dinner debriefing

I've decided to switch my party affiliation to "dinner." We had an excellent time here last night...

It was us plus two other couples who knew each other only peripherally. Six kids between us, ranging from Jonah to a second grader.

We fed the kids in the kitchen, the requisite chicken nuggets and fries. One of the other families brought a fruit salad for them, which we all agreed was just as good as a vegetable, with the added bonus of being complaint-free. They then watched a movie and played and, incredibly, no one got hurt or cried or had an issue or needed a parent for almost the next two hours.

One of the other women brought a green salad for the adults, and a really yummy vinaigrette to go with it. I made a couple of chicken pot pies which, if I say so myself, came out perfectly. I filled them with shredded chicken and a ton of diced onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and peas in a white sauce and topped them with good old puff pastry. I glazed with cream, but I'm going back to egg next time. It's shinier.

The best part of the pie production was that I ended up having to make the sauce in two batches because I didn't make enough, and the first one was too bland, and the second was too spicy but, when I threw it all lin a bowl and mixed it up, it came out just right!

Sides were mashed yukon golds (lots of butter!) and steamed asparagus with lemon and more butter.

After dinner, we fed everyone dessert...sundaes of vanilla ice cream on top of homemade brownies, with hot fudge and whipped cream. Both chocolate recipes are here. The kids had to stay at the kitchen table, as we have not even finished paying for the new family room furniture, and the adults, who can be better trusted, at least in theory, took the family room. We often do that during a dinner party...move dessert into the family room. I think that it offers a nice break and a really relaxed end to the evening.

Anyway, a great time was had by all. The two couples were a good choice to bring together -- similar backgrounds, experiences, sensibilities, etc. Conversation flowed nicely as people got to know each other, but I do have to remember to lay off the President bashing in public, even if he is an idiot who deserves it. You just never know, I guess, if you've accidentally invited a Republican to dinner.

The best compliment of the evening came from one of the other husbands who said, while clearing his plate, "This is my second time here, and my second terrific meal. I'm coming back!"

Posted by volfie at March 27, 2004 07:50 AM