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Ok…several days late, but here it is.

A girl in our ward (at church) has lived in L.A. and Manhattan.  In both places she started what she calls a "Gourmet Club"…a group of women learning the art of cooking and entertaining.  She decided to start a Frisco branch of the Club.  I had been to her home a few times for parties, and was so impressed by her.  Printed menus, delicious food (like the best I’ve ever had)…lots of attention to details, gifts as you leave, place cards, etc, etc, etc.  SO FUN!  So here’s how it works:  14 women, 7 "pairs" or "teams"; Each partnership takes one month out of the year and plans a theme, menu, table setting, invitations, etc.  My partner (my neighbor Donna) and I have February, and we’re already working on it.  Recipes need to be from scratch, and you do at least 4 courses.  The trick is that you have to research, search for recipes, then practice and experiment prior to hosting.  And then at the end of the night you pass out the recipes that you used.  So last Saturday was our first dinner.  The founder, Phoebe, and her sister, Deana, were our hosts.  The theme was Jane Austen and the Opulent Regency Period, but with a tasty twist.  Here’s the menu:

Sparkling Ale

Cream of Onion Soup/Cranberry, Walnut and Lemon Scone

Stoneleigh Abby Salad with Beets and Roquefort

Pemberly Pork Loin with Cherry Marmalade/Fricasee of Potatoes and Mushrooms/Sauteed Broccolini

Lady William’s Biscuits

Buttermilk Custard with Raspberry Jam

Hot Herbal Tea/Warm Apple Tart and Clotted Cream

It was all unbelievably delicious.  And EVERYTHING was homemade!!  Amazing!  I think it’s one of the funnest things I’ve done and it’s completely taking me out of my comfort zone.  I love it!!

This custard was my favorite…with vanilla bean and hidden berries inside.