The Perfect Evening




Every once in a while, every few years or so, and likely the result of nothing more than fate smiling upon us and dumb luck, we plan and execute The Perfect Evening.  Last night we celebrated our 16th Annual Friends Thanksgiving.  The event began as a way to nourish the vegetarians among a group of friends prior to their family celebrations where, as one friend put it, they could eat only carrot sticks and pickles because even the mashed potatoes were made using chicken stock.  The feast takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the home of our friends who own the biggest dining room table - and it is ENORMOUS.

This year, the two vegetarian friends and their spouses happened to schedule a holiday and were unable to attend.  So K and I took matters into our meat-loving hands and created a menu laden with bacon and duck fat.  It was real, and it was spectacular.  In fact, we planned so much food that there were causalities during the four hour meal: we neglected to serve the foie gras (grilled pate served on cranberry croutons and topped with pickled mustard seeds) and cheese course (three cheeses chosen for their unique and exceptional qualities and served with amazing little bites designed to pair with each cheese and to bring out those qualities - we hope to serve these unserved but not forgotten delectables at our upcoming lefse gathering).

Appetizers:
Pickled vegetables
Olives
Candied pecans
Roasted chickpeas
Edamame
Crispy breadsticks with creamy herb dip

House cocktail:
Tuaca Sidecars

Roasted Parsnip and Pear Soup
served with bacon, Parmigiano Reggiano, and balsamic reduction

Endive Canapes
individual endive shells with cream cheese, cranberry chutney,
pomegranate, macadamia, cranberry bread croutons
dressing of pickled mustard seeds

Salt Cured Duck Breasts, Broccoli Greens, Delicata Squash

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
Coffee 


As our guests trickled out into the icy night, K and I sat together in front of the fading fire while nursing our final glasses of wine and toasting our success.  The Perfect Evening wouldn't be complete without a tinge of smug relief.  Of course, to pull of such a feat takes more than preparing a decent meal.  Most important is the sometimes precarious balance of guests.  Our little assembly was an interesting (and appreciative) group.  Good food and brilliant guests; satiated smiles to all. 

Another year and another holiday season upon us.  We have much to be thankful for.

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