A strange thing happens when you have a blog. Folks start to send you things that they think would make a great blog post - and I say 'YEAH' - because I don't have to think. Sometimes they will direct you to write something about them or to NOT to write something about them as the case may be. Last night over dinner Rose said 'when you blog about tonight's dinner be sure and dedicate it to Kim'. I thought that this request was an odd one because in 570 posts I have yet to dedicate a post to anyone.
Anyways, Kim - you were discussed last night! LOL Rose says to stop whining about working so hard - she does that amount of work all of the time.
Mom is in the air jetting to Paris as I type (well, I haven't heard otherwise so we shall go with that). Because she was leaving today we decided to have Rose and mom over for a family dinner last night. It made for a very busy weekend but Rose only visits once and awhile so we didn't mind.
We decided to start off with drinks and a variety of antipasti . . .
For the cheese we served a French cheese with shaved black truffles, a bleu cheese from Quebec, and a delicious white cow's milk cheese from the Eastern Townships. To go with the cheese we had our fig and rosemary jam, a pear jam we had brought back from Florence, and a hot and spicy mixed fruit jam called Berry Blast. We had crackers, bread, and the taralli that I had baked on the morning.
We also served a variety of cured olives and some shortbread 'coins' made with sharp, aged cheddar cheese.
I started grilling early . . . with the assorted Italian cured meats we had fresh figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and wrapped in proscuitto. After the figs were grilled I drizzled them with the 12 year old balsamic vinegar we purchased in Barolo. On the left is my new favourite treat - Asparagus wrapped with proscuitto with an orange citronette. WOW, WOW - this recipe was from the Mario Batali grilling cookbook that Paul bought me for my birthday.
We washed these treats down with a bellini made by Paul (reputed to be the recipe used by a popular area restaurant Milestones. I posted the recipe for the Milestones Bellini here). We generally always have some waiting the the freezer for when we get the urge for a delicious peach drink.
We relaxed for a bit before enjoying the main course. Paul had marinated some pork loin chops in white wine, herbs, garlic, and olive oil. I grilled them and just before serving them squeezed fresh lemon over top. These chops were HUGE - I could only eat half of mine.
For a salad I made a version of caprese but sadly I bought the wrong tomatoes at the farmers' market - yellow - ARGH. I'm not sure you can call it a caprese without the wonderul red, white, and green of the Italian flag but sobeit. I used basil from the garden.
I also grilled some of the first fingerling potatoes of the year - they were amazing - I LOVE fresh vegetables.
I had found some fresh swiss chard at the market as well. Grown by a local farmer and picked Friday morning, it was delicious sauteed with some olive oil and lemon juice.
With dinner we served two red wines - Rose got the last of the Casa Emma reserve chianti that we had opened up earlier in the week and Paul and I sipped a big, red blend from Coyote's Run winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Of course we waited a while before dessert. Mom wanted to go for a walk, something that she, Paul, and I often do to help our dinner digest but Rose would have none of that discussion.
For dessert we served some chocolates and assorted Italian cookies that I bought at SOMA - the best chocolate shop in Toronto.
I also had made a tart that I found on Cindy Ruth's blog earlier in the week. The crust is sweet, almost shortbread-like, the filling a wonderful almond infused concoction studded with fresh fruit. She had made her tart with plums but I had some apricots from the market so I used those. It was a wonderful dessert - easy to make, not too sweet, and light - perfect for the end of a HUGE dinner.
Finally the end. Oh yes - we served the last of the Lemoncello we had brought back from Rome with dessert - a fine finish to the meal.
Kim - Rose said you'd be jealous about missing dinner. I suggested that she save some leftovers for you but she ate it all anyways. Sorry, I tried! :-)
Those are the colors of the Irish flag...I bet it was just as good.
I believe I see a centerpiece there!
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | July 28, 2008 at 07:08 PM
It was quite tasty - I love fresh cheese, ripe tomatoes, basil, and really good olive oil.
What is a centerpiece?
