggplant and bell peppers. Make an easy tropical marinade with coconut oil, mango and pepper; coat vegetables and let sit 30 minutes before grilling.
Desserts
For a tropical dessert, stick with fresh, fruity flavors. Find a variety of sorbets in pineapple, melon or mango flavors and serve with a garnish of chopped macadamia nuts. Grill pineapple slices for a sweet, warm dish. Make versions of traditional desserts with a tropical fruit touch, such as passion fruit souffle, upside-down pineapple cake or a kiwi mango torte.
Tags: fresh fruit, tropical fruit, tropical island, tropical party