Finally a Birthday Celebration

It was about time after 2-1/2 weeks that we celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday. The weather and people's busy schedules made him wait this year. In his non-conformist style, he opted for a birthday pie instead of a cake. I found a recipe by none other than Martha Stewart. At first I was daunted by all those pastry leaves, but actually it was far easier to cut out and draw veins in 24 leaves than to make a lattice crust. Anyway for someone who sucks at making pies, this one actually turned out well. Martha goes for straight blueberry taste – no spices, no lemon, just piles of blueberries.

The rest of the menu included osso buco with piselli (peas) and risotto with a mix of wild mushrooms. The osso buco had simmered in wine and stock for 2 hours and was practically falling apart. That and risotto are such comfort food. European style, we had a salad chock full of bosc pears, avocado, and walnuts with lots of mixed greens, needing something a little sweet to follow the spicy lemony veal.

I finally inaugurated all 8 placemats and napkins made from the French Provincial print. It’s always nice to entertain people who know my kitchen well enough to help serve and appreciate my dogs enough not to mind taking home some Jake and Dylan hair on their nice clothes.

Happy 60th to David. This marked the end of birthday season.