sangria 2010: the menu

I had a lot of fun with the sangria party menu this year. Many items* were inspired by my trip to Paris (especially the raspberry sorbets with sugared rose petals). Sadly, I did not take any photos of the food. The last pre-party hour was totally hectic and fun. I must have had about 10 helpers and the kitchen was happy but chaotic. If you are interested in a particular recipe (or loose directions) for any of the items below, please leave me a comment. Enjoy!

– red wine sangria
– bobby flay’s white peach sangria

– salsa duo | guacamole
– spicy fruit skewers
– herbed salads with dijon-white balsamic vinaigrette*
– strawberries with basil leaves and black pepper
– cream cheese/black cherry jam* on Pugliese bread
– key lime ceviche
– feta squares with olive tapenade and housemade preserved lemon
– roasted potatoes with white truffle salt*
– black mission fig/kalamata olive tapenade
– lamb meatballs with cilantro pesto
– grilled pineapple with creamy blue cheese and pancetta
– chevre with muscat grapes and fresh thyme on demi miche bread

– raspberry sorbets with sugared rose petals*
– Tahitian vanilla bean custards with fresh mango and mango puree
– gratineed grapefruits
– fennel pots de creme with orange flower water*
– Laurel’s carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

P.S. I had a last minute inspiration to use the wine bottles leftover from making the sangria as menu card holders… see below.