Celebrate summer: three memorable get-togethers combine unique table settings with outstanding menus from great Mississippi cooks.POOLSIDE BRUNCH What could be more inviting than a delicious brunch by a pool in the warm Mississippi sunshine? This patio table takes on an elegant, pristine look dressed in a white organdy or·gan·dy also or·gan·die n. pl. or·gan·dies A stiff transparent fabric of cotton or silk, used for trim, curtains, and light apparel. overlay embroidered em·broi·der v. em·broi·dered, em·broi·der·ing, em·broi·ders v.tr. 1. To ornament with needlework: embroider a pillow cover. 2. with terracotta, muted green, and sunshine yellow daisies placed over a white round cloth sweeping the ground. Napkins of crisp white organdy edged in terracotta and muted green are held in fluffy fans by napkin rings with artistically rendered daisies. The centerpiece is a simple hand-painted Gail Pittman balloon-shaped vase with splashes of daisies filled with a bunch of multicolored gerbers and bear grass. Floral-garlanded china gracefully displays individual servings of grits grits coarsely ground hominy served in traditional Southern breakfast. [Am. Culture: Misc.] See : Southern States shaped in simple round fluted gelatin gelatin or animal jelly, foodstuff obtained from connective tissue (found in hoofs, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage) of vertebrate animals by the action of boiling water or dilute acid. molds, French toast hearts dusted with powdered sugar and topped with heart-shaped molded almond butter, and puff pastry puff pastry n. A light flaky pastry that is formed by rolling and folding the dough in layers so that it expands when baked. puff pastry or US puff paste Noun a light flaky pastry shells holding puffed eggs with cheese. Individual servings and shapes are an easy way to create the attention to detail that makes any guest feel special. Orange blush over crushed ice with orange rings and fresh mint in clear glasses may be sipped from antique silver straw spoons while friends make special memories. The finishing touch is an easy and delicious blintz blintz also blin·tze n. A thin, rolled blini, usually filled with cottage cheese, that is folded and then sautéed or baked and often served with sour cream. souffle souffle /souf·fle/ (soo´f'l) a soft, blowing auscultatory sound. cardiac souffle any cardiac or vascular murmur of a blowing quality. topped with peach preserves and fresh peaches served in an antique cut-glass compote. Sunshine and this fresh table, combined with the delicious menu shared by Joyce Jones of Ridgeland, are the perfect ingredients for this summer brunch. Resources, pg. 113. MENU Puffed Eggs French Toast Hearts with Almond Butter Molded Cheese Grits Blintz Souffle Orange Blush Menu by Joyce Jones. Recipes begin on pg. 104. EASY DOES IT: NAPKINS EDGED WITH COLOR You will need: White linen or organdy napkins (preferably with 1-inch borders) Fabric paint in a color of your choice Small sponge paintbrush Add a touch of color not of the white race; - commonly meaning, esp. in the United States, of negro blood, pure or mixed. See also: Color to napkins (above) by brushing on an edge of color with fabric paint. BUFFET LUNCHEON Let guests help themselves to lunch from a lavish display of gold-edged Annieglass. The varied shapes of these versatile serving pieces transform any dish into a work of art. Continue the canvas with lavish masses of soft yellow roses in Oasis spheres placed on large cut-glass urns on each end of the sideboard. The mass of yellow is a dramatic contrast to the rich blue background, accented with an abundance of colorful food dishes and antique sterling serving pieces. Carry the theme even further by filling different small vases with nosegays of roses oil tea tables, end tables, side tables, and chests all around the house, creating visual vignettes for guests to gather around in small groups and visit over this delicious meal, created by Linn linn n. Scots 1. A waterfall. 2. A steep ravine. [Scottish Gaelic linne, pool, waterfall.] Harris of Brandon. The easy-to-prepare chicken and asparagus casserole can be put together ahead of time. Carrot sticks tied with green onions, salad with special dressing, and fresh rolls can he prepared with ease just before guests arrive. Share stories with a different group of friends in a different spot over Linn's beautiful melt-in your-mouth chocolate mousse and lady finger dessert topped with chocolate shavings, along with a cup of coffee. What a great way to celebrate any occasion or just to enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch with loved ones loved ones npl → seres mpl queridos loved ones npl → proches mpl et amis chers loved ones love