This year I hosted 6 for Christmas – my parents, my friend, her two adult sons, and myself. As usual, I wanted to try something different so I created a 6 course meal. I consider this one of my epic memorable meals – along with Dumplings Around the World that I hosted several years ago.

Menu

Course 1: Appetizer – Spinach & Artichoke Puffed Pastry – I prepared this a week before, put in my freezer and then baked before serving

Course 2: Salad & Bread – Baby Romaine & Grapefruit Salad served in a Grapefruit Cup, Rolls with Holly Shaped Butter

Course 3: Vegetable – Baked Zucchini Caprese Stacks – I made my own pesto with walnuts

Course 4: Pasta – Pumpkin Ravioli with an Apple Cider Reduction or Three Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Olive Oil

Course 5: Cheese – Cheddar, Brie, Blue Cheese, Caramelized Walnuts, Marcona Almonds, Raspberries, Apples

Course 6: Dessert – Chocolate Cheesecake Squares, Mini Citrus Cakes with Whipped Cream, Strawberry Gelato

Appetizer – Spinach & Artichoke Puffed Pastry

To make my 6 course menu manageable, I started with make and freeze appetizers. I baked them just before serving.

Salad & Bread – Grapefruit Salad in Grapefruit Cup with Rolls and Holly Shaped Butter

I liked the idea of serving the salads in grapefruit bowls. I doubt I will do it again but it was something different.

I love making shaped butter for various occasions.

Vegetable – Baked Zucchini Caprese Stacks

I know that these do not look like much but these vegetable and cheese stacks were a hit! Attendees kept raving about them afterwards.

Pasta – Pumpkin Ravioli

I made two different ravioli for the pasta course a week ahead and put them in my freezer. I offered 2 choices but allowed attendees to have both choices (separately) and many took me up on the offer.

Pasta – Three Cheese Ravioli

Cheese – Cheddar, Brie, Blue Cheese, Caramelized Walnuts, Marcona Almonds, Raspberries, Apples

I know this does not look beautiful but it was delicious and everyone enjoyed! I really should make the cheese course a more frequent feature of dinner parties.

Dessert – Strawberry Gelato, Mini Citrus Cake, Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Square

I once went to a fancy restaurant dinner in NYC where all guests were given a trio of desserts on a plate for the last course. That was my inspiration for this. All of my guests enjoyed this dessert and the entire meal. I hope that this meal was a memorable for all attendees.