Turning 30

On april 11th 30 years ago I was born so I decided to celebrate that day. After a lot of thinking of what to do for my birthday (i'm already going to New York this summer with Amy and Cindy, which has been planned for over a year) I decided that if I was going to have a party I was going to do it the way I want to. So I had a dinner party. I've always wanted to have one. Some friends and good food. But who would cook? I really couldn't have anyone cater because i would just tear their food apart so I would cook. I know it's kinda weird a party where the birthday girl is in the kitchen all the time, but that's where I loved to be, and I could serve all my friends and family that were there. I wanted it in the backyard and we worked extra hard getting things together so that we could have it out there. but with this valley the wind is always a factor. so we finalized plans the night before that it was going to be inside. It looked beautiful. It was a semi formal event, so the guys had to wear ties but hey they got a good meal out of it. The girls got to buy a new dress, and dress up and go out without the kids. Who doesn't love that. It turned out great. one of my best birthdays ever. Here is everyone,(almost)35 on all. we had long table from the door to the window in our dining to the living room. I really wasn't expecting everyone to come but they did. The food was great and I believe everyone enjoyed themselves. I was a great night. This is old skool. Diane, Cindy Williams, Amy Larson and me. All friends in Canyon Country about 20 years back. Amy drove all the way from Utah to come. That's what best friends are for. It wouldn't be right if she weren't there. and who would have brought the music? This was a fun picture of all of us together. except back then I know 2 out of the 4 of us were blonde.
Here is my birthday cake. I asked Diane to make it because she is the cake decorator. IT was 3 layers and 3 great cakes. White cake with lemon, Carrot cake with cream cheese, and chocolate with chocolate ganauche. I also made "the" chocolate cheese cake. I mean who wouldn't want to go to a birthday party like this. Appetizers, salad, soup and main course with dessert just to be my friend is a pretty good deal. I loved cooking it though.
Menu: Black bean cilantro Hummas with naan (indian bread)
Baked Brie
Filo cups stuffed with tomato, olive, and feta
Salad: mixed greens, crispy pears, and bleu cheese savory cake with Balsamic vinegrette.
Soup: tomato curry bisque with parmesan bread stick
Main: red pepper and Rosemary crusted beef tenderloin
Saffron isreali cous cous with pine nuts and spinach
Lemon garlic asparagus.