A Picnic in the Park

We enjoyed our long weekend immensely, and spent our days outside, enjoying perfect weather.

With leftover tea sandwiches and treats from our high tea at the shop this past weekend, I surprised the boys with a picnic after church.

They love having a picnic.

And quite frankly, so do I. We spent two hours in the shade of a Pine tree, flipping through our magazines while the boys ran about on the playground.

We enjoyed an assortment of sandwiches and even cream scones with strawberry jam.

My sister Erica made all of the desserts, and they tasted as fabulous as they look.

Fruit Tartlett with Pastry Cream, Vanilla Cupcake, Lemon Raspberry Shortbread and Chocolate Cake.

Even the ants joined the fun.

A Birthday Dinner

 

Last weekend, in celebration of my mother in law's birthday, I decided to throw a small dinner party.

 

It's not often I get to cook dinner for her, so when the occasion does arise, I try to make it a special one.

 

It's been a while since I've been able to enjoy a glass of wine, so bottles over the past year and a half have been collecting in our cellar. I thought this was the perfect occasion to dust a couple off and enjoy them.

 

 

I paired each course with a local wine.

 

Seared Diver Scallops with Pancetta, Garlic Aioli and Parmesan Tulles

 2010 Trius Dry Riesling

 

Pork Chop with Garlic Mash and French Beans

2009 Hillbrand Showcase Pinot Noir

 

Artisan Cheese

(Brie, Bella Vitano and English Stilton with Pear, Grapes and Crisps)

2007 Peller Estates Private Reserve Icewine

 

Chocolate Cake Three Ways

   

 

Needing to seat six, I had to move out our little pedestal table and use our desk for the evening. It worked perfectly.

 

 

I kept the table simple for lack of extra space.

 

 

For dessert, I decided to do chocolate cake three ways. This was her chocolate cake with Swiss buttercream.

 

 

I also did chocolate cupcakes with chocolate buttercream and white chocolate-dipped chocolate cake pops.

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Mom!

 

[all photos belonging to The Grower's Daughter]