For the past few years, we rent a home on Owasco Lake where we lived before moving to NYC. We spend the week with my family and on one night we have a big party inviting our friends. It's always a good time, with lots of laughter, fun and good food and drink.
Our menu consisted of some things I made; our appetizers included
Pepperoni Dip- which I also made for our Super Bowl party and
Mary Alice's Hoagie Dip- a recipe my sister-in-law found on FoodNetwork.com, and which tastes like a Wegmans' Joey Sub.
My friend Barbara made her famous Summer Pizza, which I love so much, with cream cheese and veggies, and her husband brought the most delicious tomatoes and jalapeno peppers from his garden; my sons could not stop raving about them.
For the main course, we ordered Cornell Chicken from Lascas Restaurant and I made a few trays of Rachael Ray's Italian Macaroni and Cheese, which is a perfect dish for a big group. By the end of the week I had made three trays of it and there was not a noodle left. (Sorry Rick!)
We also ordered Cheese Souffle from The Springside Inn, which is an Auburn institution, and everyone loves the dish. I also made a tray of roasted vegetables of mushrooms, green and red peppers, red onions, and zucchini. And no gathering is complete without Jello; I made Pretzel Jello.
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| Paula Deen's Frozen Banana Split |
Lots of people brought yummy desserts too; a light and lovely Lemon Cake from The Patisserie in Skaneateles from Tony and Kristi (they also brought bread and a tomato dipping sauce that was out-of-this-world from there), homemade Pumpkin Spice Cake with chocolate chips (thanks Di!), and the most gorgeous Red Velvet Cupcakes from The Chocolate Mill in Glens Falls, courtesy of Rick and Kelly. I always ask Maria to bring her amazing Pumpkin Cookies, and I still say she should sell them, they are that good.
My dear friend Trish knows me so well and always brings the perfect hostess gift. This time she gave me Philippa Gregory's new book, The Kingmaker's Daughter, and she got my husband Chad Harbach's incredible novel, The Art of Fielding, and even better, she bought them from Downtown Books & Coffee, a local independent bookstore. Yay Trish!
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It was such a great party and so good to see all our friends; I only wish it could have lasted longer!
Love the recap and loved our time at the lake with you. Thanks Di!
ReplyDeleteLove the recap and loved our time at the lake with you. Nothing beats good food with good friends in a beautiful setting. Thanks Di!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Unknown, we loved having you!
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ReplyDeleteOh what a great tradition! Sounds like a whole lot of yummy food was available for all kinds of eaters. And nothing is better than veggies fresh from the garden!
ReplyDeleteIt is so much fun when everyone shares their favorite recipe, or should I say when they bring my favorite dish of theirs to the party.
DeleteYummy! Plus any recipe by Paula Deen is guaranteed naughty goodness. Cool tradition.
ReplyDeleteA Paula Deen recipe is naughty goodness. It's funny to see everyone revert to a child when a Banana Split is offered.
DeleteMy mouth watered with mention of every dish. What a grand feast! Best of all -- sharing it with good friends. I'm curious about the Italian Mac and Cheese -- must give it a try. The Frozen Banana Split looks like the perfect summer dessert. Mmmmmm. :9
ReplyDeleteThe Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish for a bog crowd; every time I have made it, it is gone in minutes.
DeleteThat sounds like a FUN party! I can't stop wondering what pretzel jello is...so my stop it to check that out!
ReplyDeleteoooh, I'm on the lookout for both those books. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to dig into the Philippa Gregory. You have a good week too!
DeleteOkay...had to come back to say - I'M TOTALLY MAKING THAT! I couldn't wrap my head around what it was until I saw it, and now I MUST try pretzel jello =)
ReplyDeleteThere is something about the Pretzel Jello that people go gaga over; maybe it's the combination of sweet and salty.
DeleteI always enjoy seeing my friends. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a good time with your friends! And so much tasty food!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us!
This sounds like a wonderful mix of great food and good friends. How wonderful that you are able to do this every year.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer day. I have always wanted a large family just for events like this.
ReplyDeleteSounds like lots of fun and the perfect way to spend a summer vacation.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a nice way to spend some time, relaxing with friends, good scenery and great food. I will check out that phillipa Gregory book. I have read one of hers before and liked it quite a bit.
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