Everybody clear the kitchen! I’m in a cooking mood and just planned a tempting menu. About once a year, I get inspired to make a really nice meal just because. Not that often, I realize, but there is a reason for that. It’s a lot of work and I make a huge mess. The foods aren’t difficult but become a creation, a work of love, and a gift to the recipients. I don’t have a guest list yet, but I believe I’ll just ask one other couple over so it can be an intimate evening of indulgence and good company. Everything can be made ahead so it won’t be difficult for the hosts to enjoy. Most of the recipes come from one of my favorite cookbooks, the Junior League of Houston’s Stop and Smell the Rosemary.
Here’s the menu for the summer soirée:
Appetizers 
First Course
Corn, Red Pepper, and Leek soup with Parmesan crostini The reason I chose this recipe is we have quite a crop of leeks this year, though this recipe only uses a couple. The flavors sound complex but I haven’t made it before. Brave, huh? I love an adventure.
Second Course
Radicchio, Watercress, and Arugula Salad Simply green and delicious, serve at room temperature to capture all of its flavor.
Main 
Chicken and Spinach crepes with mushroom sauce -Okay, this one is complicated, but you can make the crepes or buy them ahead of time, and assemble them together the day before the dinner party. The mushroom sauce is best to make just before and pour over the crepes to give them a mouth-watering (calorie laden) finish.
Sautéed asparagus and snap peas This recipe is so easy and can be last minute, so it gets my vote for a simple side.
Kahlua ice cream and berries with toasted walnuts –What else do you need to top off a rich meal than a light dish of your favorite vanilla ice cream, with a splash of Kahlua and whatever berries are in season, garnished with toasted walnuts? I’m saving room for for this easy dessert.
Coffee –my daughter brought us some beans back from Costa Rica so we’ll serve this in the evening for a robust flavor to finish the meal.
Who wants to come for dinner next Saturday? Bring some flowers for the table and we’ll be set. Wouldn’t it be fun if we could!
through annie's eyes 
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