The husband and I used to host many dinner parties when we lived in NYC. First, I loved to cook. Second, it was cheaper than eating out. Third, people were readily available and always willing to come over. And finally, you didn't need to hail a cab home. Even after we had our first child, we invited people over for dinner so they could share stories from humanity with us and maybe bounce our baby while we sipped a drink. Dinner parties were a win win.
Then, we moved to Charlotte. While we have made many friends, we have also had another child, and said children have grown into wild animals who have taken over our house. Our friends also have young children, and inviting parents and children for a sit down dinner party/booze fest around dinner time, well......you can imagine.
Then, a few months ago, some friends of ours invited us over for dinner. The kids ate (a bit) and ran around like wild animals in princess dresses, and we drank wine and ate chili. When our hosts managed to kick us out, we went home to our clean kitchen, and, lo and behold, the kids crashed. I started thinking that a dinner party might be future possibility.
So, we invited our previous hosts to our house, and they were willing to come! While the kids ran around in princess dresses destroying the upstairs, we were able to sit uninterrupted for ten minutes while we sipped drinks and ate with real napkins. It was practically civil!
The following was served (to the adults):
Steak Teriyaki - A family go-to that originated with my Mother. Always a hit! The link is to a similar recipe.
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad - I know that it is Winter, but I could not resist. I paid way too much for tomatoes, and they still were not great.
Caesar Salad - I used the pre-made salad mixes and added extra croutons.
Warm French bread - People of my generation really don't eat bread anymore. Was useful for the kids, but we had a lot leftover.
Almond Cake - Made this for the first time. Giada DeLaurentis' recipe. Lots of holding the hand held electric mixer (when I get more counter space, you can bet on the first item I will be acquiring!). I also used white cornmeal instead of yellow. Tasted amazing.
Then, we moved to Charlotte. While we have made many friends, we have also had another child, and said children have grown into wild animals who have taken over our house. Our friends also have young children, and inviting parents and children for a sit down dinner party/booze fest around dinner time, well......you can imagine.
Then, a few months ago, some friends of ours invited us over for dinner. The kids ate (a bit) and ran around like wild animals in princess dresses, and we drank wine and ate chili. When our hosts managed to kick us out, we went home to our clean kitchen, and, lo and behold, the kids crashed. I started thinking that a dinner party might be future possibility.
So, we invited our previous hosts to our house, and they were willing to come! While the kids ran around in princess dresses destroying the upstairs, we were able to sit uninterrupted for ten minutes while we sipped drinks and ate with real napkins. It was practically civil!
The following was served (to the adults):
Steak Teriyaki - A family go-to that originated with my Mother. Always a hit! The link is to a similar recipe.
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad - I know that it is Winter, but I could not resist. I paid way too much for tomatoes, and they still were not great.
Caesar Salad - I used the pre-made salad mixes and added extra croutons.
Warm French bread - People of my generation really don't eat bread anymore. Was useful for the kids, but we had a lot leftover.
Almond Cake - Made this for the first time. Giada DeLaurentis' recipe. Lots of holding the hand held electric mixer (when I get more counter space, you can bet on the first item I will be acquiring!). I also used white cornmeal instead of yellow. Tasted amazing.
Love this post.
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