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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

A 'Napoleon Dynamite' Party

For those who wonder how many times people are going to refer to Napoleon Dynamite every single time they serve tater tots or "dang quesa-dilluhs" in the dining hall, a sweet Napoleon Dynamite party may be in order. An occasion like this definitely calls for some creative costuming. Browse thrift stores and your friends' closets in search of a brown polyester suit, 80s style prom dresses, American flag warm ups and whatever other Napoleon Dynamite-themed clothes you can find. Mock Napoleon afros, lopsided bangs and side ponytails are a must! Get creative and play "Pin the Casserole on Tina" and post "Vote for Pedro" flyers around the room. Food for this party is pretty low key. If you want to be authentic, you can zip up some dining hall tots in your pockets and serve them on paper plates. Buy a cheap vanilla frosted cake from Meijers or Costco (or bake your own in a sheet pan using cake mix and icing from the Huddle) and decorate it with some Mexican flair even Pedro would envy. And of course you have to serve those "dang quesa-dilluhs." Wash it all down with 1 percent milk, but I don't recommend serving the egg punch. And remember whoever attends as Napoleon owes the party a performance of D-Kwon's dance grooves. Here are some recipes to get your party started. Most importantly, don't forget to share your tots!

Dang Chicken Quesa-dilluh's3 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken (from a 2 1/2-lb bird)3/4 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 large onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced5 oz coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese (with or without hot peppers)8 (7-inch) flour tortillasSprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook onion with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in oil in a 10-12-inch skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, for about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant for about 1 minute, then transfer to a large bowl. Add chicken to onion mixture along with cheese. Put 1 tortilla on a cutting board and spread 1/2 cup chicken mixture over half of tortilla, then fold other half over to form a half-moon, pressing firmly on seam. Assemble seven more quesadillas in same manner. Heat lightly-oiled grill pan over high heat until it begins to smoke. Reduce heat to moderate and grill quesadillas, two at a time, turning over once, until cheese is melted and golden brown grill marks appear, about 4 minutes total per batch. Transfer with a spatula to cutting board and cut in half. Makes eight hors d'oeuvre or four main-course servings.Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com. All rights reserved.

"Gimme some of your tots" Casserole1 lb. hamburger, browned1 small onion, browned (optional)1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of mushroom soup1 pt. peas1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese1 lb. box tater totsLayer above ingredients in casserole dish in order as given. Bake at 325 degrees for approximately one hour, until cheese is bubbly.Recipe courtesy of sweetbabymedia.com