Easy Entertaining

I admit, I don't invite people over for an evening of food and fellowship because I associate that with too much stress.  I am trying to change my perception and remember only the enjoyment of having friends over.

Sunday afternoon we were invited to Chef Rosemary's to say goodbye and safe travel to Chef Scott.  She sent an evite, set a time 4 to 7, and said we were welcome to bring an appetizer or a dessert but it was not necessary.  Pretty easy.

When I arrived pretty much everyone was in the kitchen of course and Rosemary started setting out bowls, dishes, salad, whatever else people brought.  I am always stressed that my house isn't clean enough, that I don't have the "right" serving dishes, and so many other thoughts of not perfect going through my head.

Did I notice if Rosemary had spent 3 days cleaning?  The house was clean, but really, did anyone put on the white gloves and run fingers along the tops of doors, under beds, the top of the refrigerator?  No, I was happy to see her, Julie, Scott, Leslie, everyone else and the dogs.

Did I notice serving pieces?  No, I know the salad was in a bowl, there was something I used to get it onto my plate, but really, not an issue.  Rosemary had made a big pot of chicken gumbo and it was on the stove waiting for us to help ourselves.  She also made a big pot of rice in the pressure cooker (I never thought of that) and it was there for us to help ourselves. 

We had such a nice time talking, eating, enjoying the company and having a very enjoyable evening.  Not much matters if you have friends and some food.  And we're not talking spending another 3 days on food after 3 days on cleaning.  It can be easy.

I taught a class at the Toco Hills library on Tuesday evening and the title was Easy Entertaining.  I really should pay attention to myself.  It was easy, it was delicious, I cooked in a library so I could surely cook in a kitchen!  It would be easier. 

The class was full with a waiting list so I know this is something that appeals to people.  We just need to relax a little and know that we're inviting friends, people that already like us, almost family! 

So the menu for Tuesday night was:

•  Gorgonzola and Toasted Walnut Spread
• Baked Brie with Lemon and Herbs
• Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
• Pumpkin Trifle

The class participants were happy, the food was delicious, it was a fun evening.  I'm going to try to be a little more relaxed about having people to the house. 

I did invite Scott over yesterday since it was a rainy, windy, cold day. He was watching the movers load up all of his stuff.    I told him I had furniture, hot tea and yes, a Big Green Egg in the living room and no vacuuming due to a broken belt, but he's a friend, he just laughed at my description of the house!  It doesn't matter.  Now I just have to listen to myself more!

Gorgonzola and Toasted Walnut Spread source unknown

1 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons half and half
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
French bread slices
apple and pear slices

1. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the gorgonzola cheese for garnish.
2. Place cream cheese, remaining gorgonzola, half and half and pepper in food processor.  Cover and process until blended.
3. Reserve 1 tablespoon walnuts for garnish.Stir remaining walnuts into cheese mixture.
4. Spoon into shallow serving plate. Sprinkle with reserved gorgonzola, parsley and walnuts.Serve with bread and fruit slices.