We were recently given the opportunity to chef an event for a birthday party. It was a 23 person 2-course sit down dinner with appetizers beforehand. The appetizers were amazing! Imported and domestic meat and cheese platters, bacon wrapped dates, fancy mixed nuts (Included rosemary Marcona almonds! If you have not had them, you are missing out. You can find them at Trader Joe’s for $5.99 a bag), chocolate truffles, cranberry brie bites and assorted breads and crackers. I displayed it in winter fashion with garland and berries and candles. Beautiful! The guests were afraid to eat anything at first and began taking pictures and posting to FB and Instagram. I think I nailed it! Salad was arugula, pork belly, blackberries, horseradish cheddar, red onion and jicama with a blackberry thyme balsamic dressing, made by yours truly. I wasn’t sure what the dressing would taste like, but I kept adding a little thyme at a time…Needless to say, I made it for Christmas presents.
The party was a hit, despite the oven shutting itself off every time we opened it (unbeknownst to us). The main course and carrots were 20 minutes off schedule, but the guests were entertaining themselves and having a good time. The salad went off without a snag, but I did, indeed forget the bread baskets, as in, I forgot to buy them and didn’t notice until I was reminded and then I am sure the look on my face was of utter incompetence. Well, we made it through and we survived another event.
By the way, the “we” I am referring to is not just any ordinary hired kitchen help, it is my mother and sister. They both have helped me since day one with event after crazy event. Despite my tendency to get too creative and little off the wall at the last minute, they are both patient and my mother reigns me in every time. We have learned to work like clockwork and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Not only are they family, but my dearest friends whom I trust to help execute flawlessly to the bitter end without question.
Thank you Mom and Sis! I couldn’t do it without you both.
On that lovely note, here is the Blackberry Thyme Balsamic Dressing recipe.
Happy Holiday to you and yours! I hope we get snow.