working on dinner menu for next weekend starring Joe's Pork Tenderloin Medallions w/ Apple Cider Sau

[barbara-in-va]

still working on the menu, this is what I am playing with so far, any thoughts? (for 9 peeps)

Rosemary Flatbreads

Crostini with goat cheese and my fig jam

Tomato, mozz and fresh basil with balsamic reduction (I know this doiesn't really go with the rest but one guest LOVES it)

Pork and Chicken with Apple Cider Sauce

green salad with pomegranate, gold roasted beets, spicy pecans, blue cheese

lentil & spinach salad with sour cherry viniagrette

roasted root vegetables

Chocolate Verrine (from Fine Cooking)

Pear Tart-question, the reviewers all say the pastry cream was too runny, does anyone have a pastry cream recipe that would be more firm? And what can I sub for the poire William, brandy?

Please let me know any suggestions you might have!

Thank you.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/reviews/Seckel-Pear-Tart-with-em-Poire-William-em-Cream-350575

 

[joe]

I'm honored! I think the menu is fabulous but I would go with only one salad--the pomegranite

one sounds best to me. (Coco Chanel always said to look in the mirror when you've finished dressing and remove something. I feel the same way about menus.)

Here is a link which contains Julia Child's pastry cream, which is perfect and firm every time. Flour is more stable than corn starch; you have to cook it to eliminate any floury taste, but that's only a couple minutes of extra stirring.

http://eat.at/swap/forum/index.php?action=display&forumid=1&msgid=28084

 

[steve2-in-la]

Unless you're aiming for lo-carb, I think this menu screams out for a carb accompaniment to sop up

those wonderful Pork and Chicken juices. Maybe a rice dish like a pilaf, smashed herbed poratoes or even orzo with lemon butter and herbs.

 

[steve2-in-la]

Love that Coco Chanel quote. When I've finished dressing, I usually just remove the mirror.

 

[joe]

Or perhaps include some potatoes in the roasted root vegetable mix.

 

[maycee]

Try using hard cider in the recipe, Barbara. Delicious!!

 

[janet-in-nc]

I was thinking of a bright fresh green vegetable like home made french green beans

 

[marilynfl]

Man, you're on a one-liner roll.

 

[richard-in-cincy]

You think this is dinner is low carb? I wish!!!

 

[steve2-in-la]

Not thinking it's lo-carb but there was no "official" starch listed which made me wonder.

I know, I know, there's carbs in root vegetables and other plant-life as well. Believe me I know. (Been eating paleo-ish for nearly a year now. Can't begin to tell you how "thrilling" it's been.)

 

[barbara-in-va]

Thank you all very much! Joe, I will use Julia's pastry cream for sure and

perhaps some green beans (skip the lentils) and if time allows, some homemade whole wheat dinner rolls

Thanks so much!.

 

[joe]

If time allows, please post the dinner roll recipe.

 

[barbara-in-va]

Great idea Michael, I just happen to have some too! Thank you.