CS: Boxed lunches

So, my mother-in-law S had a fabulous idea:

Since C is a teacher (and there may be a lot of teachers in attendance, since C's future MIL is also a teacher): boxed lunches!

Upper top left lunch: Wendy Copley
All others: Think Garnish

How cute, right? I mean, I know, we could cater + have someone make these. But S noted that, since the shower is going to be around Christmas, chances are that the caterer would probably make these ahead of time, like days in advance. Which, from what I understand, is pretty standard. But so then why don't *we* just make these ahead of time, since we'll be under the same time constraints as caterers, and we'd save money? Just perhaps not stress :D I'm sure S's decision will rest on how many guests she'll be hosting -- I'll keep you updated!

CS: Best Salad

This salad converted me to loving salads. Okay, and a good Cobb Salad, but that's really just some greens tossed w/ meat + egg + cheese + olives, right? mmmm.

Right, back on topic.

Warm Tortellini and Cherry Tomato Salad

"Extra-virgin olive oil and two kinds of vinegar make an easy, classic dressing for this pasta-and-vegetable salad. You can also try this with chicken or mushroom tortellini or cheese ravioli."

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

• 2 (9-ounce) packages fresh cheese tortellini
• 1 1/2 cups (1 1/2-inch-long) slices fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups trimmed arugula
• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) pregrated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Add asparagus to pasta during last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain.

While pasta cooks, combine vinegars, oil, and pepper in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add pasta mixture, arugula, and remaining ingredients; toss to coat.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 403 (26% from fat)

Fat: 11.6g (sat 5.7g,mono 4.4g,poly 0.6g)

Protein: 21.7g

Carbohydrate: 52.4g

Fiber: 7.9g

Cholesterol: 50mg

Iron: 1.9mg

Sodium: 725mg

Calcium: 415mg

Cooking Light, JANUARY 2005

Project 2: Shower Fest

Okay, when I get permission, I will share T's wedding invitation with y'all. Because let me tell you, when I got it in the mail, I knew the BC series was done.

T is one of the first ladies from whom I learned that hostessing is a true art. She's fabulous. But yet she will readily admit she is no domestic goddess. And while I imagine others may disagree with her, I think she will admit that she is no wedding-planning goddess either. But she's gone pro + all I can think is either (a) she was majorly hiding that her rockstar quality spills over to wedding details or (b) her coordinator seriously seriously rocks.

Because this invite is out.of.this.world. I know, words are cheap, where's the photo? But permission, permission.

Anyway. So ... of course I need to have a little sumn sumn going on, otherwise I go a little crazy. Minus that I've learned I really do need to get work done during the work day. (Wha-huh? I know, shocking)

But -- my hubs's mom is hosting a bridal shower for the sister of one of my dear friends who lives all the way in Alaska. More importantly, while C is in town over the holidays. Yes, that's right, I'm talking Christmas. Specifically, the day after. I know. And then the bachelorette party will be several hours away. Uhh, I know. But -- you gotta make do when a girl has to split her time between America's 2 largest states with a whole country between them!

Anyway, so we begin the CS series :) Hooray, a search for pretty things with a purpose! Now if I could just take beautiful photos, I might really have something here :D

#1: what to serve? Ideally something easy. As in, either make ahead a few days in advance, or easy to throw together. And something light -- big holiday feast the day before + 1p time dictates light, right?

Maybe Elie Krieger's Crab Salad in Wonton Cups? courtesy of Food Network.

Perhaps too work intensive. How about ready made cups, like...
Paula Deen's Mini Phyllo Cups with Shrimp Salad? courtesy of Food Network

Personally, I'm thinking a little of the pre-made seafood salad from Sam's Club (seriously delish!) + the pre-made mini phyllo cups might get the job done, too :)

{AthensFoods}