Dave is turning 50. When he got his present a month ago, he was so overjoyed, he said that as soon as his actual birthday comes, we will just chill and drive around his gift with the top down. That was sweet of him but I can’t imagine not preparing him anything, so I suggested that we have a nice dinner with Steve and Ginger at home.

Since I am going to be making dinner, then we might as well have  a birthday cake too.

I started his day with Williams-Sonoma Almond Croissants.  Sadly, I don’t have enough talent nor inclination to make these myself. Not that I haven’t tried. It’s not easy and it involves an obscene amount of butter. I’m pretty sure what we had, had tons of butter too. But for as long as I don’t see it, it should be fine. Right?

These croissants need some prep time, but nothing laborious.

The following day, it should have risen up and ready to pop in the oven. Note the dawn rising in the background. My artistic license. Bow.

Nothing starts a birthday better than the smell of croissants and bad-ass coffee. Happy Birthday!!!

After consuming what i’m sure is 2 pounds of butter, I am ready to whip up goodies for D’s birthday dinner.

For appetizers, I made Brie En (Herbed) Croute. A delectable concoction of cheese, pastry and jam.

 

 

I also made Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms as a savory alternative

I made Greek Orzo Salad  to balance what is yet to come, which is a little bit on the heavy side. It’s a birthday celebration. It’s really not a time to be calorie-conscious.

For carbs, I made Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin. Calorie-wise, this will make the croissants blush in shame. It’s fine, just grab a spoonful or two, then vow to jog the next day for about a hundred miles…or two. That’s what I tell myself to sleep through the night.

Now for the big guns (main course), I made Turkey Pot Pie (which is D’s favorite) Beef Kabobs (because one can’t have a birthday in Texas without involving a grill), and Pesto Scallops for a lighter option.

I did include fireworks in my title, didn’t I? Sorry, Katy Perry had previous engagements…But we still had fireworks.

 

The drink was the most fantastic in D’s and Steve’s opinion, Johnny Walker Blue.

A good dinner is not only about good food but also of good company. I can’t say enough good things about Steve and Ginger. If anything, one of the best things that happened when we got this house was that we became closer to them and got to spend more time in their company.

It was a long day  but a wonderful one. Turning 50 is an awesome thing and needs to be celebrated. Here’s to 50 more years,  D!!!