Hors d’oeuvres for 125

Last Thursday’s Book-signing Cocktail/Hors d’oeuvres Party for 125 was a resounding success.  My clients hosted a wonderful evening for Gerald Weaver, the author of: The First First Gentleman   There were two readings from his novel, and no it’s not about Bill Clinton! LOL!  He signed books purchased by the invited guests and schmoozed with 125 people from many walks of life who discovered that they had more in common with each other than imagined.

The overflow of Publishing Industry, Movie & TV stars, Agents, Writers, etc. kept the two bartenders very busy. The food was very well received, or should I say devoured?  The centerpiece on the table was a 3D model of the White House that my grandsons help me assemble two weeks ago while we were teen sitting them in Rhode Island!

Here’s the menu followed by the few odd pictures that we were able to capture!

Assorted Crudites with Artichoke Lemon Dip

Cheese Board: Comte, Gorgonzola, P’tit Basque, Gouda, Camembert, Mixed Nuts, Grapes and Dates, assorted crackers, crostini, and flat breads.

Skewered Hors d’oeuvres:

Watermelon, Feta, Olive with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese: Cherry Tomatoes, Boccancini

Antipasto: Tortellini, Cherry Tomato, Provolone. Pepperoni

Meat/Seafood/Chicken Platters

Smoky Roasted Garlic Shrimp Cocktail

Peppered Beef Tenderloin Crostini w/Horseradish Sauce & Chives

Lobster “Roll” Mini Phyllo Cups

Asian Meatballs w/Thai Chili  Dipping Sauce

Endive Petals with Chunky Chicken Salad and Cranberries

Vegetarian Platters

Spicy Pimento & Cheese Stuffed Celery

Eggplant Caponata w/Parmesan Mini Phyllo Cups

Radish on Pumpernickel Squares w/Olive Butter

Chopped Egg with Capers & Dijon on Pumpernickel Squares

Sweets

Salted Chocolate Mini Cookie Cups

Madeleines

Assorted Macaroons

Here are some pics:

Roasted Garlic Shrimp

 

Cheese Board

Antipasto Sticks

Caprese Skewers

Watermelon, Feta, Olive Skewers

 

Lobster Rolls

Caponata Mini Filo Cups

Madeleines

 

 

As my client predicted:     They came for the Author and a Drink and stayed for Dinner!!

There was a complete hush over the rooms while the readings were happening and once they were completed the true grazing of the hors d’oeuvres buffet continued with amazing vigor!  The party was to be from 6 to 8 p.m.  We re-filled the last of the food @10 p.m. And there were still close to 50 grazers on hand!

We called it a successful party! Happy clients, impressed media types and all were smiling!

Eat Well…Be Well!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unplanned International Dinner for two!

Grabbed a package of Murray’s Split Chicken Breasts for dinner, stuffed lemon slices under the skin seasoned with Kosher Salt and Lemon Pepper and roasted in the oven. Yes, I turned the oven on in 90º weather!  You can only eat so much indoor grill pan food in one week!

Started rootin’ through the fridge for sides. A virtual treasure trove of goodies this week!

Found blanched Haricots Vert waiting for a salad and decided to saute them with tons of Garlic and toss with Chopped Fresh Tomatoes, Herbs, Olive Oil, and Balsamic Vinegar.

Next was a handful of leftover Crunchy Roasted Smashed Potatoes….sauteed in butter and olive oil then seasoned with smoked paprika and parsley added a beaten egg and called it a quick Spanish Tortilla.

Roasted Lemon Chicken. Potato Tortilla, Haricots Vert & Tomatoes

Salad was Mache Greens with chopped Prosciutto, Halved Fresh Black Figs, Burrata dressed with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze!

Mache, Burrata, Black Figs, Prosciutto, Olive Oil & Balsamic Glaze

 

Dessert was Simple Fruit Salad w/Chocolate Biscotti and made it a great meal!

Clean plates and satisfied Nana & Poppa!

Eat Well…Be Well!

Dual Entree dinner for 10

We did a dinner for 10 tonight for a repeat client.  He enjoys his food and asked for dual entrees.  One beef and one salmon.  The point is to provide good choices for everyone and he always tells everyone they may eat one or the other or BOTH!  Tonight’s menu garnered 2 Salmon only; 3 Beef only and 5 combos!

Here is the official menu:

Amuse Bouche:  Skewered Marinated Mozzarella Balls/Sun-Dried Tomato/Stuffed Green Olive soaked in Vermouth

 

Appetizer:  Two Crostini with Roasted Mini Diced Ratatouille and Shaved Grana Padano, Basil Leaf w/dot of Balsamic Glaze

Ratatouille Before Roasting Tomatoes added mid-way through roasting!

Crostini w/Roasted Ratatouille and Grana Padano

Salad: Mixed Artisan Green/Red Lettuces, Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumber and Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

Beef Entree:  Boneless Short Rib Stroganoff over Buttered Fettuccine with Minted Peas and Roasted Pearl Onions

Fish Entree:  Roasted Wild Caught Salmon with Dilled Horseradish Sauce and Mediterranean Bean Medley

No Pictures of the entree’s the plating was so varied based on the choices of the guests and time was of the essence!

Dessert:  Jelly Jarred Bailey’s Cookies and Cream Parfaits w/Oreo Cookies on the side!

Bailey’s Cookies & Cream Parfaits

The layers were crushed Oreos–Bailey’s Infused Chocolate Pudding–crushed cookies–whipped cream lightened pudding–crushed cookies–whipped cream–crushed cookie dusting!

The meal was intended to be served outdoors, poolside but sadly the threat of severe thunderstorms and the over the top high humidity prevented that from happening.  We did experience one heavy downpour about an hour before guests were due to arrive, it lasted 10 minutes and once done the sun returned and humidity was even worse.

The guests did enjoy their cocktails outside as we all watched another cloud cover but we didn’t have anymore rain.  The result was that the guests were able to watch us in motion as the kitchen in the “cabana” is open to the bar/dining/great room!  This pool house is a golf cart ride away from the main house on beautifully landscaped property.  This is our second visit and always a pleasure to cook for this group!

The meal was enjoyed by all, based on the applause as we were leaving and I was asked to autograph several of the printed menus for the guests!

Eat Well….Be Well!