Cate'sDinner

I did not cook what you see here.  I wish I did.  Because it was damn good.

This past weekend Catie and Jimmy had a few friends over for a little end of summer dinner.  And to say we feasted on summer’s finest would be an understatment.

Genevieve's-Fresh-Tomato-Sauce

It was one of those lovely dinners that just happened, with everyone helping to get things done, but nothing was so difficult that it required a recipe or couldn’t be made with vino in hand.

Catie and Genevieve brought out all the stops. Fresh tomato sauce made with local heirloom tomatoes and finished with basil and parmigiana served over fresh whole wheat linguine from the farmer’s market. Heaven.

Butter, Olive Oil, Shallots and Peppers

Green Mussels

Green mussels simmered in (lotsa) butter, white wine, shallots and hot peppers.  Oh my!  Good crusty bread and a green salad.  These gals know what they are doing.  Cate’s newspaper-decked table was a nice touch too, always welcome with shellfish.

Brian's Muscles and Mussels

But as I said, it was a family meal – with all hands on deck. Jimmy & Brian scrubbed the little guys clean while Keith and John kept the music flowing.

Cate'sDinner - Mussels

Me, I may have chopped and likely stirred, but really just tasted.  And snapped some pics.  And sipped on wine.  You know, the good things!

I’m really starting to like these meals I don’t make!

Catie's-Dinner-Party

Thanks C + J for having us over, and G – sign me up for a cooking lesson ‘cucina italiana.’  Let’s do it again soon!

xx