Poolside Potluck Dinner

Cocktails and wine were served.

I made a raspberry lemonade punch

which was a surprising hit

and had to be replenished several times.

Guests brought a variety of appetizers

which included

cheese and crackers

guacamole and crackers

an antipasti

cream cheese and pepper jelly

and this delcious tray of seafood sandwiches and a variety of different ham sandwiches.

Ed roasted a large pork with sausage stuffing.

He also made baked fish.

Guests contributed stuffed peppers and a variety of salads.

Unfortunately, because I was busy putting finishing touches on my desserts I did not photograph the main meal.

I contributed three homemade desserts with an emphasis on summer fruits.

Plum Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Peaches and Cherries Almond Tart

Mascarpone Filled Cake with Sherried Fruits

I am usually behind the camera,

but here I am

presiding over my desserts

(with my eyes closed).

Happy Birthdays, Cissy and Gerry

Cissy and Gerry's birthdays are a week apart in August and, traditionally we have had a poolside lunch for the past several years.







The menu

Connor and Uniqua make everyone a

raspberry-lime rickey

as Riley looks on

Gerry is wedded to his cellphone

I made a non-alcoholic cocktail

by pureeing a honeydew melon

then pushing it through a fine sieve.

I added fresh lime juice and pure water

Served over ice

and fresh raspberries it is called

Honeydew Aqua Fresca

First course,
Cold blueberry Soup

Served in a chilled glass

Meanwhile Connor and Uniqua

are in the kitchen

preparing the shish kabobs

To the grill.

What a nice smile!

The shish kabobs

were perfectly cooked

and everone raved about the lamb.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

with homemade vinaigraitte

and fresh oregano from my herb garden.

Delicious, and such a subtle medley of tastes.

Ciabatta bread

Brown rice with dates, apricots, raisins, and cashew nuts.

and Raita

made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, tomatoes,

cumin, and paprika.

My plate

Ed and Mary returned from Cape Cod

in time to join us for lunch.

Riley

Finally,

Peaches and Cream

Birthday cake