Palmabella's Passions

Brad calls us, "Palma's Portable Parties". I have to admit, I have had him hauling chafing dishes, gigantic platters, and boxes of wine glasses a lot lately. We have had several occasions where if seemed like I took half the kitchen somewhere to serve a meal to 20-50 guests.

On Tuesday evening, I catered a high school graduation party, for my friend, Paulina's son, Andres. Paulina and I have worked together as co-therapists in Domestic Violence men's groups, and I have been her clinical supervisor for the past three years. She is ready to take her exams for her license in Social Work.

Paulina's son, Andres, is a remarkable young man. He grew up in Colombia, and came to California four years ago to begin high school. He is graduating with honors from advanced placement classes, won the local Rotary Scholarship, as well as "Student of the Year" at Palm Desert High School. He will be spending 6 weeks in Europe this summer before beginning his studies at USC.

Paulina and I chose a "simple" menu with two appetizers, chicken, salads and desserts for the event. Most of the evening's preparations were done at my house, and brought to Paulina and Steve's home for the party. Their guests had a perfect evening of cooler than usual temperatures for June. Once the sun dropped behind the mountain, the evening was a pleasant 78 degrees.

The party began with appetizers served at 6:30. The first photo is of "Baja Bites", and the second is ham-gruyere palmiers.

At 7:00, dinner was served. Garlic-mustard chicken breasts with panko-parmigiano crust, grilled vegetables, corn-black bean-rice salad, and a green salad with fruit and citrus vinegarette.

Maxi was a great help to Brad and I in the kitchen during setting up, serving, and clean-up.

Dessert was my favorite part of the party preparations. We served a 4-tiered selection of mini-desserts: chocolate-caramel cheesecakes, vanilla cheesecakes with passion fruit curd, strawberry tarts, and coconut cream tarts.

I wish Andres a memorable trip to Europe (he will be traveling to Italy!), and I know he will have a wonderful education and some fun at USC! Buona Fortuna!