Can I Bring Anything…(please say no please say no)?

You’ve been invited to a get together.  It’s not a “party” per say, but a more formal evening with friends or family for some food, drinks, and conversation.  You know the polite thing to do is ask what you can bring to help, but you’ve got that sinking nervous feeling they’ll actually give you something important to bring.  It’s okay if you’ve felt like this before.  It’s not because you’re lazy.  It’s because it costs money to bring something, money that you don’t actually have.  After this entry, you will never have to feel this way again.

What to Offer 

You can handle an invite to a dinner event in a way that will save you money on your contribution while being considerate and helpful.  Once you’ve accepted the invite, mention to the host/hostess you’d love to help by bringing something. You should then suggest, “How about dessert?”  Getting in charge of dessert is key.  The host/hostess will always make the main dish, appetizers can get surprisingly expensive (dips, cheeses, fruit), salads include veggies and dressing, and drinks are either noticeably cheap or a little too fancy AKA expensive.

Where to Shop

Ok so you are now in charge of dessert for this get together.  Guess where you can get all the supplies for a dollar each? Yep.  You guessed it.  The Dollar Store.  I personally like The Dollar Tree on Lindbergh next to Hobby Lobby and Sports Authority.  But I know there are many dollar stores throughout St. Louis and each should have the necessary supplies for your delicious economical (I think I will stop saying cheap when it comes to food because it’s not very appetizing) dessert.

There are, surprisingly, many different dessert routes you can take from here but I will explain my favorite.  It’s quick, easy, and delicious!

Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie

*1 Graham Cracker Crust

*1 can of Chocolate Cream Pie Filling

*a small bag of coconut shavings

*1 can of whipped cream

Directions: Stir and spread the chocolate cream pie filling into the graham cracker crust.  Spray the whipped cream to cover the chocolate filling and spread evenly with a spoon.  Sprinkle the coconut shavings on top of the whipped cream.  Cover and refrigerate for an hour before serving.  Serves 8-10.  Grand Total: $4 

You can make all kinds of desserts with ingredients from any dollar store.  Just check the baking sections of the dollar store nearest you and get creative.  Have any awesome dollar store dessert recipes yourself?  Let us know! Share your recipes, ideas, and economically helpful baking tips for the fellow student community.    

Katlin