Launch Party Update

I have to admit that I am currently breathing into a brown paper bag. Long deep breaths praying that this Xanax starts working. My frazzeled self is imagining standing over the edge of the Grand Canyon looking down going "who needs a parachute I can fly by flapping my arms". Translation - I never think logically before I leap. EVER!

Guest count is now 60+, my yard is a big pile of dirt right now, I am getting a new garage floor installed Wed and Thurs and I haven't even remotely got everything ready for the party. I feel like the guy on the Next Food Network Star that always over extended himself. I mean who schedules a complete overhaul of their garage and frontyard the week of a major party? Oh and I forgot one more idiotic thing... we have our first dog obedience lesson on Saturday morning of the party. IDIOT!

Payday is Friday which means on Friday I will be doing the Costco, Kroger run then come home and decorate and knock out as much food preparation as I possibly can. Cion is doing the Central Market run and Dave is going to Home Depot to get us patio furniture. We will also need to reload the fridge back in to the garage on Friday. All of this AFTER working an 8 hour day.

Saturday's schedule looks even worse. Wake up, take Xanax, take dog to obedience training at 10:00am, go to bakery, Nudini, shower, clean, cook for 60+ people, pray the house doesn't over heat, freshen up, pop another Xanax, greet guests and pray for a miracle.

Wish us luck... we need it!

Launch Party

We decided to change the menu just a tad for the party on August 2nd. Instead of lamb we are going to do a beef tenderloin and a pork tenderloin. Below is our revised menu and the estimated preparation time.

Beef Tenderloin - grill 30 minutes
Pork Tenderloin - grill 20 minutes
Crab Cakes - stove - 45 minutes
Baked brie - oven - 20 minutes
Zucchini wrapped in proscuitto - stove - 20 minutes
Mini Caprese - will be prepared Friday night
Stuffed Mushrooms - oven - 30 minutes
Anti pasto tray - assembly time
Desserts - assembly time
Asparagus - stove - 20 minutes

Cion went to Whole Foods last night and ordered a case of white wine. We are off to Specs tonight to look for red wine and champagne. Guest count so far is 36 with more to come in.

We will go to Costco next Wednesday and Central Market on Thursday or Friday. We have jam packed days ahead of us and lots to get ready for.

Wish us luck!

Official Launch of Two Party Planners

It's official. Cion and I are launching Two Party Planners. Deidra is going to help us out when she can and be a great help to us on the business side. We have designed a logo and ordered business cards. Our first open house is scheduled for Saturday, August 2 at 7:00.

The menu we have planned consists of appetizers and finger friendly foods.

Lamb bites
Crab Cakes
Baked Brie
Zucchini wrapped in proscuitto
Mini Caprese
Crackers served with warm goat cheese and fruit
Stuffed Mushrooms
Antipasto Tray
Steamed asparagus
array of desserts

We are going to pick a red and a white wine to serve. Our goal is to give our friends, family and potential clients a glimpse into what we plan to offer.

If I left you off the email and you would like to come please RSVP to me by July 30.

Cheers and wish us luck!

4th of July Holiday

So for the 4th of July Cion, James and I will be gathering to let Tashi have a playdate with Reilly and Zachary. We will be grilling hamburgers and bratwurst served with Cion's famous salsa and quacamole. I will be making a cucumber tomato salad and a blueberry cheesecake.

The cucumber tomato salad recipe I got years ago and have made on numerous occasions. The ingredients are cucumber, tomato, red onion, mint, olive oil, white vinegar, salt, pepper and sugar. Once I get home I will post the recipe for everyone. It's always a light, refreshing side and a great accompaniment to burgers, fish and even chicken dishes.

The blueberry cheesecake recipe is a new recipe I am trying from Tyler Florence. Usually his recipes are a great success and if it goes well I will repost it. Based on the reviews it needs some cooking adjustment and a little bit of tweaking.

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July holiday.