Sharing: Here is what we ended up with for a "Like Water for Chocolate" Valentine's fundraiser

J

joe

Well-known member
for the garden non-profit I work for. Only a few of the dishes were actually from the novel but we tried to catch the spirit of a sophisticated Mexican menu, with a few California-isms thrown in.

Starters

Goat Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Spicy Mussels in their shells

Amuse

Tamale Bites - my colleague Gabrielle made up three types of tamales--shrimp, goat cheese and mushroom, cut them into small pieces and served each bit on a tiny tray with a dab of green salsa and specks of pickled red onion.

First Course

Chiles en Nogada: Roasted poblanos stuffed with pork, nut and fruit picadillo, served cold with a creamy cashew-queso sauce and pomegranite seeds

Main Course:

Chicken with Mole Sauce (I used Diana Kennedy's recipe, which is close to the one in the book.)

Rice and beans

Salad Trio--a small dollap of each:

Finely grated Sweet Potato with lime, jalapeno, cilantro, and sesame oil

Diced Jicama with red bell pepper, mint, orange juice and zest, and olive oil

Mexican-style Caesar Salad (El Torito's chile-cilantro dressing) with the lettuce in a fine chiffonade, topped with cotija cheese and toasted pepitas

Desserts

Trio of Chocolate Rum Flan & Lime Wedding Cake & Spicy Hot Chocolate Shot

Whew, it was a lot of work but a lot of fun. I made the mole the weekend before while Gab made the tamales and cake. The day before we got together with a friend to roast the chiles and make the picadillo and sauce, prep the salads, starters, etc. I have college interns in the gardens who were happy to double as a wait staff for the night. We had 38 guests who started with the stuffed jalapenos and mussels. They were seated and got their little tamale bite right away. After a few speeches we served the Chiles, which are so easy to plate ahead of time because they are room temp. The mole, rice and beans went out on platters family style, and we followed up with the salad plate and then the dessert.

It was very well received and people were asking when we can do it again! My B.O.D. are suggesting Big Night or Babette's Feast next. Yeah, right! This was exhausting enough. I'm thinking "An American in Paris" so I can make a few crepes and call it a night.

 
Pinto Beans--just soaked one day, boiled the next with onion and salt, served the next day.

They thicken overnight.

 
Congratulations, Joe and all your people!! I know fundraisers are a lot of work.

Sounds like a wonderful evening that will be talked about for a long time. Be prepared for at least twice the attendees for your next one.

 
Spicy Chocolate: Another one Gab improvised; It was a dark chocolate ganache, seasoned with

ceyenne, cinnamon, cumin, white pepper, and who knows what else. It was added to hot milk and beaten with a stick blender. Served in a shot glass on a plate with the two other desserts--the best surprise of the evening.

 
Thanks Michael. I hope we can double the attendance next year. (or double the price, lol).

 
This sounds wonderful Joe! I'm thinking of trying that cake for Easter -

I would like something citrus-y in addition to some kind of chocolate that will surely be on the table.

 
What a special fundraiser! The fundraisers here are either chili or over the top ($$) at a country

club. (I do not enjoy / go to the later). Yours sound so special! Great way to showcase what can be made from your garden.

While exhausting, I am sure you were very proud. That garden is very lucky to have you!

 
It's nice to work with a bunch of folks who are really into food and wine and who love to party

We're not at the level of doing a catered country club thing yet and we'll probably never get there, but that's fine with me.

 
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