I’ve started a new project – monthly dinner parties! Each month I’ll host a three course meal for three friends for three reasons: creativity, practice, and company. The countless hours I spend reading cookbooks, searching design blogs, and adding to my Pinterest boards will finally be justified as I craft both menus and table settings. I’ll write grocery lists and find the best sources for ingredients then I’ll schedule the preparation of dishes and decide which parts must be prepared on the days ahead so all dishes can come to the table at the proper time. The meals will give me a chance to think about wine pairings and spice combinations that form complements from one dish to the next. And I’ll get to test out these menu concepts on friends while having a full table of mouths to feed. That means more dishes, fewer leftovers, no lonely dining, and lots of smiles to share.
Here’s a peek at my first gathering held earlier this month. The next one is scheduled for October 14 – can’t wait!
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| Ok, I really wanted a dinner party so I could show off my new place settings! I own a mishmash of pieces from different times and places, but it’s all coming together. And no one is too young for nice cloth napkins. |
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| First course: Poblano Corn Chowder with Shrimp via Epicurious.com. In the summertime, there’s no need to use canned and frozen corn. Make the creamed corn from scratch for super cheap and enjoy the fresh tastes of summer. |
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| It’s been a while since I’ve roasted a pork tenderloin, but the meat thermometer ensured that I pulled it from the oven at the perfect time. Be sure to let meat rest a few minutes before cutting, else-wise all of your juices will remain on the cutting board! |
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| My first dinner guests: Derek, Stephen, and Yin. And the first public glimpses of my kitchen! |
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| I had originally planned to make “deconstructed” banh mi sandwiches, serving the meat and quick-pickled vegetables atop a potato cake. Then I realized I had no bread knife nor steak knives… The street food look it was. |
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| Banh mi glamour shot! Make sure to keep sriracha on hand for these sandwiches to allow guests to turn up the volume for themselves. |
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“That means more dishes, fewer leftovers, no lonely dining, and lots of smiles to share.”! 🙂
Love the lavender wall and autumn-y place settings!
Thanks, Karen! I can’t wait to finish a few more projects in the kitchen and show it off more. Join me for a dinner party!
wow everything esp the banh mi looks great robyn!!!!
Thanks, Michelle! I’m adding a few dishes from my HK trip to an upcoming menu. I’ll make sure you see it.