Living alone, I don’t cook as much as I’d like. Although I do realize I could cook smaller portions and still be creative, I really enjoy preparing food for others. My friend W graciously volunteered to be my guinea pig, and came over for dinner recently. This was the first time he would be eating my food, so I wanted to tailor a menu specially for him (which in his case, presented a whole plethora of options.) I went with an Italian theme since he had confessed the food in Italy was the best he’d ever tasted.
I adore menu planning, so went back and forth through various options. I decided on a deep dish meat and cheese lasagna, a chicken linguini pasta in a butter- white wine sauce, and a tiramisu for dessert. I was stuck on the appetizer, and considered everything from an antipasti platter to a white bean dip to stuffed mushrooms. I even sneaked peeks at the menus of some favourite Italian restaurants on-line for ideas. I originally decided on a beef carpaccio, but in reviewing the menu decided that would be too much meat and went with bruschetta instead. I rounded out the menu with steamed asparagus and added my signature chocolate chip cookies as well. …continue reading Dinner with W/ Bruschetta