More food stories!

Since they've had us over for dinner at least four times now and have bought us tons of appliances and needed items in our new home (in addition to acting as handy-men whenever things break), J.D. and I decided to have his parents over for dinner last night.

It was the first time really, that I got to play hostess at a dinner party. Kinda weird feeling, but I guess I'll be getting used to it!

Unfortunately I did not snap any photos, so you'll have to let your imagination guide you.

We started off with breads, various cheeses and rosemary roasted garlic for the first course. I sliced chunks of melting brie, sharp cheddar crusted with almond slivers and a mozzarella-prosciutto-basil roll.

Then the wine started flowing. A French Bordeaux blend purchased from Trader Joe's and a Coppola Pinot Noir for an extra bottle. Of course, we only ended up drinking half of each, but there are still plenty left over.

Next up was the vegetable course, with a large mixed green salad, bowl of edamame and a tomato-basil caprese salad for the side.

After the plates were cleared we brought out the main dish: pork chops seared with home-stewed applesauce. We made the applesauce with fresh apples, apple passionfruit juice, chopped walnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Plate that with a side of brown rice and then we were good to go.

Out came the cheese plate again paired with a little wine and Pellegrino and then we were ready for dessert.

Again, thank you Trader Joe's for doing all the work, I served a fresh lemon tart for dessert that J.D. spruced up with raspberries.

After the dinner finished, I began reading my newest book: My Life in France by Julia Child and then went for a 20-minute run into the gated golf course community past the lakes.

Before the night ended, we whipped up some chocolate-dipped strawberries for after dinner tonight and then it was time to sleep! I had such a great evening cooking and eating :)