Dinner Party for DBP

Last weekend we had some friends over for dinner to help our dear friend, DBP, celebrate her birthday.  It was meant to be a cocktail party, but because we had a total of eight guests, we decided to go all-out and make it a dinner party.  The day started off grey and damp, so we didn't think we would be able to enjoy drinks in the garden, but, lo and behold, the clouds dispersed  and the sun came out! We had bubbles and cheese and crackers in the garden after all.

LP brought guacamole-stuffed Jalapeños that had been barbecued, so they were soft and smokey. I had one then had a case of the hiccups, which happens when I eat spicy food, much to everyone else's delight.

CC set a wonderful table, as usual, and was at the local farmer's market early, to get the best flowers, in this case, peonies.

We had Vichyssoise to start, something I have rediscovered recently.  My mother used to make it many years ago, and it's simple but elegant.

For the main course, we had Caesar salad, Quinoa salad, Asparagus with orange sauce and spicy, yoghurt-marinated Chicken breasts. The yoghurt helps to keep the chicken moist and any combination of spices work well. I liked the addition of turmeric to give it some colour, as I find chicken can look so blah.

For dessert, CC made his famous sponge cake and served it with lemon curd and stewed rhubarb. Much wine was consumed and there was a LOT of laughter, just how a dinner party should be.