Recipes and Ideas for A Special Meal
Monday, May 24th, 2010Recipes for Special Occasions
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Is company coming? Are you making a dinner for a special occasion? Or a romantic dinner for two. This week Mama Says is serving up some menu and recipe ideas for special meals and occasions (anniversary, Valentine’s, celebrations and gatherings of dear friends). We’re thrilled to share several of our favorite recipes and menus so you can create your own sophisticated, delicious and easy- to-prepare special occasion meals.
Celebration Menu
This special occasion dinner features risotto, trout salad, an oven roasted vegetable and finishes with rum cake.
Il Primo “first course”: Lemony Risotto with fresh vegetables
 Early Spring Green Peas in Risotto with Lemon (Risi e Pisi).
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Based on a Mama Says recipe posted earlier this spring, Risotto with Peas and Lemon, for this meal substitute fresh sliced asparagus and portabella mushrooms for the spring peas. You can make this dish as your guests arrive.
Il Secondi “main course”: Smoked Trout Salad with Creamy Horseradish Dressing
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Prepare as noted on epicurious.com (link above). This recipe is also fabulous with heirloom lettuce or chopped Romain leaves. You can find smoked trout in most grocery stores, farmer’s markets, or online. In Atlanta we’re lucky to have access to Dianna’s Specialties – her smoked trout and salmon are divine; look for her booth at various ATL Farmer’s Markets. Assemble this dish earlier in the day by making the dressing and prepping the greens, and onion (slice the apple just prior to serving) –refrigerate and store separately. Just before dinner toss the salad together and dress. You can either serve the trout in wedges (as shown) or chop and mix with the salad assembly.
Il Controno “side dish”: Oven Roasted Beets
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Wash beets, toss with EVOO, salt and pepper (to taste), roast at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Il Dolce “dessert”: Rum Cake – based on the Bacardi Rum advertisement.
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Yum. People will rave about this Rum Cake – it is divine. You can make it a day ahead. Serve it alone or with a side of fruit (pineapple, berries, etc.).
Keep it simple. Special occasion dinners are about spending time together and celebrating. This menu allows you to prepare many of the items ahead of time. As your guests arrive, invite them into the kitchen (they go there anyway!!) to enjoy a sip of wine and talk while you finish the risotto – or ask them to stir the risotto while you toss the salad together.
Cheers! May we all have lots to celebrate in the years to come. Enjoy!
