Linguini Dinner For The Beginner & Expert
Dinner does NOT have to be difficult in order to be delicious …. better yet I’m going to give you two ways to create this exact same menu! You’ll see below how there are easy time saver ideas as well as ‘put the time in’ recipes. Either way you cut it you’re going to have a delicious feast that gathers people together to enjoy life - and that my friend is the point of it all!
Tart Preserves, Brie & Dry Coppa Crostini
Easy : purchase pre made tart cherry or jam preserves, spreadable Brie cheese and Salt Water Style Crackers - layer and serve!
Put the time in : use a homemade tart jam (we love using our home made plum preserves!), a wheel of brie and a fresh French baguette. Slice the baguette and brie. Spread the jam on the baguette slices, top with brie and toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes at 400 degrees or under the broiled if you’re able to keep an eye on them. Top with Dry Coppa and serve warm from the oven
Smoked Salmon Linguini
Easy : Hit up your fave upscale grocer and purchase pre-made Alfredo sauce, smoked salmon and noodles. Cook the noodles and toss with the warmed sauce, top with flaked smoked salmon a bit of lemon zest and serve!
Putting the time in : Smoke your own salmon, make your own noodles and mix the sauce up from scratch per the recipe above.
Lemon Pepper Asparagus
Easy : Purchase asparagus cleaned and in a ready to steam microwave bag. Once cooked drizzle with Lemon, season with salt and pepper and serve!
Putting the time in : Prep and roast the Asparagus per the recipe above.
Chocolate Torte with Cherry Drizzle
Easy : Purchase a chocolate dessert from your fave bakery. Place on a pretty cake plate and boom it’s ready!
Putting the time in : Follow the recipe above, serve on a pretty cake plate, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fresh whipping cream and cherry drizzle.
Now for the Table!
Bring a little freshness indoors by filling the table with shades of green, fresh coral and lights. It’s amazing what a bit of candlelight and greenery can do for a space. Head to your local fabric store or Etsy to find an array of dyed gauze Rustic Table Runners. They are so light and airy but create the warmest feel down the table. It always amazes me how much life they add to any table setting.
Next up is candles!! It’s taken a bit of treasure hunting but I’ve found the best mixture of brass and silver candlesticks at our local thrift shops. The trick is to pop on in whenever you have a few moments. If you’re not having much luck, ask one of the store clerks if there are particular days that they put out new items. If so, plan to stop by on those days! If the candlesticks look a bit dirty you can clean them up super easy - here’s a great article with several tips from Better Homes & Garden!
We can’t wait to see what kind of magic you create - be sure to tag us @ciderpresslane so we can share in the feasting and community with you! And if you’re hosting this Linguini Dinner ‘Freedom Dinner' style - be sure to fill us in on how it all goes!!
Cheers to creating community that gives Freedom.
