Moroccan Dinner
September 14, 2012
I know I've told you about my gourmet group right? There are 6 couples and we meet every 2 months rotating houses for dinner. We all bring something and the hostess chooses the theme, menu and all recipes and gives them out in advance. The hostess makes the main course. We've had two gourmet group dinner parties this summer and I'd like to share them with you.
Earlier this summer we had a Moroccan party, such fun! I knew you would love to see the pictures of the colorful table.
Norma and Geoff, our hosts, are old friends of almost 40 years. We have a lot of history together so we are very comfortable in their home, but then again, everyone is very comfortable in their home. They just have that easy going vibe. They have a way on entertaining that just says "let's have fun tonight". Her creative choices for menus and her table settings makes each visit to their house a fun surprise. Plus she is an excellent cook! Going to their house, having them entertain you for an evening, it's like they are giving you a gift.
My next post will be about our late summer party. Come back soon, it was a beautiful night and I can't wait to share it with you.
Linked to The Dedicated House.
Earlier this summer we had a Moroccan party, such fun! I knew you would love to see the pictures of the colorful table.
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| Look at the colors! We all gasped at it too. |
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| Plates are Norma's collection of Fiestaware. |
We ate outdoors, the weather was lovely.
Norma and Geoff, our hosts, are old friends of almost 40 years. We have a lot of history together so we are very comfortable in their home, but then again, everyone is very comfortable in their home. They just have that easy going vibe. They have a way on entertaining that just says "let's have fun tonight". Her creative choices for menus and her table settings makes each visit to their house a fun surprise. Plus she is an excellent cook! Going to their house, having them entertain you for an evening, it's like they are giving you a gift.
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| Halloumi and Grape Salad on these gorgeous plates! |
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| Turban clad candle holder, where on earth did she find these? |
MENU
Spicy Prawns
Falafel with Cucumber Dipping Sauce
Spiced Nuts
Halloumi and Grape Salad, recipe below
Bestilla
Spiced Carrots
Fried Honey Cakes
Our hostess has made Bestilla, (Pigeon Pie) for ages. It's a celebrated Moroccan dish made with the unlikely combination of pigeon, squab or chicken combined with garlic and onions, chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon and all wrapped up in filo pastry. It is one of my VERY favorite dishes, but I never make it or order it in a restaurant, not that I've ever seen it on a menu. My girlfriend knows I love it and will invite me over if she is going to make it. (nice!)
I'd like to share the recipe for the salad. The cheese is firm and salty and common in Eastern Europe. I think any large cheese shop would probably carry this. I loved it.
Halloumi and Grape Salad
For the dressing:
1 Tbls. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. sugar
salt and pepper
1 Tbls. chopped fresh thyme or dill
For the salad:
5 oz. mixed greens
3 oz. seedless green grapes
3 oz. sedless black grape
9 oz. halloumi cheese
3 Tbls. olive oil
young thyme or dill leaves to garnish
Thinly slice the cheese. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the cheese and fry briefly until golden on the underside. Turn the cheese and cook the other side.
Arrange salad greens and grapes on a platter. Top with cheese and pour dressing over. Garnish with thyme or dill leaves.
My next post will be about our late summer party. Come back soon, it was a beautiful night and I can't wait to share it with you.
Linked to The Dedicated House.
2 Comments
I love it! I host themed parties occasionally, and this Moroccan theme is a great idea. I love the tablescape. So much color!
ReplyDeleteVery impressive, from the table to the menu! I have tried some Moroccan food, but not pigeon pie. Everything looks beautiful and sounds delicious. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteYou make my day when you make a comment!