Asian Theme Party

Some of the best Asian Theme Party get-togethers that I have been to always include some of the most delectable finger food that I have ever tasted. Your staples for this kind of party are available at most stores in Chinatown. If you live in an area that does not have a Chinatown type area, then do your shopping online. There are a number of reputable shops on the internet that can supply you with eveything you need and then some for the perfect Asian theme party. You will amke your friends green with envy.

If you are having a dinner party without the decorations and are simply looking for some recipe ideas that go with an asiam theme party you will find them at the bottom of the page. If you are looking for some ideas to help make the asian theme party a success for the evening, then keep on reading.

Some costume ideas for an Asian Theme party, are Geisha Girl, Shogun Fighter, or you could simply wear a Kimono. Whatever your costume ideas are you will need to create a scene to set the mood.Incense burning in the background is a good idea, party crackers with Asian Theme party decoration are always a big hit. If you are serving appetizers then you will need some finger dishes, the Japanese style dipping dishes and small plates will do the job, but don'tforget the chopsticks.

Chinese lanterns will help your outdoor or indoor asian theme party with some lighting. You can often find inexpensive chinese screens, fans and umbrellas in Chinatown for additional decoration. Hello Kitty type products will be a hit with the younger set.

If you plan to give your guests a memento, or you want them to take home some of the leftovers, why not use a chinese take out container.

RECIPES

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

This is a great appetizer that tastes best with fresh water chestnuts. INGREDIENTS:

* 15-18 fresh water chestnuts * 1/3 cup soy sauce * 1/3 cup brown or Golden sugar, or as needed * 8 slices bacon (uncooked), cut in half * toothpicks

PREPARATION:Peel and rinse the fresh water chestnuts. (If using canned water chestnuts, rinse in warm running water and drain).Soak the water chestnuts in the soy sauce for about 2 1/2 hours.After soaking the chestnuts preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Remove the chestnuts from the soy sauce and roll in the brown sugar. Wrap a piece of cut bacon around the water chestnut and secure with a toothpick.For best results place the water chestnuts on a rack in a shallow pan, I have tried it without the rack but the results weren't as good. Bake for 30 minutes, turning them over once. If you are in a hurry you can Broil them for about 5 minutes, keep a constant eye on them if using this method.The appetizers can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before cooking. Placed in a sealed bag in the freezer, they should last for 2 - 3 months. This makes for a quick and easy snack that will delight your guests at your next Asian Themed Party.

Easy Potstickers, Gyoza, or Chinese Dumplings

These are quick to prepare and freeze nicely. They make for a quick and easy appetizer.

INGREDIENTS:1 lb Ground Pork, Beef, Chicken, or ShrimpGreen Onions (2 stalks well chopped)Garlic to tasteSalt Pepper2 tsp Light Soy Sauce1 tsp sesame oil

Wonton wrappers

Mix the first 7 ingredients and allow to sit, refrigerated, for 30 minutes.Prepare a lightly floured surface and lay out several wonton wrappers, make sure you cover the rest while working on these as they dry out fairly quickly. Drop about a teaspoon full of mix into the middle of each wrapper, moisten your fingers and tap the edges to make them slighty wet. Fold wrappers into a triangle and seal. At this point you can use your imagination as to the seal you make and the final look of the product. I like to crimp the edges and make one side flat and have the other side more plump.I always make tons of these so at this point I lay them out on a tray and freeze for about an hour and then place them in freezer bags. They will last about 3 months in the freezer and can be cooked directly from the frozen state.

To cook, pour about a teaspoon of oil in a large saute pan that has a lid. Fry in bathches of about 12 for about 3-4 minutes, on medium heat, or until lightly browned.Add 1/4 cup of water, reduce heat to a simmer and cover for about 12-15 minutes.Serve with your favorite Aisian dipping sauce, I like a mix of soy and hoisin sauce.

Enjoy your next Asian Theme Party, I hope we were able to inspire some ideas.