a little birthday love …

As most of you already know, I had the privilege of hosting my grandmother’s 100th birthday on Valentines Day.   It was her actual birthday, and she was so cute and excited, it really was a pleasure.   This post will be the food, and the next the party itself.  Above and below are the dessert bar.  That was eight feet of sweet!  Candy, three different kinds of macaron, heart shaped brownie bites, red velvet cupcakes, birthday cake, petit fours, and red velvet cake balls.  Scrumptious.    I made them all the night before, except for the cake.  (My gumpaste roses had an unfortunate accident the week before and I had no time to remake them.)  The flowers on the cake are all made of chocolate.

And the luncheon … I could not photograph it all because I was in the midst of preparing, but the menu was fabulous, if I say so myself.  My mother taught us to do all of the cooking for company that day, so as to serve your guests the best.  A challenge when you have a crowd, but it is the way I have always done it.   We served:  Bacon wrapped scallops, Ham and Cheese Bites, Parmesan Pastry Puffs, Rice Balls, Grilled Vegetables, Caramelized Keilbasa, Red Currant Meatballs, a cheese plate, Spicy shrimp cups with homemade tortilla strips. grilled vegetables, pork tenderloin skewers, crab dip, tomato and mozzarella, chicken salad bites, salad, mango chicken, and filet of beef with horseradish dressing. 

 

 And of course, a well stocked bar.  I think I needed it! 

There was plenty more wine, but this was mid-set up. I didn’t want to be photographing this as the guests arrived. 

More later…

Best,

Stephanie