Barry and I have a saying about any project I get involved in that requires creativity. We call it my insanity. I used that term to explain to him once that although there were much easier gifts to give our neighbors at Christmas than the home made star cookie Christmas trees (which required about 25 cookies a piece) that my artistic vision was involved and I was going to complete the project, even at the risk of my sanity. (In other words, "back off, and try and support my crazy ideas, because they are part of what makes me, me.") Why is it that things are always so much simpler in my head than in reality? Anyway, when I joined the gourmet group, I realized that this is a group of women just like me (except that most of them are better cooks than I am). Women who care that there is a centerpiece and notice what it looks like. Women who work their tails off to create a gorgeous and delicious meal that will be devoured in a couple of hours and all that will be left to show for it are the pictures. And still take pleasure in the creative process and in doing something out of the ordinary.
August was my turn, along with my friend (and really good cook), Kim. The difficulties included the fact that I am pregnant and tired, and have a Trenton all day, and that Kim has two very young boys, a young business, and had the gall to move to the other side of the valley in January. Planning was a challenge. Every event we have gone to all year has been beautifully done with delicious food, so slacking wasn't really an option.
We eventually settled on a Northwestern theme--I have never set foot in the Northwest, but Kim just returned from a trip to Washington state and has relatives there that could help in determining appropriate cuisine and decor. She was mainly incharge of the menu (I helped cook) and I was mainly incharge of the decor, etc. I made the invitations above, with real ferns behind the vellum (I have blotted out personal info to keep Barry happy so I don't have to shut down my blog.)
My big frustration was that my vision was an outdoor meal. And we did everything possible to make that happen in Phoenix in August. We scheduled the meal for 7:00 in the evening, bought misters and installed them around our patio and had fans to blow it all around. Alas, since we were in the process of breaking our record of days over 110 degrees, all of our efforts just didn't seem to be enough. So at about 6:30pm we abandoned the plants, fountain, and all of the white Japanese lanterns we used at our wedding 8 years ago. And moved the tables indoors. I admit, my head was throbbing so badly at this point, that I left Barry and Kim to try and come up with some way to fit two long tables in our small living room. It wasn't pretty, but the couch ended up in the kitchen (almost) with just one walk way in and out. Ofcourse, this put us behind on cooking, but despite my disappointment (which always comes from unfulfilled vision), I believe the meal was a success.
Everyone enjoying appetizers and our place settings. Kim made the rock napkin holders/ bracelets for our guests to take home (They also got to keep their rocks that I painted. :-)).
Our Menu:
Blueberry Italian Soda
Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Smoked Salmon and Pesto Appetizer Cheesecake
Crab bisque
Northwest Stuffed Salmon
Squash and Couscous Risotto
Berry Poppy Salad with Poppy Seed Ginger Vinaigrette
Iced Chocolate Chaud (French hot chocolate, served iced)
Blueberry Frozen Yogurt
Our group enjoying dessert.
