All Veggie Pot Luck Birthday Bash

Blow out the candles.....

Occasion:
Jennifer Cust's Birthday

Location:
My Manhattan Mini-Pad

Guest List:
Handful of fabulous friends

Theme:
Vegetarian Fare, Wine, Laughs & Good Times

The Invitation

An invitation sets the tone for a party. I decided to use Paperless Post for this specific occasion. Paperless Post has an aesthetic that matches any crafter's obsession with attention to detail. Simple to use, virtual envelopes, RSVP tracking and perfect for a party on a budget. Many of Paperless Post's services are free of charge and if you desire to customize their already fabulous features you can do so for PENNIES!

The Menu

I cooked some of Jen's favorite treats. Rustic bread, Escarole and Beans, Garlic Broccoli, and the big hit of the evening bow-tie pasta with home-made pesto sauce. After many batches I finally assembled the perfect combination of fresh ingredients to create the perfect pesto sauce! In the spirit of sharing, here is the recipe:

Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Special equipment needed: A food processor (I bought mine at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Gotta love a 20% off coupon.

Method

1 Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2 Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Makes 1 cup. Serve with pasta, or over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices.

Added Bonus-I recommend adding toasted pine nuts to the pasta. Adds a yummy crunchy bite.

Food Buffet

The Cake


Candle Light

Good friends truly make for the best party guests. Make your next event one that reflects the loves of the Birthday Guest! Pinot, Hot Dishes, Cookie Cake, Treats from Sweet Katastrophe, and lots of love! Happy Birthday Jen! & Many thanks to those who attended!!

xoxo,
Jennifer Lauren