You might have noticed that I’ve been a little delinquent lately in the writing department. But I have a good excuse.
Last week I threw a 40th birthday bash for my dear hubby, and it took all my energy (and then some!) to plan, shop and cook for the fete. After dragging my kiddos around to a string of grocery stores, party rental shops and markets, I admit I was tempted at certain points to order Chinese take-out instead. My 4-year-old spitting on his little sister in Party City was certainly a low point.
But in the end I made it, and served dinner to 26 of my husband’s closest friends. Truth be known, the only way I pulled it off with such elegance was with the help of some lovely and talented friends (you know who you are!) who kindly brought salads and side dishes, decorated cupcakes, arranged flowers and tied napkin rings. Many, many thanks to all of you!
In case you’re wondering, here’s the menu:
Champagne & Sparkling Cider
Prosciutto, fig and parmesan rolls
Cheese straws
Sugared pecans
Toasted almonds
Swiss cheese dip and crackers
Snap peas, grape tomatoes and carrot sticks
Carrot Soup with Ginger and Lemon
Indonesian Chicken
Couscous with Carrots, Lemon and Parsley
Green Vegetable Salad with Orange-Hazelnut Dressing
Mixed Green Salads
Chocolate cupcakes with white buttercream frosting
Vanilla-almond cupcakes with almond buttercream frosting
Chocolate Brownies with Peppermint Ganache and Crushed Peppermints
Assorted Chocolates
French-Press Coffee
If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ll recognize several of these recipes, including the fabulous Carrot Soup with Ginger and Lemon, which I served in tea cups with a dollop of sour cream as an amuse-bouche. The Couscous with Carrots, Lemon and Parsley was made at the last minute, something I typically avoid at parties, if I can help it. But it worked beautifully, even for such a large group, which isn’t always easy with starches.
But the real winner of the night were the Cheese Straws. Indeed, several guests commented they could’ve happily sipped champagne and eaten cheese straws all night! Unfortunately, once the party started I was too busy to take pictures of the food, but I did manage to take a few shots before the guests arrived.
I don’t use this word much, for fear of sounding cheesy and dated, but I will say it now…the evening was simply lovely.
You are my new hero. I can’t even imagine how you pulled it off. What an elegant and tasty affair! Wow! I’m truly in awe. Can I be your husband when I turn 50?!
Cheese straws are great, but the real winners were your guests.
So, on Friday night we threw a cocktail party asking friends to bring appetizers and we’d supply the booze…
But, I just can’t throw a party and NOT making something to eat. Sooo…..yes, I made your cheese straws. PERFECT! What a fab recipe. People loved them. They should be a food group unto themselves!
Thank you!!
What a great idea for a party! I’m so glad you liked them. Just curious — how did you shape them? Did you cut them in thin strips or did you twist them? I made them both ways, shorter and fatter so I could twist them and also long, skinny and straight. I liked the look of the long straight ones, but maybe that’s because I have fond memories of a spot in New York that served them this way as bar snacks…
hi,
i made long skinny strips. before i cooked i gave them a wash w/ milk and sprinkled sea salt on top. i served them in french everyday drinking glasses on tables throughout the house. what a great hit! i’m going to make them again for our tgiving feast which we’re having on fri (i never understood the whole thurs rush – so we’re cooking on thurs and eating on fri).
yeah-the party was a huge success. my favorite app that someone brought was homemade onion rings. they were spectacular!
I need that recipe.
happy birthday, bill!!
love,
kj + c