50 Ways To Warm Your Nugget

So, the Warming was a delight. We've got such an amazing cast of beloved friends and family. Although no official toll was conducted, I'm guessing around 50 folks came to help us warm the hearth for the little fella. Hubs, Nugs, and I are truly blessed.

In addition to mingling and chatting and giggling and guffawing (not to mention generous gift-giving!!!), the evening consisted of gorging on these libations and victuals:

To quench the palate~

-Hard Apple Cider

-Pumpkin Ale

-Whiskeyed Fresh Apple Cider with Whole Spices & Honey

-Sparkling Apple Cider

-Fresh Apple Cider

To appeal to the savory side of life~

-Local Grit Cakes (to be topped with the next three dishes; an homage to "Hominy Valley", the area here in Candler where we live)

-Local Wild Lobster Mushroom Ragu

-Local Blackened Catfish

-Andouille Chicken Sausage with Apples

-End of Summer Ratatouille

-Local Scuppernog & Muscadine grapes

-Dried Apple Slices

-A selection of Ashe County Cheeses

-Local Pumpkin Butter

-Homemade Cardamom Apple Butter

-Homemade Fig & Orange Compote

-A selection of Farm & Sparrow breads

-Butternut Squash Gorgonzola Pasta with Pumpkin Seed, Lemon Balm & Sage Pesto

-Mixed Greens Salad with my mom's apples, local fennel, and a pickled cherry vinaigrette

-Homemade Pickled Cherries with 5-Spice Blend

To satiate the sweet tooth~

-Molasses Ginger Crinkles

-Fig, Pistachio, & Olive Oil Cake with Cream Cheese Orange Frosting

-DIY Smores station around the fire ring, with Cardamom & Maple marshmallows from Whimsy & Spice Confectioners, Midel graham crackers, & an assortment of chocolates

To take away, in recognition of our abiding love and gratitude~

-Tiny jars of cardamom apple butter (with lovely, custom labels generously gifted by the talented Cyn of River Dog Prints)

-Tiny brown paper sacks of Martha's Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Thanks to everyone who came, feasted, and assisted in any way. We three Englishes love you dearly.