Another Nibble.....

We finished up (both in cooking and consuming) the Shellfish with Fennel, Escarole, and Kale. This dish was yet another winner -- even sopping up the broth with a baguette was delicious. The Fresh Ham is in the oven (if you recall, we prepped it last night... well, that is, if I mentioned that....), Kate is putting together the remaining cookie doughs (and the biscotti dough!), and Dave is starting up the Apple, Fennel and Cheddar Cheese Straws.

 

Shellfish with Fennel, Escarole and Kale

Now of course, there is no way that we could have made it through this afternoon without an appetizer or two. Well, two. We also had some great Pate and Vegetarian Chopped Liver. The Pate, as you can see in the picture, was almost ready in time for the Pasta Puttanesca (a couple of hours ago), but we had to stick it back into the oven for another half hour (it hadn't cooked enough). So, after a little more cooking, we served it up alongside the Vegetarian Chopped Liver, a fantastic "pate" of pureed mushroom, onion, and egg. Both Regina and I thought it would taste fantastic on a bagel with a slice of smoked salmon. Mental note: Make more of this stuff! 

Liver Pate (left) and Vegetarian Chopped Liver (right)

So at this point, I think we've taken a great chunk out of the task at hand. However, I do worry that we're woefully behind schedule. We may be eating up until midnight, folks!! I think I'm going to take a look at our to-do list and figure out what to do next.