In article >,
"Bob Terwilliger" > wrote:

> Silvar (if I may call him that) wrote:
>
> > We had been planning to have a couple of couples over since before
> > Christmas, but events and emergencies had gotten in the way of getting
> > together until last night. I made:
> >
> <snip fantastic menu>
> > Fresh fruit trifle (cream cheese - whipped cream "pudding," fresh
> > strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, nectarines, pound cake, and
> > some dark rum and apricot jam spread on the pound cake slices. This
> > recipe right out of the Bon Appetit cookbook except for the added
> > strawberries. Damn this stuff is good!)
> >
> > Everything was homemade but the pumpernickel. The vodka was
> > interesting - all by itself the pepper taste lingered for ten
> > minutes. Small sips offset the salmon nicely. I dragged out all the
> > good china and served everything restaurant style, plating the dishes
> > in my staging area (kitchen table) so I could get the effects I
> > desired (e.g. the aioli spread in a zig-zag from a squeeze bottle over
> > the port sauce and placing garnishes) and then brought them into the
> > dining room course by course. I did as much of the prep as I could
> > ahead of time so I could actually spend some time socializing with my
> > guests instead of cooking. The logistics worked out pretty well and
> > everyone said they loved the meal, so I'm in a happy place today :-)
>
> It all sounds excellent, and very well-planned and well-executed on your
> part. Lin brought home a bottle of white balsamic vinegar just a few days
> ago, and I'd been casting about for ideas on how to use it. Enjoy your happy
> place while it lasts!
>
> Bob

I've read that Balsamic Vinegar is good on Vanilla Ice cream, but I
confess I've never tried it. I tend to use it more for salads and stir
fry.

Small amounts of vinegar tend to "brighten" the flavor of many savory
dishes. I've been alternating between that and lemon.
--
Peace! Om

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. -- Dalai Lama