Linderhof


Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas


Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Dinner for Four At Half Past Six


We love to have company and in June we love to entertain outside.     But this year, everything is early -- the lilacs bloomed early, the roses bloomed early . . . and the 100 degree temps came early.    We don't usually have them in June.     Sometimes in July but more often in August. we get 100 degree days.   

We invited friends for dinner . . . the heat hit before the party and so indoors we moved.

Into the dining room . . . 

The dining room ready for company.

And for four, we like to set the table two by two.    

Hydrangeas in a blue pitcher.

With flowers on the end.    Husband Jim abhors centerpieces you can't see over.     It is a pet peeve of his -- talking around the greenery is "no fun"!      But when you do two by two -- centerpieces high or low can sit on the end -- you still have a pretty table and no one is bobbing from one side to the next to carry on a conversation.

Table set two by two.

Rattan chargers, my blue and white (of course), green napkins (to remind us of the garden that we weren't in) and pink hydrangeas in a blue and white pitcher.     Silver candlesticks with candles which were lit for the evening.

We have gotten a lot of mileage out of those hydrangeas but with our heat and draught there isn't much else blooming!

Dinner was a wonderful pork tenderloin that Husband Jim smoked.      Served with an onion marmalade sauce.

To go with -- Potatoes Anna -- they'er simple and good.

Pommes Anna (in French)

And I used my copper tart tatin pan for the potatoes.    You can buy a Potatoes Anna pan -- but alas, I'm not sure if I would get my $400 back in use from that specialty pan!

I added herbs and I love the creamy crunchy potatoes.

Potatoes Anna (In English)

Which looked so pretty turned out on a plate and cut into wedges.    Rosemary in with the potatoes and rosemary garnish.

My guests were New Orleanianers.    One still lives there and was visiting my neighbor who used to live there.      What does one feed perhaps homesick New Orleanianers for dessert?

The dessert of New Orleans -- creme brûlée -- in honor of our guests.

Why creme brûlée, of course!!!      Daughter Sarah's recipe and it is good.    Garnished with garden mint and a few Farmer's Market blackberries.

We drank martinis before and had wine with dinner.     All too soon, the clock struck the magic hour and our guests departed.    

Husband Jim helped clear the table and I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.    There was just enough pork leftover for lunch the next day!

It is so nice to gather with friends around a table.

It is Thursday and I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish.

19 comments:

Tricia said...

Oh, my -- onion marmalade? That sounds fantastic! I have hydrangeas on my table this week, too, but from the grocery store, not my garden. We hit 108 yesterday. I hope we don't break our record of last year of 90 days of 100+ temps! And creme brulee is my all-time favorite dessert. Yum!

ellen b. said...

What a great room! The food looks so delicious!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh this sounds like such a fabulous evening and the food and tablescape are both wonderful. Hugs, Marty

Bookie said...

I agree with Jim on the centerpiece thing! Everything looks lovely but oh,the heat...sure messing up our outside life! You seem to have boundless energy! Good for you.

xinex said...

Yum! Your creme brulee and potato dish is making me hungry. Lucky guests!..Christine

Jocelyn said...

Wow everything looks beautiful and so delicious!! Love the centerpiece.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Deb said...

Oh, that does look delish. I am a big potato fan and love to try new dishes.This looks a little like a scalloped potato. It all pleases the eye and your room is always gorgeous.

Marlis said...

Creme brulee is certainly a favorite.. I love your menus.. always intriguing. Good tips on the flowers on the end. Pretty table as always. be blessed, xo marlis

Entertaining Women said...

You beautifully translated the colors of the garden on your lovely table. You always do it so well. The Blue Italian is always a favorite, and the creme brûlée looks delicious...perfect dessert selection for the evening. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Oh Martha, the menu sounds perfect! I need to try the potatoes Anna and oh my, the pork with the onion marmadade...delish! Creme Brulee is one of our favorite desserts. I'm sure your guests were thrilled.

Pondside said...

Another wonderful dinner at Linderhof. It all sounds delicious, and the table is lovely. Lucky guests!

Tea Party said...

Love your seating arrangement! Dinner looks delicious, and happy to see the hydrangeas...they seem to just get more and more beautiful! What a wonderful place, Linderhof...

Patty said...

I am sure your friends enjoyed your delicious meal and pretty table. I love your dining room.

On Crooked Creek said...

Martha,
Beautiful tablescape! The centerpiece may have been placed at the end of the table for easy flowing conversation...but what a stunning impression as you enter the dining room under your print!!! I know your guest enjoyed their visit to Linderhof!!!The decor, food and hospitality is supberb!
Fondly,
Pat

Canadian Chickadee said...

Looks fabulous! The potatoes are gorgeous, and creme brulee is my favourite dessert. Reading your post makes me hungry! :o)

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

I really enjoy reading about your lovely dinner parties. I aspire to be the gracious hostess and great cook you are!

Southerncook said...

As always a lovely table and menu. Love the idea of using the tart tatin pan which I have. I checked out the other pan you mentioned? I think I'll stick with my tart tatin pan too. I have seen that recipe in Anna 's book, good to know you liked it.

Carolyn

Bernideen said...

Food looks deicious!

Meredith said...

Beautiful setting as usual and your dinner looks heavenly!!