Eleven years ago today I posted my first entry on this food blog, never imagining I would still be at it today, and still deriving so much satisfaction and pleasure from it.
Sharing my love of cooking, baking, and table decor, with not only my followers, but also those who randomly happen upon my site, brings me much joy.
Over the years I’ve often included some personal stories, histories or anecdotes regarding the particular recipe, which has become a family history of sorts for my children and hopefully future generations.
In my introductory post so many years ago I mention"the focus of my blog will be what has been my passion for as many years as I can remember…feeding people”! It is safe to say I still feel the same… the repairmen, gardener, neighbors, family, friends, and the homeless can all attest to it!
Last weekend we had a brunch for friends, and as I was preparing the menu I realized almost every item on it was something I had posted on this blog over the years, with a few exceptions.
I’ll share the menu with you and link to the various past posts from which they come. These are some of my favorites…maybe one or two will become yours!
Sunday Summer Brunch
I love hosting a brunch because it allows one to serve some breakfasty items as well as some lunch items, allowing me a bit more leeway for a plentiful spread which I am often prone to do.
I planned for us to start with some beverages and appetizers on the deck before moving into the dining room for the main buffet.
My husband served fresh orange juice from our local farmers’ market, chilled prosecco, and Ina Garten’s Summer Rose Sangria made with rose wine. Find her recipe for this light, refreshing, fruit filled drink here.
I served a delicious Creamy Gazpacho Andaluz which I ladled into mini cups (espresso cups work well), and served alongside some mini toasts and crackers, and an English Mustard Cheese Spread. The recipe is for a cheese ball but it can easily be served in a dish as a spread.
(from July 1, 2012)
(from January 10, 2019)
I also added a plate of deviled eggs, with a basic filling, (omitted the sweet pickle relish) but three different garnishes which included sprigs of fresh Mexican tarragon from my herb pot, fresh dill, and paprika.
Here’s a pic before I garnished… missed the beautiful pic of them garnished, sorry! Even the cute yellow flowers are edible!
But here’s a pic from another time when I garnished with capers, smoked salmon and dill, and fresh French tarragon.
(from May 28, 2017)
After chatting for awhile and working up an appetite we went in for the buffet which I had laid out on my kitchen island.
The Brunch Buffet
Fresh Assorted Bagels from House of Bagels, sliced in halves and tall English Muffins from Joliene’s Bakery
Strawberry and apricot preserves, plain cream cheese and cream cheese with fresh chives from my herb pot, butter
Hot Smoked Salmon platter with small capers, caper berries on a stem, fresh bunch of dill, Calamata olives and sliced fresh lemons
(from June 27, 2011)
(from January 22, 2020)
Heirloom Tomatoes and Red Onion Platter
Green Salad with thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, chopped red onion, candied walnuts in a Citrus Champagne Vinaigrette
Sorry, didn’t get a pic of the finished salad, just the beautiful greens…red leaf lettuce, red butter lettuce and Romaine hearts
Fresh Fruit including cantaloupe and cherries, and a bowl of ripe strawberries and blueberries
After sitting around the table and lots of good conversation, it was time for something sweet…
NY Classic Cheesecake with Raspberry Topping
(March 21, 2015)
and …
(July 17, 2018)
Needless to say, it was a full day, in more ways than one!
Thank you to all my readers who have allowed me to share Dinner at Sheila’s with you, and I’m excited to see what this coming year will bring!