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A dinner, a theme and friends

Dinner parties, get-togethers, after-work drinks—all things that put me in a festive mood, that keep me social. I can’t even tell y’all how awesome my summer has been because of  the wonderful dinner parties I have attended. The experiences were all extremely special—the food, the atmosphere, the company, and the recipes were so killer I immediately thought of sharing with the yum! crowd.

 

Laurie Christian (I still call her Swall, her maiden name, ‘cause it is more fun to say and I knew her pre-Christian) invited me over for a gals’ night dinner on Wednesday—her house, patio seating, bring wine. Going to Swall’s is always the best as she will try something new, always has a fun theme (Wednesday was Asian), has a great house for chilling, and is a perfect host. For example, she has new crystal champagne glasses and upon discovering one was cracked, chalked it up to something that happens, whipped out another glass, kept the party going smoothly and there was no guilt for the guest with the broken glass. Or when I clumsily dropped a roll off of my plate, it was a quick rug wipe and a laugh. Dinner is always accompanied with great refreshments, and the evening is so enjoyed that all the guests stay late talking. I find the key to my favorite nights is feeling at home when you aren’t. And Wednesday was THAT perfect night.

The menu was–as always–stellar. Swall made Spicy Tuna Rolls (note–if they are sitting out on a platter or not eaten right away, the tuna will continue to cook so adjust according to your taste), yummy pot stickers, Miso-Glazed Scallops with Asian Slaw, and really beautiful Asian Wraps. She had a number of sauces for dipping (I do love the satisfaction of dipping my food) and my favorite was the peanut sauce. A menu like this is always a great thing to set up with friends. They can make their own plates, the table looks beautiful, and everything is yum!

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Asian Lettuce Wraps

These were SOOO good, quite beautiful on the table, and Swall said they were quick to make. 4 servings

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef
2-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely grated
2 scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 head of boston lettuce

1 head Boston lettuce, leaves separated, cleaned and dried In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and saute beef until brown. Stir in ginger, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and hoisin and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanuts. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm wrapped in lettuce cups.

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Peanut Sauce

Peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut sauce top my list of favorite things to eat, second only to my love of bacon.

1 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned style or freshly ground)
1 14½ ounce can chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped and peeled
½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
lime peel julienne.

Blend all ingredients and garnish with lime peel.