Least Complicated

Javier, Ozzie, Peanut and I had lawn seats at the Brandi Carlile/Indigo Girls concert at Wolftrap. We collaborated to bring a picnic dinner - unfortunately, I had a hard time taking pics outside, in the dark, sitting on a hill, and with a plastic cup of wine in one hand.

Javier and Ozzie started us off with a baguette served with fresh cheeses, dip, and some Greek pine honey. Note Javier's finger, injured when mincing garlic.



Tropical fruit cup!



I stole this one directly from the Contessa- pasta, pesto, and peas, packaged in Chinese take out containers.



I also made my favorite peanut butter chicken with dipping sauce, but the pics did not do it justice. Nonetheless, the star of the night was dessert: fruit loop treats that I individually packaged, drawing the comment "that's so cute... and gay!" from the lesbians sitting behind us.



Good music and a good time... and Javier's got some mad air guitar skills.

We'll bring dessert

"First you ask if you can be red, knowing that I'm always red."

My aunt and uncle from India were in town, so Dolly, Sheik, and Bean had everyone over to their place for a game of croquet and some dinner afterwards. And though I talk a good game...



... it was my father who beat us all. Who knew he was such a croquet champ?

Anyway, I brought dessert and roped Peanut into making his famous French Potato Salad.



Peanut loves this version because he hates mayo, even though I love mayo so much I typically get a side of mayo with my fries, especially at Stoney's! Nonetheless, his potato salad is delicious.



I decided to make a lemon meringue tart, which was probably not the best dessert to transport via automobile from DC to Falls Church.



Nonetheless, people seemed to enjoy it! Here's Belle with a piece:



And just because this picture is too cute not to share with the world, Peanut getting some love from his new goddaughter:

Independence Day: I SO went there!

Look Rose! I embraced the pastry bag!

A reunion (with 2 worthy substitutions)

Attendees: Joshua, Jack, Rick, and Peanut
Cocktail: Rick's in charge!
Appetizers: Radishes with artisan salts; crostini with Parrano
Main Course: Caesar Club Sandwiches
Sides: Insalata Caprese and fresh corn salad
Dessert: Peaches in Sauternes

I moved to Washington, DC in 1999 and some of my fondest memories of my time here involve meeting four amazing guys (Joshua, Rick, Trey, and Mary) for lunch every day (and for darts, drinks, or a spinning class every now and then after work, too!). Well, times change--- Joshua moved to New York, Trey moved to San Francisco, and Mary moved to Chicago. So when Joshua had to come back to DC for work and asked if he could crash with Peanut and me, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to invite Rick over and kick it old school! And while they could never take the places of Trey and Mary, Peanut and Jack were worthy substitutes!!!



I wasn't even going try to come up with a cocktail when Rick told me he could make it for dinner- I knew he could whip up in a moment something that would be a thousand times better than what would take me an hour to prepare!



I love Peanut and I love Joshua, but they are two of the pickiest eaters ever! And I had to prepare the meal on a Monday after a full day of work and a trip to the gym! I was finally able to figure out that they would both enjoy a chicken Caesar club, though Peanut needed his Caesar dressing made without anchovy paste and Joshua wanted his without Pancetta.



I think that Ina Garten's fresh corn salad is my favorite summer salad ever. To prepare: boil 5 ears of shucked corn for 3 minutes, then put them in a bowl of ice water. When cold, cut of the kernels and mix with a small red onion (diced), 3 Tablespoons cider vinegar and 3 Tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. When ready to serve, mix in some fresh basil. Delicious!



And to go with all the starches, a simple Insalata Caprese- who doesn't love that?!



I kept dessert fresh: Peaches in Sauternes! So simple and elegant, and one of Peanut's new favorite desserts!

And after a few drinks at 1 A.M., Joshua convinced me to succumb to the pressure and (finally!) join Facebook! I am such a sell out... but befriend me anyway (I might even make you dinner)!