A January Lunch

Cold has descended on the prairie

Not the cold of the north

For we're not expected to get in the negative temperatures

Only in the single digits

But a cold day

Calls for a warm lunch

In the dining room

Luncheon for four!

No tablecloth

Quaker Lace in the center with candles in silver candleholders

And a crystal vase of pink tulips

Quaker lace placemats

Jim's grandmother's cutlery

Damask napkins in silver rings

Aynsley Pembroke china

On the sideboard, the coffee service awaits dessert

We're all ready for company!

The menu:

Italian salad

Romaine, peppers, cherry tomatoes and black olives

Tossed in an oil and vinegar dressing

Baked ziti

A casserole of Italian sausage and cheeses

Garlic bread

Warm and crusty

buttery garlic goodness

Coffee served with the cannoli tart

A perfect dessert tor an Italian meal.

The menu for this luncheon started with dessert.

I had a container of mascarpone that I needed to use

and I found this tart.

Since cannoli is Italian, 

it came me the theme for my luncheon.

I had Italian sausage in the freezer and decided that I would like

the main course to be a casserole -- it would give me more time with my guests.

And what better start than a simple Italian salad!

The cannoli tart will definitely be made again.

In fact, it may be my go-to dessert whenever I serve pasta!