Next Saturday, I’m planning to entertain 3 very special neighbors for a group birthday party. Our birthdays are all in the spring and I decided it would be fun to celebrate them all at once. We agreed to not do gifts but as we are all gardeners, I have requested that each guest bring a plant from their garden to share. Then, we can draw numbers to see who gets to take home each plant. Hopefully, we will each leave the party with something new for our own garden. All of us are excited about getting together, celebrating and sharing.
Because this is a luncheon, I’ve decided to make a favorite of mine, Italian Chopped Salad. The recipe was developed because we wanted to showcase a restaurant-style recipe that was better for us. Our tasters agreed that this salad not only provides better nutrition value but had better flavor than those that we compared it with. I’ve actually served this salad several times and am always asked for the recipe so am confident that this group of friends will enjoy it too. Here's a picture of the salad and the cheesecakes that I mention below.
Additions to my menu include whole grain bread from a favorite bakery, sliced melon and iced tea. Because this is a birthday party that requires a special dessert, Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes will be the finale. And just so you know—these little chocolaty gems are simply yummy and very decadent! Celebrating four special birthdays will be great fun and now that the menu is planned, I can sit back, relax and enjoy.
