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| See how happy the men are! |
Because when we five women get together, our conversations mostly revolve around blood, bodily functions, bloody bodily functions (i.e. periods) and words that end in -ology. And since we are two months shy of getting our doctorate degrees, we can't help talk about statistics and dissertations, instructors we don't like, and stories of five women in one hotel room that are far too personal to discuss in public. But we do anyway.
Bless our men. They act like they are listening, breaking in with an occasional courtesy laugh, or comment. But I've seen their clandestine checking of the clock, watching it with as much interest as if it were a racehorse holding their $800 wager.
Actually, this year, the men (and by MEN here I mostly mean Lance) chimed in with important things to say...like how great APPLE computers are. As the lone Apple crusader, I've been waiting for this type of support for four years! Monte and Amanda came out too (proud new owners of the iPad). That opens the door for others to feel safe and reveal their secret love of the silicon fruit as well. Stay tuned for next year's party....
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| Lance and Jenni talk Mac smac. Finally someone has seen the light! |
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For me, one of the funnest parts of hosting a party is the planning and preparation. Hey, I'll use any excuse to read recipes. After reading enough recipes to fill a book the size of Gone With the Wind, I finally settled on some tried-n'-true favorites and a few newbies. Both the menu and table settings were a definite ode to the colorful, crisp days of Autumn and her delicious bounty!
Appetizers
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| Photo credit: thefoodaddicts.com |
Artisan cheese plate with dried cherries and water crackers
Proscuitto Wrapped Pear with Caramelized Onions and Parmesan Cheese
Kettle corn
Marcona almonds
Salad
Romaine and Roasted Beet Salad with Roquefort Dressing
Main Course
Pork Tenderloins with Apple Cider Sauce
Vanilla Infused Mashed Sweet Potatoes
French Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
Homemade Rolls with Whipped Honey Butter
Dessert
Chocolate Cake with Orange Buttercream Frosting
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping and Roasted Pecans
Drink
Sparkling White Grape Juice
Mexican Coca-Cola (in honor of our trip together to Boliva...everyone went except Amanda)
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| made with real cane sugar |
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| Gotta love George. We can eat outside in the middle of October! |
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| This table runner has great significance. I got it in Peru. It symbolizes the wonderful strength and unity of women. |
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| How about the color of those red pears? GORGEOUS!! |
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| The men do the dishes. It's a beautiful site. But not for Monte. He is trying to shoot them the evil eye. |
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| Lance handwashed my crystal. Whatta sweet guy!! |
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Most of us in the group are teetotalers. So no alcohol was served. However, when I crawled into bed after the party, I was drunk! Intoxicated from good food, laughter, and the love and support of dear friends who know me well, and yet miracously, love me anyway!
Looking forward to another year of friendship and already CAN'T WAIT for next year's partay! The Doctors and their spouses will reunite for more Mac Smac and some serious laugh-ology.
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| My BFF's: bright, capable, accomplished, strong women |
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Now that the party is over, I just have one burning question: any ideas how to remove wax from the table runner?
Keep swimming,
Ms. Fish
13 comments:
Jenni, I looked at the pictures over and over; it looks like something out of Martha Stewart (except the men in the kitchen! No one has to clean up after her parties!) The food looks divine, and the friends look so non-haggard...who would know you are just two months from being PhD's. Awesome post.
Jen....I loved the post! Laughed all over again! Mr. Penick says to try ice to get the wax off.
PS: I'm always soooo excited when I make it into the coveted Fish Bowl Blog!!
And BTW, the hostess with the MOSTEST is definitely BETTER than Martha. Ms. Fish outdid herself! She served, entertained, and then blessed us with an amazing peice of music that she, herself, wrote. Beautiful lyrics, good company, wonderful food...GOOD TIMES! Thanks so much dear Jenni Claire!!!!!
Wow what a party and so elegant! I am never doing Christmas brunch again! I can't top your party or even come near. Post recipes, PLEASE.
Thanks for your kind words everyone. And for the tip, Bridget.
Propertygal, most of the recipes are linked in the blog post. If there is a specific recipe you would like, feel free to email me and I will send it to you. My email link is on the blog.
Thanks again for your comments!
Oh and by the way, Propertygal... I look forward to your Christmas brunch. It is WONDERFUL!
This is the kind of party I always wish I could throw but can never pull off. And you wrote a song? Of course you did! You're a Hackworth.
Here's a tip for the wax. Put a brown paper bag above and below, and then iron over the wax spot. I'm not sure what temperature...I would start on the lower settings and try that out first. The wax should transfer onto the bag. Rotate as needed to keep absorption active. It worked well when I had a wax drip on the carpet. Good luck!
Great tip Mrs. Olsen. Thanks! I'll give it a try.
Jenn - you are amazing. A-MAZE-ING....i diggity dig you. And did you seriously make all that food that you listed as the menu. Seriously Jenn! you're amazing. And you raise kids, and you're getting your PhD, and you're a great wife, and, and, and....what a super star. Love you tons sis and the party looks awesome. Of course I'm not surprised Ms. Olsen knows a super duper fancy trick - she's smart like that.
you know what else is amazing - that you would have utensils and dishes to serve all that food for ten people. coolio.
Did you put the balsamic glaze on the prosciutto pear appetizer? I have so many questions....I know, I know - I should just call you...it would be so much easier if I actually liked the phone :)...
and jenn....a lot of the recipes don't have links - like the desserts??!!! and the other appetizer and the green beans - do share - do share.
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