In Southern California we don’t get an “Indian Summer” with beautiful fall leaves, cooler days, apple picking in the country… no – it is hot hot hot! It can be June Gloom all summer but when fall rolls around it is all of a sudden sunny with the usual palm trees swaying in the breeze. So what is a former New Yorker to do? Have a dinner party with a “Fall Theme” of course!

I have been playing Bunko (or some call it “Drunko”) for over 12 years with the same neighborhood ladies. We are a tight group, rather snobby, and pride ourselves on our good food and wine choices. I like to think that we try to out do each other at this monthly get together. That means cool it on the processed Costco appetizers, or at least keep the Trader Joe’s mini quiches to a minimum. Here are some of my tried and true recipe suggestions for this time of year. You can mix and match depending on the size of your crowd, find san diego room addition near me

FALL DINNER PARTY IDEAS:

Basic Cheese, Nuts and Crackers – I like to put out a variety. For a fall theme include smoked cheeses, like a smoky Gouda. I prefer Sharp Cheddar, Brie, and one gourmet type like Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, or a nice Parmigiano Reggiano. I also like a Horseradish cheddar at this time of year. Buy some mixed good quality nuts or buy raw walnuts or almonds and sauté them in a pan on low heat with some plain sugar and pumpkin pie spice for a real treat. You can add a bit of butter to the pan, but you don’t have to.

Apple Cider Martinis with Graham cracker Sugar Rims – the Bartender Dan at Big Canyon Country Club and I invented this Fall drink. Take 2 quarts of spiced apple cider (use mulling spices and fresh fruit like lemons, oranges and limes to stew cider in a big pot.) Take a martini shaker and put lots of ice in it. Only add alcohol if you are over 21 and just a little bit or you will regret it. I would add vanilla vodka – 1/2 ounce per drink, vacation rental cleaning service the best companies in san jose. Take a lemon slice and run it around the rim of a martini glass. Dip it into the graham cracker sugar crumbs on a plate. Then pour the ice cold cider mixture into the glass and serve. It is so good.

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