npl ! Resources, pg. 113. MENU Mixed Greens with Toasted Walnuts and Berries with Sherry Vinaigrette Chicken and Asparagus Casserole Steamed Carrot Sticks in Bundles Chocolate Lady Cake Menu by Linn Harris, Recipes begin on pg. 106. EASY DOES IT: ROSE PAVE SPHERES You will need: Oasis sphere (available at florists) Lots of roses Cutting shears Containers to hold rose pave spheres Create these beautiful rose pave spheres (opposite) by first conditioning roses overnight in a cool place. To condition the roses, cut about 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem in a slant cut with sharp cutting shears, and place roses in a bucket of cool water until you are ready to use them. Soak the Oasis sphere in cool water until thoroughly saturated. Cut each rose stem to about three inches, and remove all of the leaves. Begin with one rose gently pushed into the top of the center of the Oasis, and surround it with a circle of roses touching each other. Continue with concentric circles of roses, getting larger with each row until the entire ball is covered. These 7-inch balls required about 75 stems each. Place the rose balls on the tops of the containers. Some water will drain out overnight. Depending on the roses chosen, rose pave spheres will last for three or four days and will sometimes dry and retain their color. To create nosegays in vases (right), surround one taller rose by a circle of shorter roses, and place a rubber band gently around the stems of the nosegay to hold the shape. Place the nosegay into a vase with water, with only roses peeking over the top. GOURMET DINNER PARTY Treat friends and family to a delightful dinner among the birds with the theme taken from this fanciful china. Maggi Lampton's banquet dining table is topped with iridescent ir·i·des·cent adj. 1. Producing a display of lustrous, rainbowlike colors: an iridescent oil slick; iridescent plumage. 2. blue organza or·gan·za n. A sheer, stiff fabric of silk or synthetic material used for trimming, neckwear, or evening dresses. [Probably after Organzi (Urganch), a city of western Uzbekistan. table runners embroidered with metallic gold and silver threads and beads, creating a setting of festive elegance. Five small round vases dance randomly down the ornate runners. Each vase is decorated with a square of gold leaf on either side, giving an unexpected contemporary contrast to the antique pieces used at each place setting. Each vase holds a different combination of white and cream stems of freesia freesia: see iris. freesia Any of the approximately 20 species of South African plants that make up the genus Freesia, in the iris family, with corms, grassy foliage, and wiry spikes of bell-like, lemon-scented flowers in white, yellow, orange, and , roses, gerbers, tulips, hydrangea hydrangea (hīdrān`jə): see saxifrage. hydrangea Any of approximately 23 species of erect or climbing woody shrubs that make up the genus Hydrangea (family Hydrangeaceae). , and japonica japonica (jəpŏn`əkə): see quince; camellia. , along with a single stem of bird-of-paradise, calling attention to the delicately painted bird and flowers on the blue rim of Maggi's heirloom china. Individual place settings of the antique china become centers of attention when framed by gold banquet plates on antique white linen cutwork cutwork: see lace. placemats, with organdy napkins edged in shiny gold shaped by golden napkin rings. Maggi's easy gourmet menu of pork medallions is placed among the birds with an edible butterfly garnish of fruits made by cutting an orange slice into Verb 1. slice into - move through a body or an object with a slicing motion; "His hand sliced through the air" slice through go, locomote, move, travel - change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically; "How fast does your new car go?"; "We quarters and arranging with a blueberry blueberry, plant of the large genus Vaccinium, widely distributed shrubs (occasionally small trees) of the family Ericaceae (heath family), usually found on acid soil. They are often confused with the related huckleberry. and strawberry. Resources, pg. 113. MENU Easy Caesar Salad caesar salad n. A tossed salad of greens, anchovies, croutons, and grated cheese with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a raw or coddled egg. Pork Medallions with Dried Cranberries Asparagus with Brie Sauce Betsy's Frosted Strawberry Squares Menu by Maggi Lampton. Recipes begin on pg. 107. EASY DOES IT: CONTEMPORARY GOLD-LEAFED VASES You will need: Clear glass vases Adhesive sizing Small paintbrush Sheets of gold leaf Clear sealer Paint a square of adhesive sizing on either side of each clear glass vase. Press one gold leaf square onto the tacky surface, and smooth down gently