I offered to cancel today’s get together because standing up and making an appetizer seemed like too difficult a task. But Merrilyn said to come anyway – hurray! And I did bring something (the Ruffles, not the fruit) to go with Merrilyn’s Crostini with mushrooms, beef and brie.

When I told Merrilyn I went to watch a cribbage tournament and now wanted to learn how to play, her eyes lit up. She went to her car (where she keeps her cribbage board!) and gave me a lesson. Fun!

On Wednesday. Herbed Artichoke Galette and Anna’s Tomato Tart. Both were delicious!

Always fun!

Delicious lumpia by Merrilyn and clam dip by me.
Always fun!

on Tuesday!

Spinach and pine nuts in puff pastry and Stuffed mini-portobellos. And wine 🙂
With Phyllis!

On Wednesday. Avocado egg rolls and Cheesy artichoke crab toasts – both were delicious!

We miss you, Phyl.

Arancini and pizza. Both really delicious.

Merrilyn made a Pineapple cheese ball coated with walnuts and a Warm artichoke dip. I brought some sweet walnut treats.

For fun, we cracked and shelled a big bag of walnuts.

Always delicious. Always fun! Whipped ricotta with pine nuts and raisins on crostini:
Cocktail meatballs and Cauliflower Toasts:
Not pictured: wine 🙂 and Phyllis 😦

Hey, Bob, that picture would have turned out better if you’d take it.

On Tuesday. The first time I tried to make pastry using my Cuisenart, it didn’t turn out at all. So I asked Merrilyn for a lesson today. Super-prepared as she is, all the ingredients were measured out and chilled as needed. Pulse 3 times. Check out the small jar FILLED with a variety of measuring spoons! Tool envy.Pour cold water in a steady stream while Cuisenart runs.Stop! as soon as a ball begins to form and dump it onto plastic wrap. Divide in half and wrap each separately, let rest at least 30 minutes before using! Wa-lah! Two double-crust pastry doughs (doughs?) in about 20 minutes! Thank you, Merrilyn!Today’s beverage #1: Captain Morgan Loco Nut (coconut rum) and pineapple juice. Delicious!While we made the pastry, A Tomato Tart baked, followed by Gougeres.Always fun! We miss you Phyl!

On Monday! Savory BLT cheesecake and Mushroom Spinach Quesadillas:Always fun!