This week I catered my first small dinner party. My Mom and a group of her friends asked me to cater their annual Christmas Party. I knew all nine of the women at the party; they are Moms of some of my friends from high school. They are incredibly supportive and generous. So, it was like catering a party for your own personal cheerleaders. It was amazing. It is not lost on me how incredibly privileged I am to have so many supportive people in my life. I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have.
I made blue cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates, also known as Devils on Horseback and Rosemary Cashews, for an appetizer. They both turned out great. Confession, my wife Maggie made the Rosemary Cashews. They are her specialty, and I would never even try.
For the main course I made Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloins, Parmesan Crisps, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Creamy Parmesan Polenta. For dessert, I made Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. All of these recipes I have made before, some many many times. So, I was very comfortable with them all. One of my rules for entertaining, never make a new recipe. Entertaining is stressful enough, be comfortable and confident with your recipes. Another rule is to make everything ahead of time. Now, most of this food needed to be cooked right before serving. However, I wasn't hosting; I was the cook. I had absolutely everything prepped that I could before I got there, and I had a very detailed and realistic time frame. I knew what I was supposed to be doing at every minute. I also do this when I entertain at home. Everything turned out great. Phew!
I brought my cousin Brooke, who is an excellent cook. She's also one of my closet friends, and we work so well together. It's like we can read each other's minds. So, it was a HUGE help having her in the kitchen. She was able to keep things moving when people wanted to chat with me. Maggie also came along, and she is the most wonderful. She moves efficiently and quietly around the kitchen, keeping everything clean and orderly. She also helped me to take pictures.
It was so much fun! We had a great time together, and I think everyone loved the food. I hope to do it again sometime in the future!