{Making a Menu}
It takes but few words of instruction to inspire a diverse, gourmet spread complete with a multitude of tantalizing profiles. Italian undertones piqued my curiosity, and captivated me to the point of execution.
Rather than simply attempt to describe the menu, I endeavored to test my own recipes for each dish and then to write a tastefully informed review for each item. In true Eating Artfully fashion, I took to the kitchen to do some experimentation.
{especially essenced} whole cloves of garlic slowly confit in a deluge of Tuscan olive oil. the flavor-rich pieces lend distinct hints as thyme introduces a timidly floral sensation. roasted red peppers make a friendly addition, drawing newfound attributes from the herbed liquid.
{beloved basic} a bed of greens welcomes cherub tomatoes bursting with ripe sweetness and carrots with gratifying crunch. to coat the produce is sharp dijon and aged balsamic emulsified with oil and herbs. this standby is refreshing to the palate, a lightening accessory in the meal progression.
{fare with flair} quite the sunny dish, this entrée is a bright occasion reminiscent of the Amalfi coast. poultry is enlivened by the zesty pop of capers and the puckering quality of squeezed lemon. a dash of dry white vino and a pop of leafy parsley balance acidity and create dimension within the sauce. simple to make, but extravagantly enjoyable.
{dreamy + delectable} manicured rounds of dense yet fluffy polenta provide substance yet yield to spice. prepared confit of garlic and peppers stacks nicely as infused oil cascades over top.
{resplendently rich} a custard of heavy cream and egg yolks simmer into decadence. swirled with a sea of saccharine melted chocolate and folded with airy whipped cream, a masterpiece is born. soft with a velveteen smoothness yet dense with a cocoa-tinted heft, this mousse seems to absolutely melt.
{poised performance} each component shines in its role, all bolstering the compilation of a glorious feast. tens of techniques aid preparation and a myriad of elements contribute manifold sapidity to the arrangement.
MENU:
baby greens with tomato and carrots. ranch and balsamic vinaigrette to accompany.
grilled Italian sausage with roasted peppers. *contains pork
grilled chicken breast with lemon caper sauce.
polenta cake with roasted red peppers. *contains dairy
sautéed broccoli florets with garlic.
individual chocolate mousse paired with fresh seasonal berries.
the usual array of water, iced tea, hot tea, and coffee.