Jimmie Rodgers and Blake Shelton both sing about finding love during cotton pickin’ time in Mississippi.  Nowadays cotton pickers are usually in air-conditioned cabins atop large motor machines engineered to pluck the beautiful white fluffy cotton from the bolls that once tortured the hands of many a Mississippian.

These fields on Rabbit Ridge in Byhalia, MS signify that it is indeed cotton picking time in Mississippi. Additionally, cooler temperatures and falling leaves accompany these beautiful fields of white. Recently I was privileged to help with a dinner party where all the joys of autumn were celebrated.

Guests enjoyed an OctoberFest cocktail hour at sunset on Horseshoe Lake, AR.

German Karntner Rahmkase with Sweet Potato Butter and Obazta with Radishes, Caramelized Figs and Pretzel Crisps

 

   

The table on the outward pier offered Iron Skillet Rueben Dip with Rye Bread and Make-Your-Own Knockwurst, Apple and Cambozola Skewers

 

The house is especially lovely as the back side of this post and beam marvel is a wall of glass giving a panoramic view of the lake. We added the color and textures of fall and lots of candlelight to create a warm, inviting setting for the guests to enjoy their five course dinner.  I regret to say I have no photos of dinner.  I helped expedite the meal.  I was so focused on getting the dishes to the table at the perfect temperature that photography was not in the forefront of my thinking.  Should I tell you or not?  Okay, I’ll tell you.

Starter…Lobster Bisque, Lobster Claw, Hushpuppies

Salad…Fallen Goat Cheese Souffle, Mixed Greens, Nuts, Dried Cherries

Sorbet…Blood Orange and Rosemary

Entree…Trio of Pork…Smoked Rib and Apple Bleu Cheese Slaw; Braised Loin, Braised Greens and Sweet Potato; Seared Tenderloin over Mascarpone Polenta

Dessert…Fresh Apple Cake and Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel Sauce

Use your imagination in HD and 3D and you might get the image…a good time was had by all.

This past weekend was the River Arts Festival on South Main Street…as in, out in front of our loft. Saturday we had friends over for brunch and a stroll through the festival.

 

I tried to be artistic with the tablescape.  I kept it monochromatic and very textural.  I’m not a huge fan of orange but for fall…why not.  And, I must admit it does give you a lot of WOW!!!

Speaking of WOW…Linda WOW’d us with these appetizers…Caprese Stuffed Tomatoes and Smoked Salmon and Caviar Pinwheels…oh, my!!!

I did Baby Greens, Red-eyed Gravy Vinaigrette, Poached Fall Fruit, Crisp Pancetta, Gorgonzola Quenelle

Delia and Robert did this incredible Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Strata

Kirk did the best Cheese Grits we’ve ever had.

Asparagus, Truffle Oil and The Last Tomatoes of Summer

Fresh Fig and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Again, a good time was had by all.  The art festival took second place to our sweet friends and their culinary prowess.

Happy fall to all!!!