March 20, 2011

White Dog watched over me carefully hawking to make sure I didn't get tired or overdo the celebrating at my Birthday Feast (althought the actual day was the 15th). The Other White Dog and Another White Dog made WD (and the rest of us) proud as they assumed the host/hostess greeting duties as guests arrived. Still Another White Dog was an excellent helper to Steve in setting up and pre-party organization but is still too shy to make much of an appearance in a houseful of people. Michael was tucked in his bed with chicken noodle soup and a pitcher of water, our latest flu victim.

White Dog and Steve, as usual, pulled off a fantastic meal. This year they had an Army of Sous Chefs to assist in sampling and watching. The menu was a lovely tribute to Spring and my favorite foods. We began with dolmades in yogurt lemon dill sauce that shared the plate with delicate green Moroccan date balls made with dates, olives, spices, almonds, walnuts and rolled in ground pistachios.

Gregg prepared grilled and marinated baby vegetables including the thinnest asparagus and adorable baby finger-sized zucchini, baby (more like newborn) beets, pearl onions, fingerling sweet potatoes, teeny tiny carrots, daikon, and more. Steve's mushroom and artichoke heart bread pudding cradled the apricot orange glazed pork tenderloin in a pillow of deliciousness and both were the perfect counterpoint to the chile lime cilantro jumbo scallop and prawn sculpture that begged the chance to add a little fire to the meal.

Judith added homemade hamantashan cookies in honor of Purim to the dessert plates already laden with incredible deep dark chocolate cake layered with chocolate whipped cream and raspberries. No one complained...at least not seriously.

The pups were not ignored as they feasted along with us The entire Army was in heaven, including the honorary White Dog, Dragon, and his new brother (who gets his big boy surgery on Monday). The afternoon became evening became night as we toasted and talked and ate and shared. By 10 pm when the last guest hugged us all goodbye, I was beat...so were the others. But we were all glowing.
Puff makes a final inspection before guests arrive.
All is ready! Let's Party!
Nuka welcomes our guests! Come in, please be comfortable! Weare glad to see you!
Quinn is so busy engaging our friends that he doesn't even notice the camera!
Everyone seem comfortable and relaxed!
Thanks for coming! It was a wonderful evening!