New Year's Eve 8 Course Dinner

Last night Doug and I attended a friend's New Year's Eve party at which they serve an 8 course meal.  This was our third year attending.  There are two guys (Jamie and Fletch) who plan and cook, and they have a group of friends who help them serve the meal. It started out at Jamie's house but has grown so much in size (and mess I'm sure) that they started renting a hall last year.  This year there were about 75 guests. They do charge a small fee per person, which is totally worth it and as usual, the meal was excellent. Here’s what we had….

1st course: Appetizer plate with shrimp scampi, prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe and a pot sticker
2nd course: Creamy tomato basil soup
3rd course: Tribecca salad
4th course: Stuffed shells with a pesto and tomato sauce
5th course: Seafood – lobster tail, mussel, clam and crawfish
6th course: Cherry-cranberry sorbet
7th course: Prime rib, baked potato and green beans
8th course: Red wine poached pears stuffed with mascarpone cheese

There was live music and a DJ for dancing after dinner, and a champagne toast at midnight.

I am always inspired after this party. One of these days I will serve an 8 course meal. The only problem is figuring out how to prepare and serve it AND be able to sit with my guests and enjoy it.

Happy New Year Everyone!