Southern Style Dinner Party

Last Saturday night January 10th I had the largest dinner party to date at Chez Laurie--31 folks!  The theme was 'Southern Style' and my sweet mom and I spent two solid days cooking up a storm. Here was the menu:

fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, butter beans, corn muffins, potato salad, biscuits, corn pudding, mac and cheese and barbeque!

This was one of the best parties I have ever had--I had a blast!  I think this was because all the cooking was done beforehand, so I was able to relax, drink wine and really enjoy myself.  All the food went off without a hitch, and everyone really seemed to have a good time.

See picture link on the right!

The Holidays, Chez Laurie

I am working in the hospital straight through Christmas, so I had my mom and dad over for a holiday dinner tonight!  Here they are pictured by my little Christmas tree.

For dinner I made roasted chicken, truffle mushrooms and asiago polenta--it turned out great and was a real hit!  For dessert I had homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream--yum!  We sat around my table and talked about my crazy aunt Gerry.  Seriously, she is crazy.

My dad has alzheimer's disease, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to leave the house--he gets quite confused, and I think a little scared when

 he is not in a familiar environment.  He did pretty good, though.  Towards the end he started talking about how he wanted to get home to see the Lawrence Welk Show, and I felt like he was itching to be back at home where he feels safe.

To the right is a picture of them with their min-pin, Lily-bit.  Lily-bit is the fattest min-pin you will ever know.  My mom tries to put her on a diet, but my dad keeps feeding her bacon.

Friends and Food--Dinner Party

WOW--what a great night!  The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun.  Everything went off without a hitch and folks stayed well into the evening chatting, drinking and laughing.

I'm exhausted today--but it was worth it!

See link for pictures :)

Prelude to dinner party....

Tonight Simeon and I are hosting a little party of around 30 of our good friends.  Fortunately, I am not doing the cooking, Simeon and Freddy are taking care of all the food, and here is our menu:

Potato and celery root empanadas

Crudite

Antipasto

Shrimp and cucumbers with remoulade

Herbed and goat cheese crostini

Hummus

Rosemary and lemon chicken

Pork loin

Pasta bar with sauces

Mashed sweet potatoes with jalapenos and brown sugar

Glazed carrots and parsnips

Cornbread

Mixed green salad

Banana pudding

Chocolate decadent cake

DAMN!  pics and details to follow....

Dinner parties!

Speaking of dinner parties--here my dear friend Shahzad from Pakistan cooked up a yummy traditional indian feast!

This party was mexican night- and Luis went to town on the fixins :)