A Fall Birthday Banquet
Time to celebrate my father-in-law's birthday--I'm so glad he has it at this season when it's a joy to putter in a warm kitchen, enjoy the golden light on the table, and cook again the rich foods we remember from last year's cold weather.
Can you read that menu? We started with a zucchini and gruyere tart (Bella made it, with puff pastry). Then a gorgeous salad, red lettuces with sprouts, pomegratate seeds, and candied walnuts (definitely will be making this again!).
Roast beef, mashed potatoes put through a ricer (you know it's a fancy dinner then!), gravy, roasted brussels sprouts, rolls.
Then, in honor of the man's love for pie, instead of a birthday cake an Upstanding Apple Pie served with homemade vanilla ice cream and coffee. We baked it in a springform pan and went for three vertical inches, with local apples.
Of *course* cards followed, and though we said we'd let Grandpa win in honor of his birthday, Bella did the honors. So, a revenge match.
Next year.
16 comments:
Very nice - I've been wondering.
Lisateresa
My grandfather's birthday was Oct. 31st, and many are the fond memories of pulling out the gourmet recipes for a family dinner party on Grandmother's bone china. I wish I had such lovely snapshots of the events as yours. Thanks for sharing!
Ever since I was a little child (literally, for as long as I can remember), I've wanted to be a very small mouse so I can quietly hide myself in small recesses and watch people's dinner parties. Although at yours, I might've sneaked out to snatch a candied walnut. Thanks for indulging me! Beautiful!
What a blessing, indeed!
And what is under the tart on the menu? All my eyes seem to read is "cocoa" but I just don't think so!
What a wonderful way to honor this special father/grandfather!
Lovely as always...
Oh, Polly, cocoa would have made Daisy's night! It's actually cava, a sparkling spanish wine.
Who would not be honored to receive such a wonderful dinner. Lucky man! I am a regular reader and just wanted to leave a comment today to tell you how much I enjoy your blog! Have a wonderful weekend.
I love your blog! I rarely post, but visit every time that you post. I find it so encouraging. I need to pull out the fall related Grace Livingston Hill's soon...maybe the Christmas related too. Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs. Sensibility
I just asked about this celebration the other day! I'm glad you shared your dinner with us. Do you have such elegant celebrations for every grandparent? I adore your china!
I could only think of Daisy when my bad eyes were squinting out 'cocoa.'
But the cava is a more celebratory touch for the adults! My cousin brought some back from Spain with her 11 years ago to use as a pre-wedding toast before I got married. So special!
oh lovely. I find your fall banquet so inspiring. I've been reading Miss Manners and right now she's despairing over the demise of the dinner party.
That salad intrigues me....what kind of dressing did you use? This is one I'd like to make for Christmas Dinner.
As usual, the table looks beautiful, too!
When you were planning on closing up your blog back in the spring, I'll admit one of my first thoughts was "Oh no, no grandfather birthday feast post this year!" This is such a sweet tradition. I feel blessed that you post about it.
In Christ,
Dawn
Salad dressing: our usual--balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and Jane's Crazy Mixed-Up Salt, plus a slug of POM pomegranate juice I happened to have in the fridge.
Thanks Anna! I wondered if it had a bit of sweetness to it.
I sent a list of your birthday meals out to my family for my Step-dad's 70th birthday coming up. Everyone loved them and we are planning a special meal to celebrate him this Thanksgiving because people will be traveling from out of state! I love how you do things like a simple meal so special to let someone know they are loved!
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