Free bridal shower gift idea

Box lunches

Serve up party fun in brightly colored boxes, bags, and baskets.

Take this old lunch idea to a new level. Stack your table with beautiful boxes and whimsical containers for a bridal shower, a ladies' luncheon, or anytime you host a gathering. Tuck a surprise gift inside each box, such as packages of specialty seeds for a garden.

Purchase an assortment of boxes from a paper-and-- party supply store, and then let the fim begin. You can assemble each one-excluding perishable foods-the night before. The day of the party, fill the containers with sandwiches and salads, and then wrap them as you desire. Extra-large, colorful cloth napkins make great wraps that can be used as place mats.

Combine these delicious recipes with additions of your own for a lively gathering. You'll be free to toss the apron and attend your own party. By the way, cleanup is a snap because all the guests will want to keep their boxes.

FRESH PESTO PASTA SALAD

1 (16-ounce) package small shell pasta

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon seasoned pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, pressed

3/4 cup olive Oil

1 cup chopped fresh basil

1 (3-ounce) package shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

Garnishes: gourmet mixed baby salad

greens; grape tomatoes; small,

yellow pear-shaped tomatoes PREPARE pasta according to package directions; drain.

WHISK together vinegar and next 5 ingredients. Gradually whisk in olive oil. ADD vinaigrette to pasta. Add basil, cheese, and pine nuts; toss to combine. Garnish, if desired. Yield: 8 servings. Prep: 20 min.

SHERRIED CHICKEN-AND-- GRAPE SALAD 6 cups chopped cooked chicken 3 cups sliced green grapes

1 cup toasted slivered almonds 2 celery ribs, diced

3 green onions, minced 3/4 cup mayonnaise

4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons sherry

% teaspoon seasoned salt

% teaspoon seasoned pepper

STIR together all ingredients. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

Prep: 20 min. NOTE: Serve chicken salad in small grapefruit halves with pulp removed (line grapefruit halves with leaf lettuce). Create a handle for the grapefruit with florist wire, florist tape, and small silk flowers. Bend wire to form handle, insert into citrus shell, and decorate.

SmoKED TuRKEY WRAPs 2 (6.5-ounce) packages garlic-and herb-flavored cheese, softened*

8 (10-Inch) whole grain pita wraps or flour tortillas

Caramelized Onions

1% pounds thinly sliced smoked turkey 16 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled 4 cups loosely packed arugula or

gourmet mixed baby salad greens SPREAD softened cheese evenly over whole grain pita wraps; top cheese evenly with Caramelized Onions and remaining ingredients. Roll up, and wrap in parchment paper; chill. Cut in half to serve. Yield: 8 servings.

Prep: 15 min.

* For testing purposes only, we used Alouette Garlic et Herbes Gourmet Spreadable Cheese for garlic-and-herb-- flavored cheese.

CARAMELIZED ONONS: 2 large sweet onions, diced I tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

COOK diced onion and sugar in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 20 minutes or until onion is caramel colored. Stir in balsamic vinegar. Yield: 2 cups.

Prep: 5 min., Cook: 20 min. GREEN CHILE-PIMIENTO CHEESE 2 (8-ounce) blocks extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

I (8-ounce) block Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, shredded I cup mayonnaise

I (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles I (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained I medium poblano chile pepper, seeded and minced

IY4 small sweet onion, minced

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce STIR together all ingredients in a large bowl. Yield: about 6 cups.

Prep: 15 min.

NOTE: Spread 1/2 cup cheese mixture on 6 to 8 whole grain bread slices; top with bread slices. Trim crusts, and cut sandwiches lengthwise into thirds. Reserve remaining cheese for other uses. 0