Apple-Bottom Dreams

Our "Sweet & Savory Apple Potluck" this past Saturday evening was a wonderful success. Just the right amount of guests came (I think around 18-ish) to make the house feel cozy and festive without becoming claustrophobic! There were two incredibly cool toddlers (Quinn, Elora-you're welcome here anytime), libations 'a plenty, and a roaring fire outdoors in the fire ring, although it was too chilly and windy for anyone to feel compelled to gather 'round it. No bother, it was pretty and that alone justifies it.

The real stars of the evening were, of course, the dishes. Guests got quite clever in their apple-making, covering our oak dining table in a feast of savory and sweet deliciousness alike. Thanks abound to all who made it out. My home and taste buds look forward to the next inspired potluck! 

In no particular order, we dined on:

*Apple chard quiche with crimini mushrooms, caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese in a spelt crust

*Cumin-roasted buttercup squash with roasted garlic, sauteed greens and baked apples

*Cabbage, apple, onion and savory stir-fry

*Baked apple halves stuffed with goat blue cheese in a sage port wine reduction

*Apple-sage whole wheat mac & cheese

*Cabbage, apple and walnut salad with blue cheese dressing

*Apple, garlic, onion, cheddar, bell pepper and fresh herb frittata

*Apple, walnut, pomegranate salad with goat cheese

*Homemade applesauce

*Caramel apples sprinkled with celtic sea salt (and a smokey lavender & lapsang souchong salt blend on a few)

*Apple cider ice cream

*Apple skillet pie in an almond crust

*Pumpkin pie (whose sign read "that wishes it were an apple")

We sipped on: 

*A medley of hard apple ciders, including Ace, Harpoon, Woodchuck and Hornsby

*Hot apple cider & whiskey infused with star anise, whole cloves and cinnamon sticks

It was exquisite. Apple ecstasy was ours! Feel free to steal this idea. I promise it will be well received!