Shower Them With Love
Most of my readers know that I grew up in a large family and that we all live together in the same city (very rare now a days). We absolutely love the excuse to celebrate milestones as a family. We invite extended family members and friends that we have known and loved so long, that they feel like family. This was the case this past Sunday, when the women of our clan assembled for a bridal shower to celebrate the upcoming marriage of our precious niece.
Kelsey is such an angel that her halo is often visible.
We divided the task list up amongst the three sisters and were ably assisted by a 4th Auntie who made a breath-taking fruit tray and lead us in a blessing (the 5th Auntie is vacationing in Hawaii but still contributed Chocolate Cranberry Squares and the 6th Auntie is the Mother of the Bride and provided the wine).
Other desserts were contributed by cousins and friends, Sister #2 made the quiche, decorated and gave the toast; Sister #3 made the salads and was the MC. There were requests for the Marinated Zucchini Artichoke Salad recipe by Kelsey’s co-workers, so here it is:
- 3 small zucchini
- 1 14 oz. can of artichokes, drained & quartered
- ½ c canola oil
- ¼ c red wine vinegar
- 1 T fresh lemon juice
- 2 T freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 T grated onion
- 1 t Worcestershire sauce
- coarsely ground salt & pepper to taste
- ¾ t sugar t dry mustard
- 1 t basil
- 1 t oregano
- 1 head romaine, torn
- 2-3 T fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 c fresh mushrooms, sliced
- Leaving skin on, thinly slice zucchini and place in a bowl with the artichokes.
- Combine all except last ingredients in a blender for 30 seconds (or shake well).
- Pour over veggies and let marinate at least 2 hours (at room temperature).
- Add parsley, mushrooms and lettuce to salad bowl.
- Just before serving, toss together with the veggies (marinade and all).
I made the punch and in writing this, it seems like I got away task-free. That is the beauty of coming from a large family. I am particularly busy with my work right now and so my efforts were limited, but my time is coming! Set up was accomplished by the Maid of Honour and Sister of the Bride and everyone pitched in when it was time for dishes (even one of the cousins who is eight months pregnant). We are a well-oiled machine!
Kath’s Tip: Sister #3 always brings a fancy pen and place cards to events like this to label each dish. This way food is not wasted because you are aware of all of the ingredients (some might upset a tummy and there are allergies in our family).
Kath’s quote: “My face looks like a wedding cake left out in the rain.”-W.H. Auden
Love-that is all.