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I'm hiring. I'm not sure if maid is the right word, but I need someone to follow me around 24/7 and try to contain the whirlwind of junk that i leave in my path. I have never been the "clean as you go" type; I'm more of the "I'll do that when I'm done with . . ." type. Now, I'm left with the spoils of my catering job from today and am blogging to put off even going into the kitchen which is screaming for some attention. (It's really loud in there.) Now that I think about it, Papa follows Granny around while she cooks. Isn't that what husbands are for... I think David missed that memo. That's probably why they have been married 60+ years.

To further delay the kitchen cleaning: My catering job today was for a bridesmaid luncheon. I didn't take any pictures, but I wanted to share the menu anyways because it was pretty good and i plan on using it again next Sunday for Mother's Day.

Curried Smoked Chicken and Wild Rice Salad from Gourmet

Mixed Vegetables Vinegarette from Gourmet

Homemade Dinner Rolls: I used a new recipe for these today. They were okay. I will probably use something else or an old standby next time.

Mixed Berry Tart: I make this a lot for showers and luncheons. I use a standard Tart Pastry Dough (I use the one from this book, it tastes like a sugar cookie.) and fill with Vanilla Pastry Cream and top with berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, whatever is in season and looks good). I usually glaze with a simple syrup and top with fresh whipped cream. It is a very pretty dessert and not too heavy for summer.

Okay... i guess i'm finally out of things to say today... i guess i'll just drag myself to the kitchen... don't you feel sorry for me : (

Not Very Healthy, But Very Yummy

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes... they really do look (and taste) better than this picture

Recipe:

20-30 Cherry Tomatoes

1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup chopped green onions (chives work pretty well here, too)

3 Tbsp FRESH parmesean cheese, grated

2 Tbsp fresh, minced parsley

Cut a thin slice off each tomato top. Scoop out the insides and toss it (i use a melon baller for this step). Invert onto paper towels and allow to drain. In a medium bowl, stir together bacon, mayonnaise, green onions, parmesean, and parsley until combined. Spoon mixture into tomatoes and chill.

This recipe is from the Square Table Cookbook, a collection of recipes from Oxford, Mississippi. (my former office mate, laura, gave me the cookbook) There are a ton of great recipes. Here's a link to where you can get a copy: http://oxfordarts.com/square_table.php.