meal plan

There is nothing better than a night spent at home with a few friends, a classic movie, and, of course, good food! If you have the movie picked but are still unsure about the menu, we have you covered. With everything from fizzy cream soda to homemade pizza, we've created a refined twist on traditional movie-theater favorites, so you can fine dine at home.

Caramelized Coconut Popcorn
All movie nights need a big bowl of popcorn to munch on. For a tropical twist on this typically buttery snack, try popping it in coconut oil. If you love the sweetness of kettle corn, then add a few spoonfuls of sugar before you start popping, and finish it with salt. The coconut oil complements the caramelized sugar in such a way that will make you rethink ever buying the theater stuff again.

Cream Soda
No movie is complete without a big, fizzy soda to wash down all that popcorn. With this cream soda recipe, you can easily make your own batch of vanilla simple syrup to stir into soda. If you're looking for an adult version, then splash a jigger of vodka into the cream soda.

Nacho Bites
It's tough to resist a warm, gooey queso dip at the theater, but since you'll be viewing from home, try these nacho bites for a similar satisfaction without mess. Unlike the typical, waxy theater cheese, these bites are loaded with a mixture of cilantro salsa and creamy goat cheese. Top with a dollop of guacamole for the perfect finger food.

Classic Homemade Pizza
Rather than settle on the ordinary delivery, try making your own pizza dough and topping it with your choice of veggies and meats.

Spanish Pizza Topped With Swiss Chard and Walnuts
Since this is a refined movie night, after all, consider topping some of those pizza crusts with unusual ingredients like swiss chard and walnuts, like in this Spanish-style pizza.

There's no better way to celebrate the long weekend than with a few friends, passing around a plethora of irresistible, homemade dishes — everything from an ice-cold gin cocktail, shaken and served up in a mason jar, to a sweet apple cobbler. We've put together a no-fail menu that is easy to prepare, but more importantly is memorable and delicious to leave your guests wanting more.

Gin and Lavender Lemonade
If warmer weather leaves you craving something slightly sweet and fizzy this weekend, then whip up a gin and lavender lemonade. It takes five minutes to prepare, yet the flavors are intoxicating. Lavender dry soda and Meyer lemon give the drink a floral tang, the vanilla bean soda adds just a hint of confectionery sweetness, and the gin offers a refreshing kick. It's a sweet way to toast the end of Summer.

Chipotle Guacamole
Lovers of Chipotle Mexican Grill must make the chain's signature spicy guacamole. Make the dish, straight from the legendary burrito chain, for your weekend dinner party.

Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Light up the grill a little early to make these chipotle jalapeño appetizers . Each halved jalapeño is stuffed with a combination of crispy bacon, whipped cream cheese, and pepper jack cheese. These peppers tend to pack a lot of heat, so top them off with a refreshing cilantro sauce to balance the spiciness.

Pork Carnitas
Create a taco bar this weekend, because it's always easy to set up plus it's a guaranteed crowd favorite. This pork carnitas recipe will teach you the basics for cooking perfectly braised, shredded carnitas. Toppings are limited to your imagination, but we love the fresh, tangy flavor of salsa verde alongside sweet, pickled red onions, and salty cotija cheese.

See the rest of the Labor Day menu.

Doesn't this breakfast smoothie from FitSugar reader eatingbirdfood look delicious? She shared her daily food journal with the Get Fit For Summer community group as part of the fourth challenge in the Get Fit For Summer giveaway. By doing so, she's eligible to win a $100 New Balance gift card!

See her daily food journal when you read more!