Although this post is long overdue from the actual happening, the content is still relevant both from an entertaining standpoint and an emotional one. From previous posts you may recall that our neighborhood is full of wonderful people. So much so that we would gather throughout the year at each other’s home to just hang out. So, it was a bittersweet gathering a couple years back when our close neighbors decided to move back to their homeland of Germany. Although a much larger party was thrown for their farewell, JuanCarlos and I decided to host a more intimate Garden Cocktail Party with our core group. Not wanting to spend time in the kitchen we focused on offering food items that we could make ahead enabling us to just enjoy our time with the whole group one last time.

There were speeches and tears but as always a good time with people who have lived closed by for a long time. Sad as it was, (note the heart on the cake I made had icing dripping down like teardrops in the photo below), it was great to come together and celebrate a big, bold move.

Mara, with her husband Andre tearing up a bit about the yin and yang of moving away.

As I always say, you don’t need a special occasion to throw a party. You just need friends. And that is really what it is all about. Sharing good food, good laughs with people worth your time.

Andre, Vinny and Juancarlos pondering, not what to eat but how we will all feel after their big move. It takes courage.

Here is the menu, and ideas for you to throw a garden style cocktail party. Nibbles of food that not only can you make ahead but also fill up your guests enough that you don’t need a main course and will also help absorb any alcohol intake. Click the links below for more recipe details.

Cheese/Charcuterie Platters

You simply can never go wrong with offering a **Cheese/Charcuterie Platter**: Grapes, **Manchego**, **Dry Cured Chorizo**, Mortadella, Cucumber, **Onion Jam**, Majorero Pimenton

And when something works, double it up. Especially when you have a long table, it’s a good idea to have 2 platters at each end of the table.

Grilled Sausage with Caramelized Onions

Simply grill sausage and slice on the diagonal. Caramelize onions by slowing cooking them in oil and butter until softened and sweet. This could take anywhere from 45 min to 1.5 hrs but can easily be made ahead.

Tortilla Española with crostini

Hearty, crowd pleaser - **Tortilla Española** served with crostini and sliced cucumbers

Pearl Couscous with zucchini

Pearl couscous is heartier than grain couscous and holds up to chunky veggies like sautéd zucchini. Small glasses for individual serving makes it easier to eat. *Note, glasses are turned upside down so no insets, or flying debris gets inside.
How To: Simply cook the pearl couscous in water (1:1.5 cup ratio) for 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, cut yellow onion and zucchini in small cubes. Sauté onion first until softened, add salt, pepper then zucchini. Sauté until soft but not mushy. Once couscous is done, add it to the zucchini and stir until nicely combined. You can add feta and basil to finish.

3 Bean Salad

Triple Chocolate Cake with Buttercream

I used my favorite recipe from Sally’s Baking for the **Triple Chocolate Cake**. I made this one gluten free and only one layer.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, life is meant to be shared spending time with people you care about enjoying food made and served with love.