with your fingers. Seal gold leaf surface with the clear sealer sealer, n a substance used to fill the space around silver or gutta-percha points in a pulp canal. Most contain some combination of zinc, barium, and bismuth salts and eugenol, Canadian balsam, and eucalyptol. . (See opposite page for detail.) GOLDEN NAPKIN RINGS You will need: Wooden curtain rings Terracotta-colored paint Adhesive sizing Small paintbrush Sheets of gold leaf Clear sealer Paint wooden rings (right) with a terracotta basecoat. After each one is dry, coat with the adhesive sizing. When the sizing is dry and tacky, smooth on gold leaf sheets with your fingers, covering the entire surface. Seal with the clear sealer. Poolside Brunch PUFFED EGGS 8 frozen puff pastry patty shells 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped 6 spears fresh asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cup milk 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 6 eggs 1/4 cup half-and-half 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Bake shells according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. package directions. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet. Add mushrooms and asparagus; saute sau·té tr.v. sau·téed, sau·té·ing, sau·tés To fry lightly in fat in a shallow open pan. n. A dish of food so prepared. until tender. Set aside. Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened thick·en tr. & intr.v. thick·ened, thick·en·ing, thick·ens 1. To make or become thick or thicker: Thicken the sauce with cornstarch. The crowd thickened near the doorway. 2. and bubbly. Stir in salt and pepper
Combine eggs, half-and-half, and red pepper red pepper: see pepper. . Stir well with a wire whisk. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add egg mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently until cooked but still creamy. Stir in sauteed vegetables and white sauce white sauce n. A sauce made with butter, flour, and milk, cream, or stock, used as a base for other sauces. white sauce Noun a thick sauce made from flour, butter, seasonings, and milk or stock . Place shells on a baking sheet baking sheet n. A flat rectangular metal pan, often with at least one rolled-up edge, used for baking. . Spoon egg mixture into shells, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil 6 inches from heat for 30 seconds or until cheese melts. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings. FRENCH TOAST HEARTS WITH ALMOND BUTTER 3 1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter 6 (1-inch-thick) slices of bread 1/4 cup milk 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 tablespoon butter or margarine Sifted powdered sugar Cut a heart shape from each bread slice using heart-shaped cookie cutter. Combine milk, eggs, and almond extract Noun 1. almond extract - flavoring made from almonds macerated in alcohol flavorer, flavoring, flavourer, flavouring, seasoning, seasoner - something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts in a shallow dish; stir well. Dip heart-shaped bread into egg mixture, turning to coat both sides. Melt one tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Arrange bread in skillet, and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Transfer to a warm serving plate, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with Almond Butter. Yield: 2 servings. ALMOND BUTTER: 1 cup butter, softened 3 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar 1 teaspoon almond extract Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Chill in molds until firm. Yield: l cup. MOLDED CHEESE GRITS Quaker Quick Grits 8 ounces jalapeno processed cheese Salt and pepper to taste Prepare grits using the "Quick Cheese Grits" recipe found on the package, but substitute 8 ounces of jalapeno cheese for the 4 ounces of pasteurized pas·teur·ize tr.v. pas·teur·ized, pas·teur·iz·ing, pas·teur·iz·es To subject (a beverage or other food) to pasteurization. pas processed cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into individual molds. Let set for about 10 minutes. Turn out on plate. BLINTZ SOUFFLE 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/3 cup sugar 6 eggs 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1/2 cup orange juice 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13-inch dish, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, orange juice, flour, and baking powder until well-blended. Pour half of batter into the baking dish. Set aside remainder. Prepare Blintz Filling (recipe follows). Drop filling by heaping spoonfuls over batter in baking dish. With a spatula spatula /spat·u·la/ (spach´u-lah) [L.] 1. a wide, flat, blunt, usually flexible instrument of little thickness, used for spreading material on a smooth surface. 