A Child Again at Christmas

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. 

~Laura Ingalls Wilder ~

Family Farm Dinner

The summer weather has been perfect!  It's pleasant and warm, but not too hot to spend some time outside.  With gardens producing wonderful things, it was the time for a garden supper.  Earlier in the week, Serena from the Farm Chicks posted about a Farm Dinner that she went to last Sunday.  It looked delightful!  I decided it really would be fun to do at home, so invited the family for dinner.  I shared the concept with Rylan and showed him Serena's blog post.  He thought it looked like fun and was very surprised when he saw a picture of his art teacher from the university featured as one of the guests at the dinner Serena went to.  

By the time it was all said and done, dinner became a family affair. Brandon and Rylan carried tables and chairs to a shady spot on the lawn.  Sally helped me set the table.  And Brent willingly carried food to the serving table.  Everything came together all at once. 

The table was covered with a white cotton sheet, then set with my mother's china.  Goblets and glasses, teacups, silver, and Mason jars holding candles were all set in place.  Pretty plaid napkins and rings from Paula's shop accented the blue in the china.

Our side table served as the buffet.  Our menu included Herbed Rosemary Bread. . .Broccoli Quiche. . .Green Beans with Oregano and Dill. . .Roasted Potatoes (Yukon Gold and Kennebec) with Sweet Onions and Rosemary. . .Corn on the Cob. . .and a Garden Salad.  It was a true picture of summer's bounty!  

The fresh dill was fragrant!  Not only did it add fragrance and flavor to the green beans. . .it made a pretty addition to the floral centerpiece as well!

It is summer at it's best when the corn is ready to eat!

A simple menu. . .and a pleasant setting. . .made our family time a special treat.

Ice water, sparkling cider, and Nilgiri white tea gave us a choice of beverages.

The shadows grew long as we ate and conversed.  Coming together after some time apart and relaxing after a busy week was the best part.  The family farm dinner was delicious, but secondary to all the rest!

Broiled Grape Toasties

These little toasties are delicious with tea for supper or snack. Using purple and green grapes creates a colorful presentation and the toasted sesame seeds add a touch of tiny garnish.

1 loaf baguette French bread
1 cup green grapes
1 cup concord grapes
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, dairy-free
toasted sesame seeds*

Smash the grapes lightly in a small bowl using a wire pastry dough blender. Remove excess juice from mixture by straining in a sieve. Toast the baguette in a warm oven until dry like zweiback. Blend the grape pulp with shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon the mixture onto bread rounds and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Broil in oven until bubbly. Garnish with small grape leaves or parsley. Serve on a pretty plate with clusters of red and green grapes in the center of the plate.

*Toasted nuts can be added for variation in texture and flavor.

Variation: instead of spreading on toasted baguette slices, place topping on a pizza crust and broil. Then chill to serve as a dessert.