{party} Big Mad Night

It all started with a mutual love of the movie "The Big Night" and an infatuation with the series "Mad Men". If you haven't seen either be prepared to be transformed. "The Big Night", has been on my top ten list of all time favorite movies. It makes me laugh, and salivate all at the same time. "Mad Men" the mid century cool show is just fun! Together with the period dress, music and a strong martini or two it was a night to remember!

filling canoli

dressed up dinner

lemon asparagus risotto was to die for. ( martinis and bubblegum cigarettes a must!)

ok maybe a few real ones two. Check out this cool case!

Timpano - the celebrated dish from "the big night". Layers of pasta, meatballs, ragu sauce, eggs, prosciutto, bashmel sauce all wrapped in a flakey dough. Amazing.

A wonderful night with friends!

{sharing meals} - christmas eve

I love Christmas Eve. The excitement is at its peak. The crazy running around is almost over. Everyone is happy. We don't have a ton of traditions around Christmas Eve. Pretty basic. We get together, have a yummy meal and the kids get to open their gift from us. We sprinkle a little magic deer food in the yard and leave a plate of cookies, milk and carrot (for the deer) for santa. I love this night!

I usually host Christmas Eve in our family and I usually try to do something different every year. Although this year I was a little stumped. But I think I have finally decided. (Although I am impulsive when it comes to cooking so a trip to the store may sway me - ha) Here is my menu for this year and some from years past. I will post recipes later this week. Happy planning!

2009 christmas eve menu

shrimp cocktail

mushroom pot with crostini

steak and bacon tornado

bearnaise sauce

broccoli rabe

twice baked potatoes or sage potatoes

bread pudding with chocolate chunks and rum sauce

Past Menus

Standing rib roast with garlic mashes and asparagus salad

Roasted sausages with sage, mashed potatoes, sauteed red cabbage

Beef Tenderloin, asparagus, cheese grits

Crawfish Etouffee over rice with a salad

Seafood Gumbo over rice with a salad

Beef Bourguignon over egg noodles with a salad

Menus I considered

Lasagna (Ken's families tradition)

Pasta with 2 kinds of sauce, red and clam

Enchiladas and tamales with beans and salad

I hope this gives you a few ideas. I will post my recipes in a day or two. Happy Days to you!

{sharing meals} brunch menu - #1

photo by ann west

Growing up my mother loved to entertain. Her favorite meal to make was brunch. Eggs, english muffins, salads... it was never over done or too fancy just really good. Today we are having family over for brunch. It is beautiful out today no rain. A great way to start the day!

here is my menu recipes below:

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mimosas

virgin mimosas (orange juice and ginger ale)

leek and asparagus quiche

bacon and cheese quiche

spinach salad with walnuts and cranberries

roasted tomatoes

fresh fruit

yeast rolls with orange honey butter

coffee and iced tea

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