Gold Medal Gatherings

paris 2024 olympics logo

The 2024 Summer Olympics has been nothing short of a spectacular melting pot of talented athletes worldwide competing for the most prestigious prize. The Olympic gold medal. It has truly been a blessing to witness such wonderful athletes as Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Stephen Nedoroscik, & Kim Yeji to name a few. Each one is a unique champion representing the best for their Nation, for the world to see. It is very heartwarming to see that people still enjoy watching the Olympics. It brings us all together to revel in delight at the best of humanity.

The Importance Of The Olympics

simone biles, katie ledecky,Stephen Nedoroscik and kim Yeji — From upper left to right; simone biles, katie ledecky,Stephen Nedoroscik, and kim Yeji

The Olympics celebrate diversity and inclusion on a global scale by hosting more than 10,000 athletes from around the world for athletic competition, irrespective of social background, gender, race, sexual orientation, and political belief is provided a platform. With an equal number of male and female athletes competing, in doing so, The Olympics promotes gender equality, which helps empower women and girls.
The Olympics serve as the ultimate show of national pride and identity.
Olympics and other mega sporting events can help to raise awareness of environmental issues. This year’s Olympics brought attention to pollution levels in the Seine River.

If you are like me you are enjoying watching these wonderful athletes compete while enjoying some tasty snacks, this blog post is for you. I have included my caramel popcorn nutty mix recipe, my non-alcoholic peach sangria, and my Churro Cookies with chocolate recipe. These dishes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Summer Olympics Party Menu

Olmpics Party decor

I. Non-Alcoholic Peach Sangria Recipe

non alcoholic peach sangria

Prep Time: 10 min

Total Time: 1 hour 10 min

Makes: 6 servings (About 1 1/2 Cup each)

Ingredients

1 peach, sliced, cut in half and divided
8 sprigs of fresh thyme, divided
1 pkt. (makes 2 qts.) Crystal light lemonade flavor drink mix
2 Cups white grape juice
2 cups water’1/2 lemon, sliced, cut in half
2 cups club soda

Cooking Directions

Muddle 1/2 each of the peaches and thyme in 2-qt. glass or plastic pitcher.
Add drink mix, grape juice, water, lemons, remaining peaches and remaining thyme; stir
Refrigerate 1 full hour
Take out and stir in club soda just before serving over ice.

II. Churro Cookies with Chocolate Recipe

churro cookies with chocolate

Prep Time: 30 Min

Total Time: 1 hour 13 min (including cooling)

Servings: 22

Ingredients

4 oz (1/2 of 8oz package) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
1/2 Cup sugar, divided
1 Pkg, (14.1 oz.) ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
11/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 Cup butter, melted
1 1/2 package of Baker’s semisweet chocolate (6oz), broken into small pieces
1 tub (8oz.) Cool Whip whipped topping (DO NOT THAW)

Cooking Directions

Heat oven to 425F
Mix cream cheese and 2 Tablespoons sugar until blended,
Roll out pie crust to a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface; spread cream cheese mixture.
Roll out 2nd crust as directed; place over the first crust.
Cut into 44 (4 X 3/4 – inch) Strips.
Cover 2 baking sheets with Reynolds Parchment Paper. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar in a pie plate.
Brush both sides of dough strips, 1 at a time, with butter, then dip in sugar mixture, turning to evenly cover both sides of each strip; twist slightly then place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake 12-13 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes.
Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Meanwhile, microwave chocolate and cool whip in a microwavable bowl on HIGH for 2- 2 1/2 minutes or until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is blended, stirring every minute. Serve with cookies.