Birthday Dinner Party

The idea of sharing a meal together just makes me happy. And so naturally I show love by cooking for friends! It was my roommates' (twins) 21st birthday last week, and I couldn't celebrate until today. So I had to make it good :)

I wanted to create a menu just for them, so I hoped they enjoyed it! I know they both have a bit of a sweet tooth and their birthday is at the beginning of fall (although in Florida it's more like summer weather). My key flavors were honey and warm spices. Their mom provided a delish organic wine, a Pinot Gris, when she visited this weekend (she also brought cakes!).

Below is the menu:

• For the appetizer I whipped up a roasted red pepper bruschetta. I sauteed chopped red pepper, red onion (which was so strong I was crying while I chopped!), oregano, and lots of fresh minced garlic in olive oil.When it was soft and aromatic I scooped it on slices of a French baguette and topped it with Parm, then popped it in the oven. I was in such a rush, I forgot to add tomatoes at the end! Oh well.

• Apricot-Dijon Glazed Chicken was the main dish (thank you Martha Stewart). I used skinless chicken thighs to cut down on the fat. (See Martha's picture on the left).
  

• For the side dish I sauteed julienne-sliced carrots in butter, olive oil, honey, cinnamon and ginger until the carrots were tender. Total comfort food :)

• The other side dish was a cranberry curry rice pilaf. This is one of the best smelling dished known to mankind-- it could be made into a candle. You begin by sauteeing chopped celery and sweet onions in olive oil. Once the onions are almost translucent, you add the desired amount of rice. I used instant brown, but anything goes! Then you add chicken broth and bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Add a big handful of dried cranberries (I like Craisins), a teaspoon of curry powder, a 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a dash of cinnamon and ginger. Simmer until the liquid is soaked up.