Last night we were honored to be included in a dinner party "almost" club. Local fellow has been giving multi-course dinner parties for years, and we were invited to join them for this one. Here is how it went...
Wine Masters David and Jennifer from Wind Rose Cellars, a local winery supplied us with the wnoderful matching wines and they did a great job.
Our neighbors with the wood fired pizza oven took over the first appetizer - pizza, but had to make it in the oven. Very good tho.
Smoked Salmon Spread
Amuse-Bouche - this was yummy!!
My starter - Goat Cheese in Grape Leaves with Tomato and Olive salad. I was very pleased with this dish and will probably do it again...after the cheese is wrapped (a day ahead), the dish is very easy and fast to put together. And it sure helped to find juicy, meaty Heirlooms.
Sardinia Minestrone with basil pesto - Loved this one, also
George, our host, showing off the perfectly grilled plank salmon
The planked salmon plated - pulled from the heat at the perfect time and the flavor combination of the 'salsa' was great.
Grilled Boneless Leg of Lamb - another hit with everyone
Hated to say but this was the least successful dish of the night - poor George (but he seemed happy with it... ) - Stuffed & Grilled double pork chops. The pork was so dry and tough, could not believe it and I almost choked when he said he brined it to keep it moist and tender. Hello? I did keep my mouth shut.
Polenta cake with berries and a citrus glaze - wonderful ending to a wonderful evening.
We met so many new folks and remet some that we've seen over the years here in town. There were 17 of us and the conversation never lagged.
The wines - we've never heard of this local winery before but their Barbera is one of the best I've tasted. And, of couse they get their grapes from eastern WA.
http://www.windrosecellars.com/
We got home at almost midnight and boy did we turn into sleepy pumpkins when we hit the driveway.
Wine Masters David and Jennifer from Wind Rose Cellars, a local winery supplied us with the wnoderful matching wines and they did a great job.
Our neighbors with the wood fired pizza oven took over the first appetizer - pizza, but had to make it in the oven. Very good tho.
Smoked Salmon Spread
Amuse-Bouche - this was yummy!!
My starter - Goat Cheese in Grape Leaves with Tomato and Olive salad. I was very pleased with this dish and will probably do it again...after the cheese is wrapped (a day ahead), the dish is very easy and fast to put together. And it sure helped to find juicy, meaty Heirlooms.
Sardinia Minestrone with basil pesto - Loved this one, also
George, our host, showing off the perfectly grilled plank salmon
The planked salmon plated - pulled from the heat at the perfect time and the flavor combination of the 'salsa' was great.
Grilled Boneless Leg of Lamb - another hit with everyone
Hated to say but this was the least successful dish of the night - poor George (but he seemed happy with it... ) - Stuffed & Grilled double pork chops. The pork was so dry and tough, could not believe it and I almost choked when he said he brined it to keep it moist and tender. Hello? I did keep my mouth shut.
Polenta cake with berries and a citrus glaze - wonderful ending to a wonderful evening.
We met so many new folks and remet some that we've seen over the years here in town. There were 17 of us and the conversation never lagged.
The wines - we've never heard of this local winery before but their Barbera is one of the best I've tasted. And, of couse they get their grapes from eastern WA.
http://www.windrosecellars.com/
We got home at almost midnight and boy did we turn into sleepy pumpkins when we hit the driveway.
Retired and having fun writing cookbooks, tasting wine and sharing recipes with all my friends.
www.achefsjourney.com
www.achefsjourney.com