It’s been a seven year tradition of us continuing to get together for our cousins’ date (minus our long lost cousin, Clifton, who always seems to be traveling the world). This time around, I’m playing chef and hosting. I’ve got the Living Fireplace running in the background, a full fruit and cheese platter, everyone’s champagne glasses full and the stove piping hot. Let’s get this party started.

On the menu this evening is a home-cooked, three course meal. We’ll start with a refreshing pear and gorgonzola salad topped with a champagne vinegarette. Then for a hearty main course is grilled chicken and pesto, tomato pasta with a side of spaghetti squash and creamy mushroom sauce. Because no dinner is complete without dessert, we’ll have strawberry shortcake sandwiched between two madeleines. My favorite.

I’m hoping this three course meal won’t put everyone into a food coma. In case it does, I’ve got a pot of coffee brewing because we can’t be falling asleep during our friendly game of Cards Against Humanities.

Cheers to a fun Cousins’ Date. I hope the rest of the gang will be in town for our next one.