I hosted a dinner party on Valentine’s Day. I made it super
easy on myself and served a casserole, roasted vegetables and salad. I don’t
think friends minded or even noticed that the food was simple and comforting.
It’s most fun just to be together, right? Besides, as long as the dessert is
killer, who remembers what the main meal is.
My table was so pretty – all my best china, silverware and
stemware. Bonus – I used my red Christmas chargers and they were the perfect
Valentine touch. Red candles, roses, fun love quotes scattered around. Oh, and
lots of wine and beer….. (secret to a great party!) Pandora station: Bossa nova
… check it out – my new addiction.
Another great success of my party was the special wine my
friend Dawn brought. She actually researched both a white and red to enhance a
chicken casserole. We loved our mini wine tasting during the meal….and
especially loved the dessert wine – a delicious Moscato d’Asti.
Here’s my menu – I’ll share recipes!
Hors d’oeuvres: Lemon Ginger Shrimp, Cheese Straws, store
bought olives and marinated mushrooms
Main Course: Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Roasted asparagus and
carrots, Romaine Salad with lemony dressing (I rarely serve dinner rolls)
Dessert: Lemon Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and German
Chocolate Nutty Pie (made by my friend Laura and totally perfect!)
Here’s what
you need: (I adapted this from a few recipes I researched on allrecipes.com)
2-3 lbs jumbo
shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ C olive
oil
2 t sesame
oil
¼ C lemon
juice
1 small
onion, chopped
2 cloves
garlic, peeled
2 inches
fresh ginger, peeled and minces
¼ C fresh
cilantro
1 t paprika
Salt, pepper
Here’s what
you do:
Prepare the
shrimp and set aside. Mix the remaining ingredients in a blender or food
processor. Pour over the raw shrimp and marinate for 2 hours (no longer
though). Grill the shrimp over medium heat, allowing some of the thick marinade
to cling to the shrimp. I skewered mine after I grilled them. But you could
skewer them first, I imagine, and have equal success. Never overcook shrimp!
Just till pink – then they’re done!
Sounds like a delicious and great time! Yum!
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