Oh we must be getting old! Kenny turned 60, yesterday!
It was a really nice day. He worked a little in the morning while I did the Pilates, Farmer's Market routine and we relaxed together, watching FSU beat BYU in the afternoon. I was busily in and out of the kitchen all day.
We had some friends over for a low key dinner party. Menu designed by Ken--he wanted, of all things, salami! Really, his idea was that I not cook too much or stress out--just throw some salami and store bought bread on a platter and drink some nice wine. But, of course, I just couldn't help myself. I made Marcella's foccacia (some plain and some with rosemary) and it was a great vehicle for the salumi and variety of cheeses. I included one "Green Hill" from Sweet Grass Dairy which is just divine, soft and a bit runny at room temperature with a lovely subtle nutty flavor. We had eggplant in the CSA bag again so I made a big bowlful of the sweet and sour caponata.
Tandy brought some killer pesto-stuffed mushrooms, Cecelia brought olives and marinated peppers and Anthony made some really nice, creamy white beans with thyme.
My favorite dish turned out to be the deviled eggs with truffle salt. I didn't want to muck up the flavors so I simply mashed the yolks with some mayo, a bit of Greek yogurt and the "sale di tartufo" which I also sprinkled on top just before serving. They were SO delicious. I wish I had a photo (I am so NOT a professional blogger!) But the eggs were really pretty after I piped them back into the whites with a big star tip.
We drank some prosecco and a fruit forward Washington State Syrah (Bergevin Lanes) which went nicely with all the different flavors.
The cake: I used the coconut cake recipe from Rose Levy Berenbaum's Heavenly Cakes and made whipped cream with some of the coconut milk in it, for the frosting. Also, put some fresh raspberries, with the cream, in between the layers. Ken is a sucker for a coconut dessert. Cecelia made absolutely perfect, smooth and creamy, chocolate ice cream. What a combo!
The company was as good as the food! We really had a great night.
Happy birthday to the love of my life!
Comments (7)
Brava, Jan. Quell'era rapido.
Posted by Lyn | September 19, 2010 10:43 AM
Posted on September 19, 2010 10:43
What a lovely way to turn 60! Good food, good wine, good friends, good wife, good life!
Happy Birthday, Ken, and many, many, many more. You look great.
Posted by Terry (teaberry) | September 19, 2010 11:23 AM
Posted on September 19, 2010 11:23
60 is the new 50! And you celebrated Ken's birthday in style! I love appetizer dinners - so many good things to try.
Happy Birthday to Ken!
Posted by nancyhol | September 19, 2010 1:04 PM
Posted on September 19, 2010 13:04
Excellent. It looks like the perfect way to celebrate a milestone. And nice that you had a WA Syrah. They are great! Happy Birthday to Ken and many many more years to both of you.
Posted by Marta | September 19, 2010 4:05 PM
Posted on September 19, 2010 16:05
Wonderful post Jan! Congrats and Happy Birthday to Ken who looks very dashly handsome at 60. (Which I have been told is the new 40 and I believe it!)
Posted by Barb Cabot | September 19, 2010 8:12 PM
Posted on September 19, 2010 20:12
Happy (belated) birthday Ken!
Jan, your meal looks fabulous and you all had a fun time.
The coconut cake was the perfect way to end the birthday feast!
cin cin :)
Posted by Mindy | September 20, 2010 9:46 AM
Posted on September 20, 2010 09:46
What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday - friends, good food, vino, and laughter.
By the way, thanks for the great idea to help me use up my truffle salt!
Posted by Jerry | September 26, 2010 9:29 AM
Posted on September 26, 2010 09:29