I consider myself truly blessed to have a great group of girlfriends…whom I’ve known for over 20 years, might I add!  Firstly, I think we’ve all remained friends for such a long time because we have been through so much together, and secondly, because we all recognize the importance of making time for each other, however busy our lives and schedules may be!

Years ago, while I was living abroad, the girls realized that times were changing (and schedules were filling up by the minute) so they had the bright idea to start monthly dinner parties.  They came up with the name “DD’s,” which must remain a secret for legal purposes!  (Hey, I was lucky enough to have been given permission to “join” the group after being M.I.A for so many years! I even had to go through a probational period!)

The idea is simple; every month a different person hosts the dinner party and is responsible for all the details of the evening (i.e., the theme, meal, beverages, and let’s not forget the dreaded clean-up!)

Our DD’s monthly dinner parties have been going strong for over 8 years now!  Mind you, it’s quite difficult sometimes to find a day that works for everyone during certain months, but we still manage to do it.  I look so forward to our girl’s nights in-as a chance to vent, be child-free, catch up, relax, have a few good laughs and enjoy each other’s company!

On that note…this past Sunday was DD’s at MY house!  I’m proud of my “accomplishments” (i.e., my recipe experiments) considering I’m due in 6 weeks AND had a sick son, with a fever, attached to me at the hip all day!

Leave it to me to experiment with new recipes the day of my dinner party! (Isn’t that  a cardinal rule?!) Anyway, I figured the best way to try out a new recipe is on friends, more importantly, friends who will give truthful feedback!

Getting the table ready…(Sardinian tablecloth courtesy of my mom who bought it for me this summer!)

Apps: Bruschetta with Garlic, Oregano and Grated Pecorino Romano

Arugula and Spinach Salad with Grapes, Walnuts and Goat Cheese..tossed with a tangy honey and balsamic vinaigrette

Entree: Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage, Prosciutto and Pecorino Romano

Kudos to my girls who participated in the Detroit Free Press Marathon! (Good thing for me they worked up an appetite!)

The girls (minus me and one more whose eyes were closed for this pic!) getting ready to chow down…

Dessert: Coconut Orange Pumpkin-Spiced Tiramisu

Did I mention the host also has to so serve their guests?!!

Nutella Swirl Pumpkin Muffins with Nutella Buttercream Icing

Note: This was my first time making buttercream frosting (which might I add, was delicious) and obviously this was my first time using a piping bag!! Let’s just say I “purposely” piped the buttercream to channel spiderwebs for a Halloween theme!

At the end of the day it’s the flavour that counts, right?!

My poor sick little man!  He was moping around all day and didn’t have much of an appetite (which is VERY strange for this foodie!).

When all else fails, resort to sweets!

Someone got their appetite back! 😉

What better way to enjoy each other’s company than with delicious food and great conversation?!

How often do you catch up with friends?