Psychology dictates that there are different types of love ranging from manic and sexual love to romantic and pragmatic love. Throughout our lives we will all experience this emotion in varying degrees; from the puppy love of my first elementary school boyfriend, to the passion and intimacy of an amorous relationship and the undying and unwavering adoration that stems from a motherly bond. The one constant type of love that I have experienced is that which comes from the comradery and companionship of my friends.
This year, on the day dedicated to affection I wanted to pay homage to the fondness I have for my friends in the best way I know how, through food (George Bernard Shaw did say after all that there is no sincerer love than the love of food). But of-course I couldn’t plan an affair of this nature without the help of someone I love dearly, my gal pal, Suzie Durigon. Together we curated the most perfect Pal-entine’s Party menu; creating heart-shaped morsels with lots of love. In true Jenny and Suzie fashion, this cocktail-style spread is infused with flavor and of course a few good puns.
A bash dedicated to your besties can’t get started without a cocktail. The “You’re Prosseco-nd to None” is a fun and fizzy party drink made with two ingredients, prosecco and candy floss. Adding cotton candy to your bubbly creates a pretty pink hue without altering the taste.
Not only does sparkling wine add flare to the occasion but it also pairs well with the bill of fare which includes:
The “Brie Mine” Cheese Board; a wheel of brie with a heart of fig jam, alongside beet chips (hand cut tortillas dusted in beet powder), nuts and strawberries
“I Love you to Pizzas”; mini heart-shaped pizzas topped with pesto and sundried tomatoes
“Heart Beet” Truffles; goat cheese bites rolled in chopped pistachios served with roasted beets
“I Love You from my Head Tomatoes” Skewers; consider these Caprese salads on a stick as an edible version of Cupid’s arrow
“Don’t go Bacon my Heart” Salad; mixed greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette topped with hearts made of bacon, toasted seeds, Parmigiano shavings and a few more of those rose-colored chips
“You’re the Ravioli One for Me” Bites; individual portions of heart-shaped ravioli with a simple tomato sauce
And because every event always needs a sweet finish, we brewed ourselves an espresso to enjoy with our “I Like you a Choco-Lot” dessert featuring chocolate bourbon bread pudding and a chocolate brownie with a scoop of ice-cream.
The great Tennessee Williams said that “life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends we choose”. Choosing a friend like Suzie to not only collaborate with but love and laugh with has certainly made my life great. Happy Palentine’s Day and Buon Appetito!
2 Responses
What a great tribute to gal-pals! Female friendship can do so much for our overall mental, emotional and physical health. Over the years my trusted group of friends have pulled me through hard times, celebrated with me through good times and empowered and encouraged me through times of self doubt. Such a creative post Jenny! You and Susie are amazing!!