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The dinner was a great success - both of the invited couples actually
asked for my card and the host couple asked if I'd cater a cocktail party
for them for 40 to 50 people. I don't think I'd love doing this as much
if it was a job, but it felt really great to have such positive feedback
for my efforts.

You should feel great -- what a wonderful menu to prepare with only you and
a friend to do it. Bravo! It's clear how much thought went into designing
this menu. And it must have been time-consuming, especially with the
preparation at someone else's house. Were there any particular snags with
any of the recipes or the prep flow during the meal?
Thanks for the menu ideas, too. Can you share some of your favorite recipes
from this menu?

Thanks Mia. I really had fun, though it was a lot of work. I spent half
a day on Friday and most of Saturday doing prep work, so that I'd have a
minimum to do once I actually got to the house where the dinner was being
held. I must say, I even impressed myself with how smoothly things went
- nary a snag in sight! Before the guests arrived, when I was in the
kitchen with my friend doing last-minute prep-work, I mentioned to her
(in a *very* low voice) that I realized that every one of the recipes I
was using was one I had never tried before. She replied "Oh that's
nothing new for you - you're an adventurous cook". I realize that's
supposed to be a no-no when cooking for guests, but I think I've gotten
fairly astute at being able to tell if a recipe will work just by looking
at the ingredients.

I'd be happy to share any of the recipes you'd like - just let me know
which ones interest you - I was very pleased with all of them and I'll
definitely be making them again. It would be hard to pick a favorite
amongst them, but I have to admit the key lime cheesecake with berry
melange was pretty spectacular.
--
Donna
A pessimist believes all women are bad. An optimist hopes they are.