Thursday, June 5, 2008

TIME TO PARTY

I am having a party tonight to celebrate the birthdays of three of my friends. There will be six of us and it was supposed to be an outdoor on the deck, giggle the night away kind of affair. The weather has been perfect for a week or so until yesterday when it was cold and rainy all day. Today did not clear up or warm up as it was supposed to do. Oh well, I vacuumed the dining room and that will be the scene of the revelry. The menu consists of :



This yummy focaccia bread which I started last night with a poolish. I have been baking bread for almost 40 years the traditional way, you know takes about 3 or 4 hours, but this version from Tastespotting promises artisinal results. You know, all the big holes and a well developed, yeasty flavor. We will see. It has to rise for 30 minutes twice, then an hour and then 2 hours with various resting times in between. It is on its last rise and should be ready for the oven by about 5:00. Let's hope that all my guests ( who do not make bread) will be able to discern the artisinal qualities.
Fresh cherries and a blueberry cake for dessert. See, I am too lazy to move the pix into the proper menu order. Thought we could spit the pits off the deck...not going to work in the dining room!!
Grilled veggies which will be combined with herbed farfalle ( bowties), olive oil, garlic and a drizzle of balsamic and served at room temperature.
And shrimp marinated in worcestershire sauce, olive oil and lemon and then skewered and cooked on the grill. I will be outside in the damp cooking the shrimp so they will be perfect for my guests. I will have a glass of wine with me to warm me.

That's where I will be this evening. What are you up to?

Later,
Janet

16 comments:

  1. My birthday was in March, can I come?

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  2. OMG Janet - I wish I was on your Birthday list of friends - everything you are making and serving is a favorite with me as even though I'm a non meat eater, I do indulge in shrimp now and then! And those veggies and artisinal foccacia, mouth watering - taking me back to Tuscany - and the cherries, I'll spit in any direction you point!!!
    In your comment you mentioned Victoria Sponge too - I never make them because they would not touch my Mum's - she made the best - and I know I'd cry!

    Hope you gals have a fabulous evening - I'm raising a glass of fabulous Syrah to you all right now!!
    Thanks for visiting and your sweet comments about the porch!
    Cheers - Mary.

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  3. Well what I'm going to be doing is dreaming about that wonderful dinner you are making. Those veggies sound to die for! I don't eat meat so I would have to leave the shrimp out.

    Ok, that's it! I'm coming over. What time is dinner?

    Hugs to you
    Joanne

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  4. Oh see I was so into my dreaming about dinner that I forgot to tell you I'm having another give away over at my blog. If you are interested come stop by and enter.

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  5. Oh my... I have such a weakness for bread! That looks so yummy and scrumptious!

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  6. You are such a good friend to prepare such a wonderful birthday. Everything looks delicious.

    I hope you all had a great time.

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  7. Hi Janet :)

    What am I doing? After reading this, I'm making a bee line to my fridge ;)

    hugs,
    rue

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  8. WHAT??? no basketball>>> and your team won! anyway, dinner looks delish!!! such a fun b'day menu and happening. i would eat a lot of all of it! jkj

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  9. Wow, I think I would never get beyond the focaccia -- it looks mouthwatering!
    xoxo,
    Mary

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  10. Hi Janet! Sounds like a perfect way to spend the evening with friends. We are having a BBQ tomorrow and my son wants grilled shrimp on the barbie - so I will use your version. Thank you!!! Oh, and what time do you want me to stop by? I'll bring some Chardonay! ;)

    xo
    Becky

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  11. Wow that looks good. If you have a chance, would you post the recipe for the bread? It looks fabulous. It's a bag of microwave popcorn and a Coke Zero for me this evening. not-so-yum...

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  12. Wish I was on the birthday party list...everything sounds wonderful :o) Have a great time!!!!
    ~Des

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  13. It's 10:30 pm and now I'm starving after reading this! I love making focaccia. I'll have to try that. Oh I wish I had some now!

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  14. So.....what time is dinner???? You’re making us so hungry!

    Last week we had a cooking frenzy - this week there's been squat happening in the kitchen!

    Enjoy your weekend!
    Karla & Karrie

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  15. Wow! That food sounds fantastic. Sure do wish I could join you! -Julia

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  16. Your food shots are lovely. I wish I could be at that party - you did it up grand!

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Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment if you have enjoyed my blog. I look forward to "chatting" with you.

Thanks,
Janet