A Night of Kitchen Supplies!

Last night I hosted my first Pampered Chef party at my new place! Wow-hectic day for me but I think it went very well. I've been so busy the last few days that of course I waited until yesterday after work to really clean and prep food and stuff but I managed to get it all done in plenty of time for the guests to arrive. I had about 15 ladies, 1 man, and two 18-month olds running around my condo and needless to say I was running around after everyone. It was a mix of work ladies and friends and of course the two kids. But the salad the pampered chef lady made was a big hit. And of course she showed us how to use all the cool kitchen tools she brought along. Me being the big cooker I am (?) didn't know how to use anything nor did I own anything. But the salad was awesome! Here's the recipe:

Mandarin Pasta Salad

Dressing:
1 clove fresh garlic
1 clump fresh gingerroot (this can be found in the produce department)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup veg oil
1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
2 teas sugar

Salad
8 oz COOKED bow tie pasta
1 cucumber
1 red pepper
1 red onion
1 package fresh baby spinach leaves
2 cans (11oz) mandarin orange segments
2 cups COOKED chicken breast

At the end of the night, the ladies managed to order over $1000 worth of product, which for me means I get $215 of stuff for free, 4 half price items, a host special, a free chop knife and 30% off all my other purchases! I was shocked! I was shooting for a $500 show and ended up doubling it! Thanks ladies I appreciate it and I hope everyone enjoys their stuff. I'm not sure what i'm getting yet but i'm excited to pick it out :)