Farewell Brother and Hello South Pole!

Of all places you thought you would ever go to, does the South Pole ever come to mind? I didn't even know there were people down there! Well now one of those people will be my brother for a few months. He is going down there to do some scientific research stuff. Stuff at the other extreme of delicious food.

So what better way to send him off to the freezing temperature and 24-hour sunny snowland than a dinner party with friends? Since feeding sixteen people a sit-down meal may be a bit difficult for one dining and one coffee table, I opted for a night of small bites.


To start off...

French cheese plate of Salers, Roquefort, and ___ (undecided).
Warm Picholine Olives & Almonds

Sun-dried Tomato Polenta Squares with Mushroom Ragu

Croque Monsieur

Rosemary-Dijon Lamb Chops with Pistou

Chocolate Truffles
Brownies

*All to be eaten with clean phalanges and a small plate.

The lovely guests will be contributing a bottle of wine for the festivities. {I hope no merlot or chardonnay!} I on the other hand am supplying a few bubblies, Cristalino Cava, and few reds.

Well the craziness began yesterday after food shopping at both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, as usual. I candied some pecans for the cheese plate. Ehh, it turned out alright. I know, I know, it's just candying nuts and I could I mess that up. Maybe I will do them over again. But then who's gonna eat the first batch?

I also made the mushroom ragu and sun-dried polenta with Giada Laurentiis's recipe tweeked a bit. My mom said the mushroom ragu was good but I don't think it was mind-blowing or anything. The polenta was just okay too. I think I will make a second batch tonight, adding more salt and herbs. I think a touch of pecorino after assembly may do the trick. I also added a few drizzles of white truffle oil to the mushroom ragu for delicious aroma and depth of flavor.

Last minute I decided to make dessert too, the chocolate truffles. The brownies I will buy, thank god. Why did I decide to drive myself crazy and make the dessert too? I don't know. I may add another dish too. Running out of food will be a nightmare and maybe even a riot!

I hope everything turns out okay. I am looking forward to the end of tomorrow night, when hopefully people will be inebriated and full with delicious food, and when I will be able to knock back a few and relax. Until Monday that is when it will start all over for a family Thanksgiving dinner of eighteeen.