many mini-munchies

I know that a few of you have already seen these pictures, but I thought that I'd share them anyway. About a month ago, Ken and I worked together on our first independent catering gig. Overall, it went pretty well. The food was beautiful and tasty, and we received a number of compliments. Of course, there were also several things that we decided to do differently if we do this again. I don't want to reveal any trade secrets, but suffice it to say that it was certainly a good learning experience.


The Spread:
Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Bruschetta:

Fresh Pepper, Mozarella, & Basil Brushetta with a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce:

Salmon Carpaccio:

Spinach and Goat Cheese Mini-Quiches:

Apple & Aged Cheddar Fruit Bites:

Cranberry Nut Squares:
Raspberry, Strawberry, Kiwi, & Blackberry Mini-Cheesecakes:

Beginnings: A Farewell Dinner

I have been meaning for some time to begin posting pictures of Ken's food, some recipes, and descriptions of our cooking endeavours. Up until this point, I have been quite successful at avoiding actually carrying out this plan, but now, as I have a pretty long list of other things to do, I guess its time to begin.

As these things go, it seems somehow fitting that a beginning should start with a farewell. Below are photos of a lovely 5 course meal that Ken made this Wednseday as a farewell dinner for a good friend of his who is moving away from Chicago. I intend to post pictures of the prep (with recipes?) very soon. Apparently, my todo list just got longer. I hope you enjoy the pictures.


Moules Meuniere
(mussels poached in wine and shallot broth)
Served with 2005 Séguinot-Bordet Chablis













Berry Salad
(field greens, strawberries, raspberries, candied walnuts and Cabrales blue cheese with a raspberry mustard vinaigrette)













Seared Poppy and Sesame encrusted Tuna Loin
(with sauteed shitake & green beans, and a ginger shallot, soy-reduction and beef demi-glace sauce.)
Served with 2005 Michael Sarrazin, Bourgogne Rouge (Pinot Noir Les Vielles Vignes)













Followed by a 2005 Vega del Rio, Rioja from Calificada













French Silk Pie










Strawberry, Blueberry and Lemon Gillato
Served with 2005 St Christopher, Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling - Spatlese