Martha Stewart

A Sparkling Birthday Tea Party!

Wishing J♥️Y! ChezHelvetica hosted a very special Cava75 Birthday Tea Party with dear, artful friends ~ in honor of incredible Arlene! With the cork popped on bubbling Marqués de Cáceres Cava Brut, the party was off. An array of delicious Tea Sandwiches (Shrimp, Egg Salad, Boursin and Blue Cheese/Walnut/Pear) was the first course, along with a wonderful Mango Cole Slaw and an assortment of Teas.

Next the sweet course! Martha Stewart’s recipe for Raspberry Scones and Panettone with Devon Clotted Cream and Stonewall Kitchen Orange Cranberry Marmalade and Holiday Jam, as well as Local Honey and Maple Syrup.

Delightful gift opening followed and then the birthday candle was kindled. Delicious Black Magic Cake with Chocolate Fudge frosting and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream were the sweet crescendo of this heartfelt party. The bottom line on the cake reads “Prince (with Purple Rain)”, Arlene’s forever love!

Game 6

Blue and Yellow > In the spirit of the Golden State Warriors, also the ChezHelvetica table setting! The players: Whole Wheat Rotini Frittata and Roasted Asparagus with Capers and Lemon. Three pointers here on the delectable mixture of Eggs, Ricotta and Parmesan Cheeses, Basil and (leftover) Pasta accompanied by Asparagus Spears enlivened by Red Pepper Flakes –
thanks to inspiration from long-time coach Martha Stewart. As the game played out, attention darted back and forth between incredible plays to injuries and fouls, to the delicious food in front of us. When the final game of the NBA concluded, the Toronto Raptors (dressed in red uniforms) were the champions. Coincidentally, sweet red Strawberries were the winners in the end here too. Congratulations to all! 🏆

Amaranthaceae – with Warm Bacon Dressing

From the edible flowering plant family Amaranthaceae (first grown in 14th century Persia), behold Spinach! Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France, so loved Spinach, she insisted it be served at every meal. The name “Florentine” evolved for dishes using this leafy green in reference to Florence, her place of birth. From Catherine’s table in 1533 to ChezHelvetica’s in 2013, we dined on Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing. Sweet Red Onion and White Mushrooms from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and Baby Spinach from Trader Joe’s received their savory crown of thick sliced Bacon, Balsamic Vinegar and Dijon Mustard dressing. Homemade Chicken Soup and Acme Bread’s wonderful Pan de Mie completed this course of the feast, paired with lush Geyser Peak Sonoma County Chardonnay. Tory Farm’s first of the season Peaches, sauteed in butter and served a la Mode with roasted Walnuts, royally concluded this Saturday soiree!