Monday, October 22, 2007

Glutton for punishment

Every year, I cook for two big football events: the Superbowl and the NFL draft. It appears I am in for a third this year, and perhaps every year from now on.

I've already planned to take Josh to Bliss Spa for some pampering as his job has been wringing him dry this semester. It was between the spa and making a reservation at a restaurant with a bunch of his friends. I was afraid that the latter would result in my getting stuck with a liquor bill, as I would have done a prix fixe thing so there'd be less confusion settling the bill, so I figured I'd rather spend a specific amount of money for the spa treatment instead.

However, I figured making a nice meal for the guys on Sunday wouldn't be that big of a deal, so I mentioned the idea to Josh and he was really excited about it, but said he wouldn't make me go to all that trouble. At work today, I decided that I would do it, and plan a menu for six people.

This is what I've got planned:
Appetizers: Onion dip with Veggies, Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Dip, and Spanokopita.
Main Course: Chicken Stew topped with Parsley Biscuits
Dessert: Chocolate Cake with Italian Buttercream Frosting

As everything is homemade and I have a very limited kitchen, I've got a timeline for when things are being prepped or made entirely before the party begins. I'm a little insane when it comes to planning these things. I love figuring out what order of preparation and what goes in the oven when. And don't even get me started on the shopping list. I love lists. Maybe I shouldn't reveal all my dorky tendencies.

Deep down, I think this event is just a reason for me to finally try my hand at spanokopita and Italian buttercream frosting. It's too late to change my mind though, as my evite has already been issued and I'm anxiously waiting to see if I'm planning too much food.