2. a spatulate structure. , spread filling evenly over batter; it will mix slightly with batter. Pour remaining batter over filling. Bake uncovered for SO to 60 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately with sour cream and strawberry jam on Jam On is a Jam Bands radio station on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 17 and Dish Network channel 6017. It has featured basketball great Bill Walton hosting a Grateful Dead show, Woodstock MC Wavy Gravy, and pedal steel genius Buddy Cage as a DJ. top. (May be made a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate re·frig·er·ate tr.v. re·frig·er·at·ed, re·frig·er·at·ing, re·frig·er·ates 1. To cool or chill (a substance). 2. To preserve (food) by chilling. until ready to use. Before baking, bring to room temperature.) Yield: 8 servings. BLINTZ FILLING: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 pint small-curd cottage cheese 2 egg yolks 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl or food processor fitted with metal blade. Mix until well-blended. ORANGE BLUSH 1 (6-ounce) can orange juice concentrate, thawed 4 tablespoons sugar 2 cups cranberry juice 2 cups club soda Mix together orange juice, sugar, and cranberry juice Noun 1. cranberry juice - the juice of cranberries (always diluted and sweetened) fruit crush, fruit juice - drink produced by squeezing or crushing fruit . Add club soda just before serving. Serve over crushed ice. Buffet Luncheon MIXED GREENS WITH TOASTED WALNUTS AND BERRIES WITH SHERRY VINAIGRETTE SALAD: 1 cup walnut halves, toasted and skinned 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 head red-tip lettuce 1 head bibb lettuce 1 bunch watercress or lamb's lettuce 1 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries In a small skillet, saute nuts in butter for several minutes. Drain, and set aside. In a large bowl, tear lettuces into bite-sized pieces. Add watercress watercress, hardy perennial European herb (Nasturtium officinale) of the family Cruciferae (mustard family), widely naturalized in North America, found in or around water. , and toss well. Chill. Before serving, toss nuts with dressing. Garnish with berries of choice. Serves 6. SHERRY VINAIGRETTE: 1 shallot or 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar 1/4 cup walnut oil, warmed 1/2 cup safflower oil Place ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend, and pour immediately over salad. CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE 8 large chicken breasts 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 cup butter 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 2 tablespoons chopped pimentos 1 (5-ounce) can Pet evaporated milk 1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon Accent seasoning 6 ounces vermicelli, cooked 2 cans green tip asparagus 1/2 cup slivered almonds Bake chicken in tightly covered pan at 300 degrees until tender, approximately 1 hour. (Chicken can also be boiled.) Tear cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Saute onion in butter, and add all remaining ingredients except asparagus, almonds, and chicken. To assemble, in a greased casserole pan, layer onion mixture, chicken, and asparagus, ending with onion mixture. Top with almonds. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly (approximately 35 minutes). Makes one large casserole or two small. Better if prepared the day before and refrigerated re·frig·er·ate tr.v. re·frig·er·at·ed, re·frig·er·at·ing, re·frig·er·ates 1. To cool or chill (a substance). 2. To preserve (food) by chilling. . STEAMED CARROT STICKS IN BUNDLES 1 bunch carrots 1 bunch green onions 2 tablespoons butter Salt, white pepper, and black pepper to taste Cut carrots into sticks, and tie in bundles with a green onion. Steam until crisp-tender. Drain water. Season with butter, and sprinkle with salt and peppers. CHOCOLATE LADY CAKE 2 (8-ounce) packages semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup hot water 4 eggs, separated 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups heavy cream, whipped 3 dozen large ladyfingers Melt chocolate in top of double-boiler. Add 4 tablespoons sugar, then salt and water. Cook, stirring constantly, over boiling water until slightly thickened. Add beaten egg yolks; beat well. Cook for 2 minutes longer. Stir in vanilla. Remove from heat. Beat egg whites until foamy foam·y adj. foam·i·er, foam·i·est 1. Of, consisting of, or resembling foam. 2. Covered with foam. foam . Add remaining sugar gradually, and continue beating until stiff. Fold into chocolate mixture. Chill. When thoroughly chilled, fold in 1 cup whipped heavy cream. Pour half of mixture into a spring-form