Saturday, May 18, 2013

Julie and Lauren {a Derby Dinner}

 Last night we enjoyed the latest Gourmet Club meeting, hosted by Julie Mudrick and Lauren Hunter.  It was Kentucky Derby inspired and SO fabulous!

We were requested to wear hats, which was so fun and festive, and here we are in all our millinery glory!

Dinner was served on Julie's huge screened porch.  Oh, so beautiful and the weather was perfect.

Kastell, Elizabeth A, Merianne

Appetizers...blackberry mint juleps...absolutely delicious!

Fried green tomato mozzarella stack with basil balsamic glaze.  Mouthwatering.
 Amanda and Cierra
 How perfect are these ribbons decorating the chairs?!  Love this.
 Red roses.
 Love all the burlap details and the red and black is so striking!
 Bow napkins and tiny horses as placecards.
 It was such a beautiful place setting!

Soup...gazpacho.
 Individual pitchers to pour over the chopped veggies and croutons.
 So fun.
 So much flavor!  I really enjoyed this soup.

A glance at the menu.  So elegant.

Merianne and Olivia
 Kim and Niki.
 Elizabeth M. and Emily.

Loved seeing the hats lined up.

Ellen and Elizabeth A.

 Salad...arugula with beets, pistachios, cheese...and a buttery biscuit.  Yum!

Main...grilled pork chops with apple and rhubarb chutney, roasted brussels sprouts and pecorino mac n cheese.  Just amazing.  Absolutely as delicious as it sounds!
 Triple Crown Pie.  Praline and cream, chocolate hazelnut, and lemon meringue.  I loved the small cups--so genius!  I think the praline and cream was my favorite!

Cute stripey favor boxes.
 With earrings and hair pins inside. So adorable!

Our lovely and amazing hostesses...Julie and Lauren (and Lauren's three week old son Charlie!).
They had an award for best hat (Kim was voted winner) and games for us to play, including a hilarious game of "Celebrity".
It was SUCH an enjoyable evening!
Thank you so much, ladies!
Well done!
:)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Kim and Oliva's Fiesta {the recipes}

 Here are the delicious recipes!
Also, I wanted to add a photo of the very festive invitations.
Love the fabric fringe.

Watermelon skewers with cotija


Jalapeno grilled cheese
Kim changed the cheese mixture on the grilled cheese sandwich from goat cheese to:
1 oz goat cheese
1oz mascarpone cheese
zest and juice of one lime
2 TBS chopped cilantro

Mix all ingredients together and use in place of the goat cheese in the recipe.  
Works best on a panini press.



Mexican street corn

Mexican corn cakes



Tres Leches Coconut Cake Trifle

 Jamoncillo de Leche... (Milk Fudge)


Thanks ladies!