Barnercon: A Comic-Con Themed Party

A few months ago, we hosted a Beatles themed party that was a ton of fun to plan. We loved coming up with themed drinks and food related to Beatles songs. So for our next party, my husband and I decided to channel our inner geek and throw a Comic-Con themed party. Named Barnercon after our last name, Barner, this party was a hilarious blend of Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, True Blood, Harry Potter, and Dr. Who. It took up a ridiculous amount of time to plan in the weeks leading up to the party, but was worth it.

My friend Harriet made this amazing pull apart bread shaped like the Star Trek logo.

Death Star Watermelon Vodka (Star Wars)

Fully armed and operational battle melon. 

1. Using wood carving tools, carve watermelon in shape of Death Star. Be careful not to carve to deep.

2. Cut hole in top large enough for ladle to fit through.

3. Scoop out watermelon using large spoon and put in bowl. 

4. In batches, puree watermelon in a blender with 1 cup vodka and 1 cup sparkling water.

5. Fill watermelon with watermelon vodka. Put extra juice in a pitcher to refill watermelon later on. 

Blood Wine (Star Trek)
Blood Wine is a popular Klingon alcoholic beverage, often consumed as part of celebratory occasions. Traditionally, Klingon Blood Wine is about twice as potent as whiskey and cannot be tolerated by most humans. Klingon captains and generals are fond of carrying several barrels of their favorite vintages to celebrate victories.

1. In cocktail shaker, combine 1 shot whiskey, 1 shot gold tequila, 3 shots cranberry juice, and a dash of grenadine.

2. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass.

Fire and Ice Margarita (Game of Thrones)

Featuring tropical fruits enjoyed by the Free Cities tinged with spice. This drink is scorching, but fire cannot kill a dragon.

1. In a jar, combine 1 cup gold tequila with a few dried red chilis. Let sit for 2 hours and then remove chilis. 

2. In a blender, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1/2 cup chili infused tequila, 1/2 cup triple sec, 1/2 red jalapeno, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Blend until smooth.

3. Be warned--this drink is intense! 

Spinach and Feta Cylon Raiders (Battlestar Galactica)

Makes 18 cyclon raiders

Ingredients

1/4 cup diced onion

2 cups diced spinach

1 garlic clove, minced

8 ounces light cream cheese

4 ounces feta cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 packages crescent rolls 

1 teaspoon oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper for garnish

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add spinach and saute about 10 minutes.

2. In food processor, combine spinach mixture with cream cheese, feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mixture is combined. 

3. Open crescent rolls package. At end of each triangle of dough, add about 1 tablespoon of spinach mixture. Roll up.

4. Bend corners of dough to shape like cylon raider. Add strip of red pepper for the cylon raider's eye. 

5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until browned. 

Romulan Ale (Star Trek)

A highly intoxicating alcoholic beverage of Romulan origin with a characteristic blue color. Despite being illegal in the Federation from the early 2280s to the late 2370s, Captain James T. Kirk served it at a state dinner with Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon High Council in 2293. During the Dominion War, the alliance between the Federation and the Romulans briefly lifted the embargo on Romulan Ale.

1. Combine 1 shot vodka, 1 shot Blue Curaçao, 2 shots lemonade, and ice.

2. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass.

 

Ambrosia (Battlestar Galactica)

Named for the drink of the gods, Ambrosia is rare and highly prized by survivors of the Colonial Fleet. The drink is especially enjoyed by Colonel Saul and Ellen Tigh.

In pitcher, combine 2 cups Midori liquor, 1 cup Blue Curaçao, and juice from 2 limes. Add plenty of ice.

Virgin Chilled Carbonated Blood (True Blood)

Served only in the finest vampire establishments. Cruelty free and all willingly donated. Note the citrusy finish.

In pitcher, combine 2 cups Blood Orange San Pellegrino, 1 cup cranberry juice, 1 cup ginger ale, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup grenadine. Add fresh mint and plenty of ice. 

Our drink menu

We also had fun decorating our apartment:

The door to our apartment. This is a beach towel we bought at Think Geek.

This way to the Ministry of Magic.

Love these Star Wars propaganda posters

We also found Harry Potter propaganda posters

And Dr. Who propaganda posters

On our back porch: Have you seen these droids?

