Teri's Birthday Weekend

This past weekend we celebrated Teri’s 35 birthday. I have to say it was one of the funnest parties we’ve ever thrown. We invited a few friends on Tuesday which meant it was short notice and therefore a smaller gathering than most we have. Although Audie did laugh at me and told me 16 adults and 6 children was not a small party.

I think it was the quick timing that made it so fun. The thing about Teri and I is that we can throw together a party in no time. We’ve done it for so many years that there’s an unspoken and natural unfolding of the chores and the “to dos”. I usually take to the kitchen early if I’m preparing anything, in this case the cake, so I’m out of the way when Teri gets in. Then Teri will cook a good part of the day and I’ll do things like clean and hang lights etc. When the guests start arriving Teri is usually still in the kitchen and everyone gathers around the bar to talk while she finishes. Here she is really in her element, relaxed, creating, making our mouths water.

On Saturday, we ate Teri’s delicious food, talked, laughed, danced, played jenga and took a few tequila shots (just for good measure… they were small). The children played & played in the backyard for hours and I think that was my favorite part. Children playing, adults socializing during a lovely fall evening… just perfect!

The next day Wendy and I even managed to sneak in a movie while Teri and Derek played in the kitchen. Needless to say we all ate well and it’s worth including the menu here.

Saturday Night:
Spinach Dip with Cheese Straws
Chicken Gruyere Gratin with Dijon cream sauce – affectionately named “Double Chin Chicken” by Erin
Creamy Polenta with Marsala Mushrooms
Homemade Caesar Salad with rustic garlic croutons.
Vanilla Bean Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce
Sweet Imaginations sugar cookies

Sunday Night:
Asian Spice Ribs
Coconut Ginger Noodles with peanut & cilantro garnish
Pork Pot Stickers with Ginger Wasabi Soy Sauce
Chinese Green Beans