My sister Abby reached the auspicious “double-nickel” age of 55 this year. Family and friends celebrated the occasion with a three-cheese and eggplant lasagne, panzanella and artichoke hearts – a menu designed to satisfy vegetarians and kids. The lasagne recipe from Better Homes & Gardens emerged from an old file I had been saving of interesting-looking recipes and the panzanella (now a house favorite) is one of Giada’s from her Everyday Italian cookbook. The lemon custard birthday cake, decorated with Abby’s favorite butterfly designs, was purchased from Sweet Things Bakery. Blueberries accompanied the cake as a great complement to the color as well as an effort to serve something healthy along with the decadent confection.
Everyone took home the two nickels on their plates as party favors!
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