Beatles Themed Party

We recently hosted a Beatles themed cocktail party we called Lucy in the Sky with Cocktails. We served a combination of British food and food with puns related to Beatles songs. The highlight of the night was delicious Earl Gray Martinis featuring gin infused with Earl Gray tea.

Earl Gray Martinis
Makes 3 martinis

6 ounces Earl Gray infused gin (recipe follows)
3 ounces lemon juice
3 ounces simple syrup**
Egg white from one egg

Shake all ingredients in martini shaker with ice. Pour into three martini glasses.

**To make simple syrup, take equal parts sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool completely before serving.

Earl Gray Infused Gin
Makes 2 cups

2 cups gin
2 Earl Gray tea bags

1. Pour gin into jar or bowl.
2. Add tea bags and steep for about 4 hours.

Lovely 'Ritas
Makes one pitcher


2 cups orange juice
1 cup sprite
1 cup tequila
1 cup triple sec
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup lime juice
Lemons, limes, and oranges for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher with generous ice

Pimm's Cup is a classic English summer cocktail

Pimm's Cup
Makes one pitcher


1 cup Pimm's Number One
2 cups Sprite
Cucumber, oranges, and mint leaves for garnish

Combine all ingredients in large pitcher with generous ice

We served cucumber sandwiches and ham sandwiches

High Tea Cucumber Sandwiches
Makes 40 sandwiches

20 slices white or wheat sandwich bread
8 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried onion
1 tablespoon dill
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper

1. Combine cream cheese, garlic powder, dried onion, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread 1 slice of bread with cream cheese. Top with 4 slices of cucumber and another piece of bread.
3. Cut off crusts of sandwich and cut into four triangular pieces.
4. Repeat with remaining bread slices.

I Am the Egg Man Deviled Eggs
Makes 24 pieces

12 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup mayo with olive oil
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon paprika, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon red pepper
Salt and pepper

1. Peal eggs.
2. Cut eggs in half. Remove yolks and place in bowl.
3. Stir yolks with mayo, mustard, and spices.
4. Add filling to each egg and top with more paprika.

Other Beatles themed dishes included:

Strawberry Fields--Chocolate covered strawberries

Mean Mr. Mustard--A trio of mustards served with pretzels,
including raspberry, dijon, and chipotle mustards

A platter of English cheeses, including:
Red Dragon, a cheddar cheese with whole grain mustard and ale
Cotswold, a Double Gloucester cheese blended with onions and chives
Grandma Singleton's Stripy Jack, made with 5 English counties cheese

Vegetarian Super Bowl Recipes

Of course every decent Super Bowl party has a bowl of guacamole, but that seems to be where the vegetarian food ends. Instead, most Super Bowl parties feature chicken wings, beef chili, sliders, and other meaty recipes. If you're hosting vegetarians at your party this year, or just want to offer a few more interesting options, try one of these Cooking Flexitarian favorites.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Roasted Red Peppers--Who doesn't love a cheesy dip when watching football/commercials? (Only the commercials for me!) This dip uses light cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream without compromising on flavor. For added vegetables, serve with green peppers, carrots, and celery for dipping.

Grilled Vegetable Pizza--If it's too cold to grill outside on Sunday, use a grill pan or just roast the veggies in the oven. This pizza can be cut into squares so everyone can enjoy a slice or two.

Roasted Pepper and Tomatillo Roll Up--For something a bit different, make this roll up and slice into thin pieces. Roasted poblanos, jalapenos, and tomatillos give this dish a spicy, tangy flavor. Make two--one vegetarian and one with roast beef.

Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip--Everyone at your party will thank you for adding something lighter to your spread. These kabobs are fun to dip, while still being healthy.

Oscar Night Appetizers

Oscar Night in my family is always an excuse to make delicious finger food. My three tricks for preparing a meal of hors d'oeuvres is to combine easy dishes with more complicated ones, make as much as you can in advance, and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your spread.

Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Balls
1 pint cherry tomatoes
6 ounces small mozzarella balls
About 5 basil leaves, torn
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper

1. Combine mozzarella ball, cherry tomato, and basil on a tooth pick.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices.
3. Can be refrigerated up to two hours before serving.




Other Oscar Night Appetizer Ideas:

Platter of cheese, pepperoni, apples, and pears

Hummus and veggies

Spinach and artichoke dip served with bread

And of course a good bottle of wine!