So, we have some new friends. I have always considered them to be my friends through work but never socialized with them much outside of the office. Thankfully, that has recently changed. I was walking in the cemetery one day (it was for exercise and scenic purposes – nothing weird!) with these same folks when one, who was regaling me with stories of their potluck dinners and flan in their shoes, point blank asked, “So, when are you going to have us over for dinner?” Not in the least bit offended, my mind started whirling to determine when, exactly that could be! I had to tell him, sadly, that I cannot cook. I would have to consult with Charmed, my better and more culinarily-talented half to determine when he could conjure up another fabulous meal. (Charmed is known for these….I’m so Lucky!!!)
So, I found a Saturday when Charmed was home and we could do a dinner. However, I started about it all wrong. Charmed and I are used to doing plated, multi-course meals. You don’t bring anything but the checkbook. Show up. Sit. Eat. This was not the spirit of these friendly gatherings to which I was being initiated! These gatherings are for sharing. Potluck. “What do you need me to bring?” continued to echo from my friends’ lips. I stammered….”uh….nothing….,” but then…. I got to thinking. This is all foreign to them. They must be invested in the process! Silly, silly me… So, I told them we would make the entree (chicken under a brick) and a pasta (gnocchi with parmesan cream sauce) and provide the wine. The rest….was up to them!
What transpired was great fun, great food and hilarity.
B.S. told J.R. and J.C. (henceforth to be known as J-Squared) that he would take care of their portion of the potluck. However, something was lost in the transmission, as J-Squared called to ask what they should bring. We, ignorant of their previous instructions, told them to bring a salad. When B.S. arrived with artichoke appetizers and a gorgeous chocolate cake in tow, he also brought A SALAD!! Never fear – now we have TWO!
We invited everyone in with a glass of Passion Fruit Sangria and sat down to a scrumptious meal.
The chicken was moist and flavorful, having been marinated in olive oil, salt and pepper, the juice of half a lemon, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme and grilled on a charcoal fire with some wood for smoke. The “brick” was actually two cast iron skillets.
The gnocchi was store-bought - Cucina Viva brand from Euro-Mart! The sauce was a homemade parmesan cream sauce with pine nuts, hard salami, and flat-leaf parsley.
The cake…..oh my! This was fantastic!! This was a chocolate cake mix with a large tub of sour cream and three eggs (ditch package directions) and baked until it passes the toothpick test. The filling was also divine. B.S. had plans for Tiramisu however lacked in the espresso, so instead of cheating, he just created another use for the mascarpone! The filling consisted of a large tub of sour cream, 1 8oz container of mascarpone cheese and 1/4 C. powdered sugar, whipped until fluffy. Fold in chopped strawberries and spread between the layers. The frosting was 1 stick of butter (1/2 c) softened, 1 8oz container of mascarpone cheese, and 1/3 C. powdered sugar, whipped together. To this add 1/3 C. cocoa and 1 tsp. vanilla. Decorate with fresh berries.
I cannot tell you how WONDERFUL this cake was! Charmed, who usually doesn’t do sweets was enamored with this. I will definitely be making this recipe!
The wine, sadly, was not Italian. Upon the perusal of our cellar, I only found red Italian, which didn’t exactly go with chicken and a cream sauce, so we improvised and picked the same continent, at least.
Le Grand Noir Chardonnay – Viognier from France made a lovely accompaniment to the meal. It was not so oaky to overpower the food, and had enough fruit and sweetness to please the non-wino among us. I’m happy with our accidental selection.
All in all, a fantastic night! The evening ended by educating J-Squared with Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (Put.. the.. candle.. BACK!) and conjuring up some interesting martinis from the liquor staples on hand. The glassware is all clean and put away and I look forward to the next opportunity to be included in such an event.
