Party Therapy

It had been a while since I'd thrown a proper dinner party. I was due. Work wasn't going to get the best of me. Invites went out.

Truth is, when I'm overstressed, I can find great comfort in my kitchen. I find joy wandering the stalls at my local greenmarket. I take pleasure in going to my local butcher. I feel glee in purchasing a fresh, crusty baguette at my neighborhood bakery.

The results of all of this culinary therapy?

*A Grazing Board of: Kalamata Olives, Truffled Mousse Pate and Goat's Milk Brie Stuffed with Figs
*A Platter of Heirloom Tomatoes Served with Buffalo Mozzarella, Fresh Basil and Champagne Vinaigrette
*Roasted Wheels of Chicken Sausage with Aged Provolone and Peppers, Served Atop Wilted Baby Spinach (Pictured above.)
*Penne with Four Kinds of Summer Squash (Pictured below.)
*Individual Chocolate Souffles Served with Earl Grey Ice Cream

Between all of that, good friends, quality chatter, a wee baby, a wee puppy, and several bottles of good wine, it was most definitely a therapuetic evening.