pan which has been lined on bottom and sides with ladyfingers. Add another layer of ladyfingers, and pour remaining chocolate mixture over top. Chill for 24 hours Adv. 1. for 24 hours - without stopping; "she worked around the clock" around the clock, round the clock . Serve with remaining whipped cream on top, and garnish with shaved chocolate curls. Serves 12. Gourmet Dinner Party EASY CAESAR SALAD 1 bag romaine lettuce 1 bag spring mix greens Cardini's Original Caesar Dressing Parmesan cheese, finely grated Combine salad greens. Add dressing, and sprinkle with cheese. PORK MEDALLIONS WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork tenderloin, cut into 3/4-inch slices Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter Flour 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon Creole mustard 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 cup dried cranberries Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat oil and butter in large skillet. Flour pork lightly, and saute until brown. Remove meat from pan. Add garlic and onions to skillet, and saute. Whisk in chicken broth Noun 1. chicken broth - a stock made with chicken chicken stock broth, stock - liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered; used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces; "she made gravy with a base of beef stock" and mustard, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Add syrup and cranberries. Bring to a boil, then add pork medallions. Cook until pork is completely done. Serve over pasta. ASPARAGUS WITH BRIE SAUCE 1 pound fresh asparagus 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 8 ounces Brie cheese Salt and pepper to taste Steam asparagus until spears change color but are still crisp. For sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat. Whisk in flour, and cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cut rindless Brie into small pieces, and add to the sauce. Stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over cooked asparagus, and serve immediately; this sauce thickens as it cools. BETSY'S FROSTED STRAWBERRY SQUARES 1 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1/2 cup melted margarine Stir together all ingredients, and spread in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and stir with a spoon several times to make crumbs. Allow to cool. Spread Filling over crumbs of crest. Freeze. Yield: 15-18 squares. FILLING: 2 egg whites 2/3 cup sugar 1 (10-ounce) package thawed frozen strawberries, undrained 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup Cool Whip Combine egg whites, sugar, strawberries, and lemon juice; beat on high speed for 10-15 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip. RESOURCES Poolside Brunch: Table topper Topper house he purchases is haunted by the young couple who owned it previously and their dog. [Am. Lit., Cin., TV: Topper in Halliwell, 718] See : Ghost Topper Hopalong Cassidy’s faithful horse. , napkins, coasters, and napkin rings, Lillian Vernon, www.lillianvernon.com. Floral vase, Prep Fest Floral by Gail Pittman, www.gailpittman.com. Dinnerware, Amapola by Villeroy & Boch, www.villeroy-boch.com. Stemware stem·ware n. Glassware mounted on a stem with a broad base. , Clear Antique by Lenox, www.lenox.com. Flatware, Fairfax by Gorham. Leaf-shaped straw spoons, antique. Cut crystal compotes, antique. Buffet Luncheon: Serving dishes, Annieglass, available at Paper Place, 1060 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland; 601/957-1984. Serving flatware, antique. Cut-glass urns, T.J. Maxx, 6384 Ridgewood Ct., Jackson; 601/956-2202. Amber bubble-glass plates, Inside Out, 178 Highland Village, Jackson; 601/366-5577. China, Symphonie Cobalt by Haviland Limoges. Stemware, Lismore by Waterford, www.waterford.com. Flatware, Fairfax by Gorham. Cocktail napkins, antique. Gourmet Dinner Party: Beaded table runners, Judy C. Martin, 864 Avery Blvd, Ridgeland; 601/957-1975. Clear vases, Big Lots, 5710 E. Hwy. 80, Pearl; 601/664-6787. Cutwork placemats, antique. Banquet plates, Inside Out, 178 Highland Village, Jackson; 601/366-5577. China, Bird of Paradise bird of paradise, common name for any of 43 species of medium- to crow-sized passerine birds of New Guinea and the adjacent islands, known for the bright plumage, elongated tail feathers called wires, and brilliant ruffs of the males. by Hutschenreuther, antique, available online from Replacements, Ltd., www.replacements.com Dessert plates, Albany by French Haviland Limoges, antique. Stemware, Lismore by Waterford, www.waterford.com. Flatware, Chantilly by Gorham. Photographed at the home of Maggi and Lee Lampton of Flowood. |
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