Our 3rd Annual Julia Child Night 2011 has come and gone. I think Lisa and I have created a fun tradition. Lisa captured the evening and posted it on her blog earlier today. You can read it by clicking here.
Our menu this year was inspired from a Julia cookbook I've had in my library for 25 years. Appropriately, she titled her menu
CASSOULET FOR A CROWD
A Menu Inspired By Julia Child
Assorted Cheese and Olives
Olive Tapenade and Crackers
French 75
Consommé Parisienne
Bread Sticks
Honey-Roasted Pear Salad with Thyme Verjus Dressing
Cassoulet
Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw
Dinner Rolls
Apple Crisp
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Coffee
The living room became a dining room for the evening. It was a "bring your own chair" event.
We had lots of good help. Nick and Ellen enjoyed a quiet moment before the crowd arrived. Ellen is already wearing the required apron...it's a tradition!!!
Another tradition is enjoyed by our youngest generation. They know right where we store some of Suzanne and Nick's old toys. Remind me next year to hide that "construct your own musical instrument" toy before the event. Seriously, these grand nephews are the best kids ever!
While the kids played in the laundry room, the adults mixed it up before dinner in the family room. It was standing room only!
Lisa and I are ready to start our meal. Is everyone seated?
The apron Lisa gave me is the most feminine clothing item I own!
Enough with the explaining, Barb and Lisa, let's eat!!!
The beef consommé was worth all of the effort and time to prepare. Thanks, Julia, for your wonderful directions!
I really did make "cassoulet for a crowd." We served twenty-one, but I made enough for thirty. I am Val's daughter, you know!
Matthew enjoyed the homemade ice cream his mom, Julie, brought. And, the apple and pear crisp his Aunt Lisa and Grandma Marlys made. It baked in our oven while we ate the main course. Yum!!!
Can you tell we had a fun evening?
We already have ideas for next year. We're thinking everyone should consider French stripes and berets!
I'll talk to you again sooner or later!
4 comments:
That looks like the perfect evening to me. Incredible food, wine, tons of laughter, and (most importantly) a large crowd of family! Wish we could live a little closer to attend these get-togethers.
I have to say I am very impressed with the aprons. I think you guys could make the cover of "Martha Stewart Living"...don't you think? ;)
The photos of the food makes my mouth water.
Fabulous post! Paul got some great photos of the evening. Good call on hiding the build your own musical instrument. They made some 'interesting' noises, huh? The kids sure were well behaved, though! I just love this event. It is probably my favorite day of the year, honestly. It's such a fun way to bring people together.
My cup runneth over. Thank you so much for bringing this event to life. It would not happen without you!!!!
And I will start shopping for berets for next year!
such a fun night. love you mom
That was so much fun to review! The evening couldn't have been more perfect! Lusious food, laughter, and loving family and friends! I love the idea of stripes & berets! And of course, APRONS!
Post a Comment