Happy Birthday My Valentine Sweetheart!

My husband’s actual birthday is Valentine’s day…a day of love to be sure! I decided to have a few friends over- seems like that’s what we always like best.
I settled on a Fondue Party- retro, fun, interactive
and full of flavors.

I created the romantic ambiance at the living room coffee table- covered it with a lace ivory cloth we purchased on our honeymoon in Cozumel- gathered plenty of oversized pillows from around the house… and set up the dinner party in front of a roaring winter fire. Rose petals, candles..music and really special friends.

Our friends were told dinner would be casual,
but they probably didn’t expect to sit on the floor!!

Dinner began with an amazing cheese fondue- good gruyere cheese grated with a few spoonfuls of flour then added dry white wine, a dash of lemon, cayenne, nutmeg and Kirsch with plenty of interesting ‘dippables’.
Sourdough French bread, sautéed mushrooms, blanched broccoli flowerettes,
baby red skin potatoes, French cornichons and La Piece de resistance
brussel sprouts!

Next course was the meat course..
Homemade sausage slices, beef tenderloin strips, tortellini tomato skewers
and herb encrusted chicken bites, ready for each guest to dip
into the garlic rosemary seasoned oil – cooked to their liking!

With dipping sauces that included a colorful and tasty array of my favorites... marinara sauce, a lemon tarragon butter, a divinely spicy pesto, mushroom burgundy and a sesame spiked soy sauce.

Course # three was a simple salad tossed in olive oil and lemon-
a great way to cleanse the palate.


And in lieu of a traditional birthday cake we splurged on chocolate fondue-
what a treat!!
Dark chocolate, vanilla, evaporated milk, chocolate chips warmed
until melted and creamy… ready and willing to coat colorful strawberries, kiwi, bananas and sweet Clementine’s..almond biscotti, shortbread cookies, pretzels, marshmallows- and my favorite-
dried fruit skewers of pineapple, apricot and mango!

Having enjoyed several bottles of wine and champagne, incredible jazz piano (thanks to our friend Dean who plays and sings..happy birthday like I’ve never heard it!), we finished the evening with a lovely glass of port and coffees...
Monday morning was definitely hard to face after this
romantic, decadent and cozy birthday party
for my Valentine Sweetheart!

Winter Inspirations!

It’s true, Michigan is cold and snowy today. Old man winter is holding strong; the snow rests defiantly on the bark of bare trees…the herb garden is dormant under the blanket of white, and our flower pots are filled with red twigs and dried hydrangea flowers instead of colorful daisies and bear grass. Winter in Michigan.
The good news? Seasonal entertaining and cooking is at its best, because I’m inspired and moved to cook more than ever,

Here are some ideas for your family dinners this week…
Pan Fried Chicken Breasts…dip in egg, then dust the chicken breasts with oregano, basil, Parmesan, flour, salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a skillet, then add the breasts. Sauté on both sides until beautifully browned, and squeeze lavishly with fresh lemon juice. Turn off burner, place lid over skillet and allow the breasts to sit 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a heaping pile of brown rice and steamed broccoli and carrots.
Breakfast for Dinner…sautéed red skin potatoes with paprika and chile powder , turkey bratwurst, scrambled eggs with feta and scallion, stewed tomatoes (cook onion, green pepper, chopped tomatoes, salt and a dash of your favorite hot sauce) , hot mocha (coffee with some spoonfuls of Ghirardelli double chocolate works perfectly!) and sliced grapefruit dried cherry salad.
The Ultimate Stir Fry…cook some tortellini, sauté some beef tips and mushrooms of any sort..deglaze with a bit of red wine…thaw some shelled edamame…then heat a tablespoon of olive oil, sauté the above ingredients, add a dash of soy sauce and some toasted sesame seeds and enjoy this quick and hearty winter meal.

Remember..Keep your pantry stocked with plenty of grains, beans and canned goods. Buy some hearty whole grain bread (or bake it!) Fill your fruit bowls with mounds of Clementine’s and pears…apples and mango..and eat plenty of dried fruits and nuts. Stock your fridge with lots of produce and diary..you won’t have to weather the snowy roads if you have what you need on hand!