Holiday Entertaining

Last night Ted and I had my parents and brother over for dinner. We had a rack of lamb, that I had no clue how to make, and needed help eating it. (There is an Asian restaurant near my building if things in the kitchen go wrong.) We don't entertain very much in our small apartment so I get really excited when I have the chance.

I was able to get the starters and sides during my lunch break and this was a surprisingly non-complicated meal to make when I got home from work.

I miss having a Christmas tree this year but see that as an opportunity to get some extra blooms. My friend Sara gave me a flower of the month subscription for my birthday. December's delivery were these gorgeous red ginger flowers from Costa Rica.

Since my trip to Charleston back in the spring with my mom I have been obsessed with pimento cheese. I was beyond excited when I found this at Whole Foods... let me tell you it is GOOD! There is also a hot version that I will have to try.

If you live in New York/Connecticut and have access to Fairway you know how great their cheese selection is. My family loves the Yancey's Fancy Steakhouse Onion Cheddar. Typically I would serve multiple cheese blocks when entertaining, but for a small gathering I stick to one tried and true and know that I won't be eating the leftovers for midnight snacks. Wish I could remember where I read that tip.

Since I had no clue how to cook lamb, I consulted the Barefoot Contessa. I watched this video from a Today Show appearance for some pointers on her rack of lamb recipe.

For sides I roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash and made an orzo salad with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, feta cheese and toasted pine nuts. The butternut squash was pre-cut, which helps to save time. I was able to make the orzo salad while waiting to put the lamb in the oven along with the vegetables.

I had Ted take over to make sure the meat was cooked but not overdone. That's it!

For dessert we had chocolate covered sea salt caramels from Whole Foods. They are addictive and dangerous.

(Wish I could say I cooked like this every night. You know that Asian restaurant I mentioned? We are #1 customers.)

Putting our wedding gifts to good use... here are some of the items seen above.