| My kids are adults, but still my babies. | | | | and so are most of the guests, I'm buying a |
| Every year, within a week of each other they | | | | gourmet cheesecake that has been individually |
| turn another year older. I throw them a | | | | sliced and contains four different kinds in |
| celebration. My husband wishes I'd stop | | | | one box. For those who'd rather, I'll have |
| throwing them this ritual birthday bash-he's | | | | angelfood cake and non-dairy topping |
| never been one for hosting parties, not even | | | | available and replenish the fruit tray. |
| when they're family. One of our offspring is | | | | |
| married and a mother herself. Yet here comes | | | | You've probably noticed I'm not cooking one |
| another one. | | | | single dish. The only thing to clean will be |
| | | | the coffee pot. My guests will have a good |
| Through the years I've done more than get | | | | time. I will be able to sit down and enjoy |
| older, I've also become wiser and arthritic, | | | | them and the occasion and going to work the |
| so I've changed perspective on how I throw | | | | next day will not be the problem it has in |
| this bash. In the beginning, it wasn't all | | | | the past. |
| that populated. The four of us, my parents | | | | |
| and sister, sometimes my inlaws would attend. | | | | As for my famous mashed potatoes, well, I'll |
| Then of course family members got married, | | | | continue to save them for my part in the |
| had kids and our children would ask their | | | | yearly Thanksgiving Potluck. They've been |
| closest friends to join us. I loved it! I'd | | | | published in a major women's magazine and in |
| roast a turkey, make my famous mashed | | | | a large daily paper in Orange County, CA-they |
| potatoes (recipe to follow), set up a salad | | | | are one of my most requested recipes. I'll |
| bar and make homemade birthday cakes. | | | | share it with you now. |
| | | | |
| As the crowd grew, the mashed potatoes turned | | | | The best part is they are very low in fat! In |
| into a baked potato bar (I had a theme going | | | | honor of our daughter (who loves them so |
| here with "bars"). I switched to paper | | | | much, she had the caterer serve them at her |
| plates. Then when the crowd got to 15 plus, | | | | wedding) I've always called them: |
| well, I realized things had to change. | | | | |
| Physically, it would take me a week to do the | | | | Sarah's favorite mashers: |
| shopping, chopping, cooking, setting up and | | | | |
| cleaning and then the "putting everything | | | | Serves 6-8 |
| back". The following week, I was too | | | | |
| exhausted to do much more than the bare | | | | 3 lbs, baking potatoes, peeled and quartered |
| basics. | | | | |
| | | | 1 large head cauliflower, in florets |
| So, I changed. I also found out something | | | | |
| wonderful-EVERYONE ENJOYED THEMSELVES MORE!!! | | | | 1/4 C each skim milk and margarine (food |
| | | | allergies have me using soy milk)kosher salt |
| This year our menu will be trays of | | | | |
| vegetables, fruit, cheeses, meats and | | | | 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper |
| sandwich makings. All courtesy of the local | | | | |
| bulk buying venue. I will also purchase | | | | Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with |
| artisan sandwich rolls and ciabatta bread. | | | | cold water and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a |
| Hummus fixings will not give me a blender to | | | | boil and then simmer, uncovered just until |
| dirty this year! It will be bought and | | | | fork tender. Drain well and mash (I prefer a |
| scooped out into a bowl and served along side | | | | ricer). At the same time, in another large |
| the trays and chip bowls. I'll also grab a | | | | pot, bring 11/2 cups of water to a boil and |
| container of gourmet salsa. The drinks will | | | | add cauliflower. Lower heat and cover, steam |
| be chilling in a big chest. Later, coffee | | | | for 15 minutes, or until very tender. Drain |
| will be set up so everyone can pour and serve | | | | and place in blender with milk, margarine, 1 |
| themselves. Birthday cake? Whoever eats it | | | | teaspoon salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. |
| anyway? Since the guests of honor are adults | | | | Fold into potatoes. Serve. |