Carmen Parmeter wanted to do something different this year for her birthday -- so she called her granddaughter. The 83 year old wanted to throw a party for her friends, but needed some inspiration.

“She has a group of gals who meet to celebrate their birthdays every month,” says her granddaughter Macaille Mahoney. Most of the women all live in the same apartment complex and have been socializing for years.

Mahoney suggested something she thought her grandmother’s friends would enjoy: a party featuring menu items from Tastefully Simple, a gourmet food company that sells products through home taste-testing parties.

In a fun, social setting, guests have the opportunity to taste-test appetizers, soups, breads, main courses and desserts. A representative from the company is available to offer recipe and entertaining tips. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to entertain a group -- especially those who appreciate good food.

Parmeter liked the idea, and enlisted her granddaughter’s help in setting up for the party. She had some doubts about whether she could prepare the food on her own.

“She wanted help making some of the products because she thought it would be difficult, but she ended up making everything -- she did it all,” says Mahoney. “I brought over some paper plates, because she doesn’t drive, but that’s all I did.”

Parmeter was able to easily whip up a menu of dips, bread, soup and desserts with minimal effort. The items are designed to be ready-to-serve, or can be prepared by adding just two or three ingredients.

“Everybody who came thought the food was very good,” says Parmeter, who added that one of her neighbors is having the same kind of party next month.

One of the most popular items at the party was the Bountiful Beer Bread, which can be prepared in hundreds of different ways, simply by adding different ingredients. Here are a few ideas for your next gathering:

Corn Bread

Tastefully Simple Bountiful Beer Bread Mix

15 ounce-can creamed corn

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients. Bake at 375 F for 50 to 55 minutes. Makes 14 servings.

Bountiful Banana Bread

Tastefully Simple Bountiful Beer Bread Mix

12 ounces Sprite

1 cup mashed bananas

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

2 tablespoons melted butter

Combine first 4 ingredients. Pour into greased loaf pan, drizzle melted butter on top. Bake as directed on package.

Watermelon Bread

Tastefully Simple Bountiful Beer Bread Mix

12 ounces Mountain Dew Code Red

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients, pour into greased loaf pan. Bake as directed on Bountiful Beer Bread Mix package.