Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

The Soul that rises with us, our life’s star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home:

The year was 1992. I had met this really cool guy at the “Y” and in conversation he mentioned he was a family counselor. I asked if he ever took individual clients.  He responded that most were individual with issues regarding family. I immediately signed up. I was having what I know now as anxiety attacks.  He helped me realize several things including 1) those that truly love you will love you no matter what 2) you don’t have to be in a building with walls to “go to church” 3) if someone wants to know something they’ll ask…sometimes shared quietness is more valuable than a big reveal.  The above excerpt from William Wordsworth “Ode” came to me from Jim.  It was printed on a box of herbal tea.  He read it, thought of me and brought it to our next session.  It literally changed my life. He helped me Spring Forward to a world of enlightenment and fullness.  It opened a door between my parents and me (and now their spirits) that helps me continue to Spring Forward. It’s currently 34 degrees in Memphis but I know Spring is in my future. I’m trailing clouds of glory in expectation of all things bright and beautiful.

Our Supper Club has been in hibernation this year.  I think we all had a bit too much JOY around the holidays.  Nevertheless, we were back in full force yesterday.  We did a brunch instead of supper and celebrated the arrival of Spring.

Did I mention the theme was Green.  And, yes, we own a lot of things that are green.  That’s another thing I’ve held on to from Jim.  New Growth Green is the color of life. Watch the grass and trees in the coming weeks…the young buds and fresh sprouts give us hope and a renewed spirit.  Additionally, I work diligently to keep the negative side of green (envy and greed) out of my life.

Following you’ll see we made up for lost time with several courses…each accompanied by Champagne or Sparkling Wine, of course.

Amuse-bouche

Just as everyone arrived I took Monkey Bread out of the oven…I used Crescent Rolls instead of biscuits…always a hit.

The “Church Ladies” provided the First Course. While singing “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”…they passed out menus AKA “Tracts for the Lost.” (if you don’t understand ask someone who grew up Baptist)

Every morsel was delectable and had a FABULOUS story.  The Hard Iced Tea (bottled “Twisted Tea” topped off with sparkling wine) was the perfect pairing. And, the presentation was Supremely Standard Setting!!!

Three Little Fishes

L to R…Lump Crab and Mango Salad in Endive Boats with Tobiko Caviar, Egg Cup filled with Smoked Salmon Egg Salad topped with Smoked Salmon Roe, Fried Cornbread with a Whitefish Smear with Baby Heirloom Tomato, 7-minute Quail Egg and Osetra Caviar.  This was paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Rose.

Next was Chilled Spring Pea Soup with Creme Fraiche and Bacon. The recipe is from the P. Allen Smith Cookbook.  We all agreed that this was Spring at it’s pinnacle…fresh, refreshing, beautiful and delicious.  We enjoyed a Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs with the soup. Again, we all agreed that the pairing was spectacular.

At this point in the meal we had enjoyed Hard Iced Tea and 2+ glasses of Champagne/Sparkling Wine. As Brandt was pouring the next glass he announced that this was an “Intercourse”.  Look for that on the menu at your next fine dinner! I asked everyone to taste this and guess what it was.  Again, because of the jovial nature that had taken over…this was coined as Guacamole Ice Cream.  There is lime and cilantro but no onions, peppers or tomatoes in this…Avocado Sorbet…the perfect “Intercourse” for the green theme.

When brunch was suggested I immediately said we would host because I knew everyone would enjoy this.  Our sweet friend Teresa does what she calls Baked Eggs and it’s a show stopper.  Super simple…but the most perfect egg dish I’ve ever eaten.  Two of our eight members are not egg eaters…like get up in the morning and have eggs…and I’m one of them.  However, this takes eggs to a whole new level.  She also did a grit cake…no cream and no butter…just chicken broth.  Again, easily the best grit cake I’ve ever eaten…with or without the Tasso Ham Gravy that made me want to lick the plate.  The hard-to-find 2008 Juve’ y Camps Cava, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia Spain helped make this sixth course one for the record books.

Kirk always MAKES us have dessert.  He sent me three options and I chose the Key Lime Tartlet.  Obviously, he wanted to do this decadent Almond Danish.  So, we got both. Everyone proclaimed how full they were as they put these delicate morsels in their mouths. He brought my favorite Proseco…Lamarca…for the money it’s arguably the best Proseco on the market.  What a perfect way to finish this special brunch.

I need to let you in on a new-found treasure.  Recently, friends sent us a pound cake.

When I told Brandt about it he heard me say they were sending a Fruit Cake and had a negative response. But, I’m here to tell you his/our response to this pound cake was anything but negative. Carolina Pound Cake will compete with the best bakers and anybody’s mother.  I don’t know why you would dirty up the kitchen when FedEx can deliver this ready to eat…to you or all your friends…Truly Spectacular. Thank you Jere and Pat!!!

So, Spring Forward.  Don’t look back.  Begin anew. Start afresh. Find your cloud of glory, leave yesterday behind you and jump joyfully into new adventures.

  

Here’s hoping Spring finds your house lovely and that a good time will be had by all!!!

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