Friday, May 14, 2010

Anniversary Dinner Menu


Joey and I celebrated our third anniversary this week, and I wanted to create a menu that was romantic, seasonal, decadent, and of course delicious.  I wanted to serve dinner in courses, so the portions were small, but we were still completely stuffed!  I spent most of the afternoon prepping, so when it was time to eat, there was minimal work for each course.  And we had fun just enjoying each others' company while I cooked.  Joey said it was one of the best meals he's eaten - restaurant or at home - so I'd say that everything was a success!

Of course I pulled out the wedding china for the occasion.


 We snacked on steamed artichokes while Caroline ate her dinner, then we went for a walk through the neighborhood.  It was the perfect low-key start to the evening.

I made Ina's Bay Scallop Gratins for the first course.  Since we still had much more food coming, I prepared one  "serving," and split it between two small creme brulee dihes.  The scallops were soft and sweet, and the bread crumb topping was perfect.  Its a classic Ina dish.

I served the gratins with a rose' that we bought when we visited the Biltmore Estate last year.  When we did the wine tasting there, we were less than impressed with most of their wine offerings, but we did enjoy the Century Rose'.  However, it wasn't as delicious as we'd remembered.  Still, we did like it, and it was great paired with the scallops.


For the main course, I wanted something truly special.  I've eaten duck out at restaurants before, but had never made it myself.  I was very nervous to cook it, but in the end, its no different than cooking chicken breasts, really.  You just don't cook them nearly as long.  I was a little disapointed that I overcooked them just a tad, but it was still incredibly tasty.  The raspberry rose' sauce was a perfect complement to the duck, and I served it with roasted asparagus.

I was especially excited about the wine for this course.  Van Duzer Pinot Noir is one of my absolute favorite wines.  We both really love Oregon Pinots, and this is one of the best we've tried yet. 

We finished the night on a decadent note, with chocolate truffle tartlettes.  A chocolate shortbread crust, chocolate truffle filling, and topped with chocolate ganache.  I added a chocolate covered strawberry to each one, since I had a little ganache leftover and some freshly picked strawberries in my refrigerator.  I just couldn't resist. 

Everything went very well together and I was really proud of how it all turned out.  I'll be posting the recipes for each dish in the next few weeks.


12 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary, that looks like a grand meal & I am stealing your idea to prepare a great meal for my own anniversary.

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

Happy Anniversary! Beautiful meal :o)

Roxan said...

Beautiful meal and congratulations on the anniversary. My husband and I are coming up on our first anniversary soon so seeing things like this makes me SO excited to celebrate anniversaries.

Jen said...

Sounds delicious - I'm looking forward to the recipes. Happy anniversary!

Rebecca said...

Happy Anniversary! The meal you prepared looks delicious!!

melissa said...

Gorgeous meal! I love artichokes and your scallops looked divine. I look forward to the recipes!

Sarah from 20somethingcupcakes said...

Magnificent! As an Ina devotee I've been very curious about that recipe. Nothing better than a fabulous dinner menu! Happy Anniversary! xxSAS

Roxan said...

Hi Josie - just a quick note that I've nominated you for a sunshine award because I enjoy reading your blog. Congrats again on the anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Hi Josie, my anniversary is coming up and I'd like to prepare your menu! Could you post the recipes? (or just email at acschapiro@yahoo.com)

Josie said...

Anonymous,
I'm sorry i'm just now seeing this - I've been out of town and must have missed your comment. I have posted the recipes for the scallops and duck already. Do you want the others as well?
Josie

Obesebaby said...

Wow amazing dinner, the chocolate tart looks really delicious =)

viagra said...

The whole setting looks beautiful, the duck looks like it was a big hit, it is delicious.

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