COOKING FOR OTHERS IS A GIFT OF LOVE

The other morning, after reading the newspaper with my first cup of coffee,  an idea popped into my mind. Why not have a spontaneous dinner party?

I quickly made a few phone calls and the responses were all affirmative. Working people who have been on-the-job all week would appreciate a home cooked meal, especially at this busy time of year.

Going into our library, which is located in the living room, I slipped my Rachel Ray cookbook off one of the "cookbooks only" shelves. My daughter gave me that book last Christmas and I love it because, well, I love Rachel Ray. She's a darling to listen to, look at, and learn from! (She looks pretty tiny to me, even after all that cooking which, of course, makes me green with envy. I'll bet she's about a size 6).

Anyway, even though guests were coming, risky as it seemed, I decided to try a new dish that would also not cost an arm and a leg, Pasta Carbonara. It called for olive oil ( or evoo as Rachel would say which stands for extra virgin olive oil),  pancetta, lots of Romano cheese, garlic, rigatoni,  red pepper flakes, and parsley. 

I also served a delicious salad with Rachel's delectable lemon dressing, "snowflake" rolls with butter, and a fresh asparagus, carrot, and snap pea tray with lobster dippy. Picked up the package of lobster dip mix last fall during a road trip to Vermont. All I had to do was mix it with mayo and sour cream, both "light" varieties. It was pretty good!

Don't want this post to be too long so I just want to tell you that everything came out great (thank goodness) and the house looked very Christmas "festivas." 

Best of all,  adding to my holiday joy was  having  dear friends and family in for dinner.  It is sheer pleasure to serve them. All together, there were 10 of us! Cooking for others, I believe, is an act of love. It's a good gift to give any time but especially at Christmas!

For dessert,  there were brownies  made with olive oil, walnuts, and a layer of chocolate chips; dark chocolate covered shortbread stars cookies, purchased in Trader Joe's, and green and red M&Ms.

Also made coffee but  didn't  dare drink it because there would  never, ever be any sleep at night.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO SERVE COMPANY FOR DINNER?