Inside Out Slider Bar Recipes

Steps:

• For the piquillo pesto: Combine the peppers, Parmesan, walnuts, olive oil, salt, chile paste and garlic in a food processor. Puree until smooth and evenly combined. Set aside.
• For the roasted tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Toss the tomatoes with the basil, garlic, olive oil and salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast until softened and beginning to blister, 30 minutes.
• For the mushroom tapenade: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and season with the salt. Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms have lost all their liquid and are turning golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with the basil, oregano, rosemary and lemon zest. Stir in the pine nuts and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
• For the bar: Display all the different types of mozzarella and burrata on platters and plates. Set up a buffet around the cheese options with the 3 homemade toppings, along with the grilled bread and crostini, arugula, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, flaky salt and red pepper flakes. Invite guests to assemble their own bruschetta or salads.

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Divide the ground chuck into 6 equal mounds. Place a piece of cheese in the middle of a mound and bring the meat up and around the cheese. Flatten the mound into a patty with cheese tucked inside. Continue with the remaining meat and cheese. Season the patties evenly with the salt. Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook until the meat is nicely browned and the cheese is melted inside, about 4 minutes per side. Place on the slider buns and build as desired using the slider bar topping options.

Steps:

• To make the milk chocolate sauce: Combine the cream and honey in a small heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Let stand until the chocolate melts, about 2 minutes, then whisk to combine. Cool the sauce slightly, then pour into a clear glass serving bowl or small pitcher. (The sauce can be made 1 week ahead. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.) Re-warm the sauce in the microwave, if necessary.
• To make the whipped cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream and sugar in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a serving bowl. (The whipped cream can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• For the sundaes: Place each topping in a separate serving bowl. Scoop the gelato or ice cream into dessert bowls and drizzle with the milk chocolate sauce. Allow guests to sprinkle their desired toppings over their sundaes. Top with the whipped cream and cherries, if desired.

Steps:

• Arrange all of the ingredients so the guests can help themselves.
• To make the float: Spoon two scoops of the ice cream of your choice into a chilled pilsner glass. Drizzle with a tablespoon or two of fudge or caramel sauce. Pour half a bottle of root beer over the ice cream. Top with a brandied cherry if desired.
• Serve with a long spoon and a straw.