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Cooking with Ladies Gourmet

I belong to a “Ladies Gourmet” group. It was the offshoot of a local newcomers club that has since disbanded. The Ladies Gourmet crew still keeps it going with dinners out once a month and themed team dinners. I love the themed dinners.

Here’s how it works:

At the beginning of the year three or four women will agree to host, they will be team leaders. Each leader picks names from a hat to form teams. We then set dates, one dinner each month. Each team chooses has a theme for their chosen month. We take it very serious. All cooking is from scratch and homes are decorated to reflect the theme. Though the themes are a surprise, we send all of our guests an invitation indicating the proper attire.

At each event we display a menu. Appetizers are provided buffet style first and we all snack and chat while waiting for all the guests to arrive. We also try to find appropriate cocktail recipes. Dinner is a sit down affair with us serving our guests (and vice versa when their turn comes). Usually there are four or five courses.

After dinner the hosting team cleans up while the guests chat and have a glass of wine. When the dishes are done we put on coffee and tea and get dessert ready. Afterwards we give out favors.

Some of the themes we had in the past:

Dinner at the Drive-In – The hosting team rented a projection screen and showed a movie on the back deck while serving us a variety of diner and drive in foods. Though this was one of our more casual dinners, it was the most fun. Favors was a tin filled with Cracker Jacks and other drive in type snacks.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding – We sent invites to all of our guests to come dressed in wedding finery. The menu was Greek, with wedding cake for dessert. Favors were candy dishes filled with Jordan almonds.

Sunday Brunch – Our guests munched on smoked salmon on toast points, fruits and cheeses, mini quiches and a variety of other appetizers before being served a sausage casserole, turkey and stuffing and other brunchy food. Dessert was a warm Belgian waffle topped with ice cream, fruit and caramel sauce. We gave potted plants as favors.

We’ve had other fun themes as well – Moroccan, Hawaiian Luau, Low Cal night, etc. I’m pushing for an upcoming Murder Mystery Night too!

Ladies Gourmet is a fun monthly event any group of women (or men) can coordinate. Invite all the moms and friends fromt he office and get a nice big group together. Then split up into as many teams necessary. We find at least three or four works best as you can rotate at different houses throughout the year. Especially if you’re like me and have a husband who doesn’t like to go out much.

I ask you, is there anything better than good friends, good food and lots of laughter?

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