rains it pours

Entertaining can be a bit like dating. One minute you’re happily adjusting to a short dry spell when suddenly you get hit with a deluge. The floodgates open here for the next eight days. Time to grab an umbrella and put the “done before they arrive” plan in high gear.

This weekend we are invited to a dinner party at a bed and breakfast in Yellow Springs. Think potluck with old Burgundies and dishes to match. My charge is a non-fish first course. Nothing can warm this chilly drizzle like a roasted fall vegetable soup. Its liquid sidekick a 1989 Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru.

While I peel the vegetables and preheat the roasting oven I let my mind drift to our imminent docket. The upcoming calendar boasts two weeknight business dinners, a casual Friday night supper with friends and a board dinner the following Monday for up to fourteen.

This past week while I was acclimating to my lull, while my whirlwind husband was away on a business trip, I made practice hors d’oeuvres for my dinner. I’ve been having a hankering for pulled pork but shortly after I indulge I am soon full with regret. The problem isn’t the ingredients but the portion. What about a canapé version?

I made croutes out of bakery fresh hot dog buns.

Topped them with finely shredded pulled pork (an outstanding ready to heat-and-eat from Trader Joes) and a smidge of coleslaw. The only way to pig out on this one is to hog the platter.

For another dinner I made chicken enchiladas.Instead of filling all of my corn tortillas I decided to chop up some of the filling and fill a tray of fillo cups, top with cheese and pop in the freezer for a chicken enchilada canapé

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Two apps ready in snap.

But back to the matter at hand. Time to roast the carrot, parsnips and sweet potatoes. I’m going to make a double batch so I can freeze two smaller portions as starters for two of next weeks more intimate dinners.

Pureed vegetable based broth soups freeze wonderfully.

A little extra effort on this quiet weekend will pay in spades when I need a full deck next week.

Car is loaded. Notepad in hand- so my husband and I can sketch out the rest of the menus and talk about seating while we take in the last of the local color.