dinner par-tay

wow! i'm feeling so much better, friends. i am so glad. because, last night we had a little dinner party scheduled with some friends we don't get to see very often, and i did not think i was going to make it. i basically stayed in bed 95% of the day. major MAJOR props to the man, for picking up all my slack to get everything done. he's totally rad! (as if you didn't already know this...)

anyway, we made beef brisket (slow cooked for almost nine hours, woo!), dan's famous beer beans, margaritas, and our friends lesley and hudson, brought this amazing bread...and the best walnut and pear salad you'll ever have ever. wow. the pears were doused in butter, parmesean cheese was involved and some really great dressing. i wish i had a big plateful of it in my face right now.

for dessert, i made a chocolate tort that i've blogged about here. i wanted to share that since we had a guest who eats gluten-free, i substituted quiona flour. it turned out beautifully. very light and wonderful--topped with sugar coated strawberries. that's what i'm talkin' about!!

we had a great time catching up with everyone. it's so nice to enjoy a meal with friends. that sounds so simple...it is. there's something so special and holy about making a meal with your hands, keeping in mind and thinking of the people you are making it for, while you are preparing. i love.

happy monday, my babies. i hope it's a great one!