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Friends at the Table shows how to re-create at home the elements of the supper clubs of the 1930s and 1940s which were gatherings of friends with fine dining, drinks, and entertainment. Debi has put together a number of complete well thought-out menus with starters, main course, side dishes, and dessert; each menu featuring a seasonal theme as well as a common style of cuisine and flavors that progress perfectly from course to course. For each menu, there is a grocery list, plan-ahead steps and other helpful tips that make it really easy to prepare and execute all the recipes.
For a family gathering this weekend, I chose one of the spring menus featuring Southwestern flavors. We started with Artichoke Quesadillas which we really loved. The blend of delicious artichokes, aromatic basil, smoky poblanos, and spicy Pepper Jack cheese was just perfect.
Southwestern Caesar Salad was terrific, and we really liked the additions of toasted pumpkin seeds and crispy tortilla crisps. The dressing had a nice spicy and smoky kick from the chipotles.
Tequila Marinate Halibut was very flavorful, juicy, and wonderful with the refreshing Grapefruit Avocado Relish.
We really liked the side dish of Creamy Green Chile Rice. It was rich, delicious, and very satisfying.
The Chocolate Tres Leches Cake was an excellent dessert, that was delicious and easy to put together. It was moist, not too sweet, very light, and especially good with the caramel drizzled on top. This was a terrific end to a wonderful meal.
My family loved this meal, and I really enjoyed making all the dishes. I can't wait to try the other recipes from Debi's cookbook. It is definitely the best cookbook to use if you have a party to plan. You can order it at Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.
