MENU. May 3, 2011

Celebration Menu

A few weekends ago I got the privilege of hosting a baby shower for a very dear friend of mine. My bestie, partner in crime, life partner, other spouse or however you want to label our very close connection. Our husbands regularly joke that we were made for one another. Despite my move three hours away about three years ago, we have remained close and check in regularly. Doesn’t mean I don’t miss how easy it used to be to just call her up and go for a walk or a run or even sit down to a meal together on a regular basis.

I was fairly nervous about this venture because I consider party planning a weak spot in my array of abilities and skills. In the past, I was even quite the Scrooge about such events. It was all selfishness and lack of understanding about the incredible ritual that surrounds showers and parties.

It wasn’t until I was pregnant and others showered my husband and I with love that I began to really understand just how incredible it can be to be adored and loved. It was also a very poignant moment in my pregnancy as I realized that this person in my belly was real because other people thought he was real.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to help throw a shower, after I had been humbled by my own and I had so much fun. I was in charge of food and it was all a hit. We played games, opened gifts and just adored my friend and her growing belly. So what was on the menu?

We had a popcorn bar with recipes obtained from The Kitchen Sink.

Chile Pea Puffs from 101 Cookbooks.

Lentil Goat Cheese Crostini from 101 Cookbooks.

A vegetable platter with a three cilantro mix from Trader Joes.

Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cupcakes from Pure Hunger.

Finally, Chocolate cupcakes stuffed with peanut butter and topped with Chocolate Ganache from Cupcake Bakeshop. Needless to say, we all ate very well and my friend went home with plenty of leftovers.

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