party of 13

Saturday night, three of my favorite things came together: friends, wine, and Italian food. Todd and I hosted an Italian dinner party in honor of Leap Year for a party of 13 people. I have never before cooked for that many people at the same time, so it was quite an experience (and except for one burned appetizer and one scorched hand, everything turned out well!)

Here was the menu:
Double Tomato Bruschetta

Parmesan and Cheddar crisps

Salmon cakes (provided by Melissa)

Caesar Salad (provided by Sam)

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Sauteed Tiger Shrimp with Basil and Mint Pesto

Spinach Manicotti with Tomato and Bechamel Sauce

Bell Pepper Medley with Baby Portobellos and Capers

Proscuitto-wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Oven-braised Fennel

Dark Chocolate Cake with French Vanilla Ice Cream

...and a good bit of wine :)

Due to a running joke among some of the guys, the party was billed as "pants optional," and many of the guys chose the non-pants route. Sam wore one of Kimberly's skirts, Jeevan wore a dhoti kurta (sp?- traditional Indian dress), James wore his cargo kilt (modeled below), and Scott just showed up in boxers (thank goodness it was a warm night). I wish I had gotten a picture of the whole crew together-- but alas, I was too busy cooking!

We also celebrated Rescue Mary's birthday (she is so named because she is a champion of fostering stray animals and placing them in homes). She and Mary V. got the party started with a little jello:

Good times! :)