Good Friends, Food And Dancing

What could be better than good friends, food and dancing?  We had it all and brought the evening to an end with a few games of Mahjong.  

The wine was chilled and the music playing as it had been since early afternoon.  Stone and I pushed the furniture along the walls, our dance floor was ready.  I had the steaks set out, coming to room temperature as our friends arrived with their dancing shoes.  We were ready to get this party started.  Our dinner was simple.  Filets, broccoli salad, a side of mushrooms, yummy mashed potatoes, and lastly apple pie with whipping cream.   We chatted, devoured our dinner, and kicked up our heels until late into the night.  A perfect evening!

 Broccoli Salad With Bacon, Raisins, And Cheddar Cheese

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 head broccoli, with leaves trimmed off

6-8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup cranberries

8 ounces sharp cheddar, cut into very small chunks

3/4 cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1.  Wash broccoli.  Cut the broccoli into flowerets and small bite-size pieces.  Dry on paper towels.

2.  Add to mixing bowl.  Add crumbled bacon, chopped onions, raisins, cranberries and sliced cheddar cheese.

3.   In a separate small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, white vinegar, and sugar and whisk until well-combined.  Add the desired amount of this salad dressing to the salad and toss to combine.  Recipe from http://juliasalbum.com/2014/03/broccoli-salad-with-bacon-raisins-and-cheddar-cheese/

4.  Great made the day before.

 Red Wine And Garlic Mushrooms

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

8 ounces cremini mushrooms

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 Tablespoon butter

1/4 cup red wine

salt and pepper to taste

parsley for garnish

Instructions:

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil together with the butter until the butter melts.  Add garlic and cook for a minute until garlic is starting to get golden.  Add red wine and bring to a simmer.

Throw in the mushrooms and toss so that each mushroom is fully coated in the wine sauce.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook until mushrooms are golden, turn mushrooms and cook on the other side until golden.  

Garnish with parsley and serve.  Recipe from http://www.jocooks.com/healthy-eating/red-wine-and-garlic-mushrooms/

Great made ahead.

 Apple Pie