Intimate Dinner Menu for Four | Menu | Chateaubriand Menu

One of the things I love most about my life is coming from a large, loving family.  Now that we live in Cleveland, I don't get to see them as much as I'd like.  I really miss our family dinners where we sit around the table, laughing, eating, drinking, and telling stories.  There's never a rush to clean up.  We enjoy each other's company to the fullest.  And no matter where I am, when I'm surrounded by family, I'm home.  So it's always a treat when family comes to visit.

Without going into too much detail, I've been undergoing some medical treatment and was feeling rather sorry for myself.  Whenever I'm sick or in pain, there's no one who can take care of me quite like my mom.  My parents have always been a source of strength and comfort in my life.  And Mr. Stranded has come to be a third son to them.  So when my parents decided to make the drive and cheer up their little girl, Mr. Stranded and I wanted to do something special to thank them for all they do for us.

I knew my parents did not want to see me fussing in the kitchen, so Mr. S and I put together a beautiful, yet simple Chateaubriand dinner where the more time-consuming dishes could be prepared in advance.  We had a wonderful night and weekend together, something I hope we can do again very soon.  And seeing my parents was just the medicine my spirits needed.

Recipes will be posted over the next week.

Intimate Dinner Menu for Four

Nibble

Capicola Bites with Melon, Basil and a Balsamic Reduction Drizzle






Salad

Arugula Salad with Sliced Red Apples, Goat Cheese and a Parmesan Wafer Crisp





Entrée

Chateaubriand served with a Veal Demi-Glace Sauce, an Arugula and Parsley Puree, over a Parsnip-Potato Mash stuffed Portobello Mushroom, along with Grilled Asparagus and Carrots, and Cauliflower Puffs




Dessert

Chamomile Infused Creme Anglaise with Candied Lemon Zest