Posted by: Jerry | July 28, 2008 at 08:52 PM
OMG -- all of those dishes look fantastic! Your Mom and sister are very, very fortunate. The array of Italian meats, the caprese salad and the cookies all look incredible.
I hope your Mom has a wonderful trip. She'll have a hard time finding as a good a meal as you've presented, even in Paris. Seriously.
Posted by: sandrac | July 28, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Jerry-That looks like it was a fabulous meal. But then, all of your meals look fabulous. Glad you liked the tart recipe-I just love that almond filling. I made it once with apricots also. What do you think about the bing cherries we're currently getting-they would be good in it also.
Posted by: Cindy Ruth | July 28, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Jerry, you have the makings of a hospitality professional.... maybe a new career option. Everything looks not only fabulous but mouth watering as well.
Posted by: diana | July 29, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Jerry, what an awesome array for your family! How fortunate they are to have you - one who cares so much for them that you go all out to make such memorable dinners. Every time you post some dinners or any food presentations, hunger sets in here.
I am also feeling that (Catholic) guilt, since I was more likely to take my Mom out to some restaurants (before she went home to the Phil.) rather that cook...bad daughter!
Posted by: Eden | July 29, 2008 at 02:15 AM
It looks all yummy to me (even the meat that I don't eat). I never thought of caprese with yellow tomatoes. Great idea! I think you should quit your job and open up a restaurant. I hope you mom has a fabulous trip! Lucky her!!
Posted by: girasoli | July 29, 2008 at 02:16 AM
What a meal! The presentation alone 5 stars! You just get more impressive by the minute! Lucky Rose and your mom. That's some Bon Voyage meal! Take a bow Jerry, Bravo!
Posted by: Barb Cabot | July 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
What a magnificent meal! Looks like about thirty courses, with an "Italian Schedule" of consumption (about three hours). Have you thought about catering a Slow Trav GTG, say in October or so?
Posted by: Brad'll Do It | July 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I don't know Sandra, Brenda's pics of food in Paris look pretty impressive!
Cindy - the tart would be wonderful with cherries. Cherries and almonds are a classic combination.
Thanks Diana. I'm not if a change in careers would allow me to afford the things I love though! *smile*
Eden - Catholic guilt is an odd thing. I am glad that I do not have any to worry about!
Thanks Susan. After hearing mom go on and on about Paris I am thinking that we may need to move it up on the 'destination list'.
Thanks Barb!
Brad - I am leaving all catering to the experts - the hosts! I'm thinking martinis by the pool . . .
Posted by: Jerry | July 30, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I really appreciated the dinner and the company! Kudos to you and Paul and thanks for the time we spent together. I really enjoyed the time we had. Now when can I see you 2 come East??? Love you both.
Posted by: Rose | July 30, 2008 at 04:18 PM
I honestly don't know why I read this blog as I am always thinking, "Oh, I am inadequate...." You always have everything just so and everything looks tasty and elegant and hugely welcoming to everyone and co-ordinated and graceful and, oh, why go on....way jealous of all these things you are so good at and make looks so effortless. Kudos to you.
Posted by: Kayte | July 30, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Well Jerry and Paul you need to come to Cape Breton, Via Air Canada FLY over Glace Bay ( only looking at Rose's Roof) and come to Sydney!! Then we will Blog about how Rose missed the wonderful meal!! No one could fill her shoes at all ( she needs to come home). I am so glad you are all having such a lovely time, very jealous that I am missing this but as I cry that is ok, ONE day soon I will meet everyone!! I am saving most of the work for her!! LOL
Posted by: Kimberley | July 31, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Rose - we were glad that you could make it.
Kayte - no need to feel inadequate at all. This is not something we do everyday. To be honest, if we had kids and busy schedules we wouldn't do this at ALL! *smile*
Kim - we've been chatting about a return to NS but aren't sure when we'll fit it in. One day is right,
Posted by: Jerry | August 01, 2008 at 05:54 AM