four-ever

Five days, three celebrations, and one make-ahead menu so I would never miss a minute with my oldest friends.

Since the early eighties on the University of Michigan campus, the four of us have been showing up for each other. Roommates first, then bridesmaids, then the women on the other end of the phone for every big and small thing. So, when one of our roommates’ daughters announced she was getting married in Palm Springs, there was never a question. They were coming to stay with me at my house in Palm Desert.

The wedding was half Western, half Hindu, and completely joyful. It brought together two families, two traditions, and their closest and dearest in the most beautiful way.

My goal for the week was simple: cook everything ahead so I could spend every moment out of the kitchen and with my best buds.

Thursday, as everyone arrived, bags were dropped, the hugest of hugs exchanged, and we headed for the pool. We dove into the water and into conversation as if it had been mere days since we were last together.

Dinner that night was a poached shrimp Louie salad. Such an easy and refreshing meal. The dressing can be made days ahead, and the shrimp, asparagus, and eggs can all be simmered earlier in the day. A quick assembly and these pretty plates were on the table in no time. Cool and crisp, just right for a warm desert evening and lots of catching up. 

Friday morning, some headed out early for mountain hikes, then the breakfast table greeted everyone with soft-boiled eggs.

Lunch was a cold curried zucchini soup. I made the base a full week in advance and froze it. The day before, I reheated it, stirred in the half-and-half, and let it chill overnight. Come lunchtime, all I did was ladle and swirl.

Served up with a havarti and scallion lavash and a bright green salad with shallot dressing.  

Friday night was the Sangeet and welcome party. What a start to this truly magical weekend! Vibrant music, color, henna, and a room full of people who had just met and were fast becoming friends. A true celebration of the love of this incredible young couple.

Saturday morning, as we dressed for the first of the two weddings of the day, everyone grabbed coffee, scones, and yogurt parfaits. With Sticky Fingers Bakery scone mix, you just add water and spoon onto a baking sheet. No need to tell anyone how absolutely easy it was.

Then we were off to the Parker in Palm Springs for the Hindu ceremony. Rich traditions, a deeply personal coming-together of two families, and at the center, a radiant and grounded couple. It was nothing short of breathtaking.  

At five o’clock we were back at the Parker for the Western ceremony, the couple bringing us all to tears of laughter and joy with their self-written vows. Then to the lawn for cocktails, a lavish dinner, one of the all-time best father-of-the-bride speeches, and a band that got everyone, young and old, onto the dance floor.

Sunday morning, a bagel spread greeted everyone as they rose from bed.

The ambitious crew took on a big hike. The rest of us headed to Heyday in downtown Palm Springs for burgers and martinis. Well, martini, singular. Only one of us ordered one, but we all toasted.     

We reconvened poolside before our enchilada dinner. These chicken cream cheese enchiladas are the bomb. The filled and rolled enchiladas can be frozen months in advance.      

Just defrost in the fridge overnight. Drizzle with heavy cream, pop in a 350-degree oven, then sprinkle with pepper jack cheese and continue to bake until crisp and bubbly. Served up with a big chopped salad with jalapeño ranch dressing, the crisp lettuce and chopped veggies a bright contrast to all that richness.

Monday morning, everyone departed with leftover scones. It still amazes me that the four of us have been this close for more than forty years. Having them in my home, sharing my table, making new memories, and celebrating our children as they step into their amazing next chapters. Could it ever get better than this? To Caroline and Ansh!

And here’s to us. Four-ever!