Throw a Presidential Party

January 16, 2009
Photo: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Rose Nguyen
Bring the excitement of the 2012 election to your living room with a recipe collection that's sure to please every palate, and every party.
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Cheese Fondue

Photo: James Baigrie
Cheese Fondue Recipe
Celebrate the event with a tasty homage to the "melting pot" status of America with a dip-it-yourself appetizer of rich, nutty, and slightly sweet cheese fondue. This recipe holds a secret ingredient shortcut–Alfredo sauce–which offers the same thickening qualities and flavor as traditional cheese fondue, but saves you loads of time.
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Right Wings

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Right Wings Recipe
If you're feeding a conservative crowd, try these spicy Right Wings with a red (naturally) Rom-esco Sauce.

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Left Wings

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
Left Wings Recipe
If you're feeding a liberal lot, try these savory Left Wings with a side of Democrat-Blue Cheese Sauce.
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Blended Blue Hawaiian

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Erynn Hedrick Hassinger
Blended Blue Hawaiian Recipe
Welcome your guests while paying tribute to Barack Obama's island heritage with this festive cocktail. The fruity drink boasts a blue hue and tons of citrus flavor. Go patriotic and garnish with a single red cherry in place of the orange wedge.

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African Peanut Soup

Photo: Sang An
African Peanut Soup Recipe
Warm your guests with a first course that honors Obama's family roots from Africa. This creamy, rich soup is a vibrant update of the classic tomato soup, taking bold flavor from cayenne pepper, peanut oil, and peanut butter. It takes only 20 minutes and is sure to get the night off to a festive start. Keep the culture road trip going by offering partygoers a cup of coffee featuring beans from Kenya.

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Smoky Beef-and-Bacon Chili

Photo: Peden & Munk; Styling: Amy Wilson    
Smoky Beef-and-Bacon Chili Recipe
It's been reported that Obama's favorite dish to whip up in the kitchen is a hot bowl of chili. Feed your guests a heaping helping of this meaty top-rated recipe. Bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spicy smoked paprika add a deep, complex flavor to this easy-to-make chili. Brown the meat, add vegetables and spices, and let the flavors meld. Serve chili-bar style with sour cream, scallions, and grated cheese and let your guests add their own toppings. (It is, after all, a free country.)
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Chicago-Style Pizza

Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro
Chicago-Style Pizza Recipe
While you can't bring the exact flavor of classic deep-dish Chicago-style pizza to your party, you can offer a pie packed with the telltale toppings of the Windy City. Top refrigerated dough with spicy pizza sausage, diced tomatoes, fresh Parmesan, mozzarella, and basil. The pie cooks quickly and takes only a few minutes to prepare, so it's easy to make while you enjoy the party with your guests.

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California Burgers

Jan Smith
California Burgers Recipe
Romney spent one year in California at Stanford University before transferring to Bringham Young University. To celebrate Romney’s California college years, serve burgers in his honor. Alfalfa sprouts and avocados crown these juicy burgers. And a combination of regular ground turkey and ground turkey breast offers superior texture.

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Croque-Madame

Photo: Rick Lew; Styling: Ana Kelley
Croque-Madame Recipe
After college Romney left the country for a 30-month Mormon mission in France. Serving fine French fare is an easy way to impress your guests. This croque-madame is a variation on the croque-monsieur, a French twist on grilled ham and cheese. Instead of dipping the sandwich in egg before sautéeing in butter (as you would for a croque-monsieur), grill the sandwich first and top with homemade Mornay Sauce, cheese, and sunny-side up egg for a French bistro feel in your home.
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New England Clam Chowder

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty
New England Clam Chowder Recipe
Romney finally settled in Massachusetts where he became governor in 2002, so believe it’s safe to say he’s had his fair share of New England Clam Chowder. To show a little Republican Party pride, garnish with red pepper or paprika for an added elegance.

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Peanut Butter, Honey, and Raisin Bagel

Photo: Oxmoor House
Peanut Butter, Honey, and Raisin Bagel Recipe
Sources say Romney enjoys peanut butter and honey sandwich while on the campaign trail. To dress up Mitt’s favorite meal, try it on a toasted bagel so the peanut butter and honey melt together.

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Memorial Day Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Photo: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Rose Nguyen
Memorial Day Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
End the night with a sweet spot of flavor. Make cupcakes from a simple, moist sheet cake recipe and top with cream cheese frosting and red, white, and blue decorations. If your guests are already stuffed, package them in individual bags and send the treats home with partygoers as favors.
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