Though there was a slight cooling of the outdoor temperatures, they were rising in the kitchen of Dina's exquisitely decorated home! I am not just talking about the two hottie chefs (Dina and Melissa), but the divine cuisine they conjured up from the Persian and Indian cultures!
Along with some "Newbies" (welcome!), most of the core group of the "Crosbyotches" were there, along with self-proclaimed "crasher", and honorary Crosbyotch, Michelle! Were always happy to have your beauty and energy in our midst, Michelle! You can "crash" with us anytime!
We were treated to many exotic dishes, that I am most certain were NOT low in calories! Did someone say "heavy cream?!!!" Being "spice-a-phobic", and eyeing the Basmati rice (surrounded by Dina's home grown tomatoes!) as a nice dinner, I was reluctant to even taste some of the beautifully displayed entrees, but the peer pressure was on, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised! The food was "off the hook"!
For an appetizer, Cathi brought over Goat cheese spread, fig preserves, and toasted french bread slices. So yummy!!! Dina also served up a lovely assortment of four dips with flatbread triangles. Melissa followed a recipe for "spinach brownies" that produced one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted in my life. EVER! E.V.E.R., people! Get the recipe (and others) from her blog, http://www.melissalikestoeat.blogspot.com/. (I ate 9, and could have eaten 900!) Make them. Then call me over!
Melissa's Butter Chicken was fabulous (see above blog for recipe!), as was Dina's (insert name of foreign dish from Iran here) and potato stew(?), which had dried lemons in it! A big hit with her sweet husband Sassan and his family...me, not so much. I hear they are an acquired taste! ( The minute I acquire some taste, I will let you know! ) Dina says she adds the "French fries" on top of the stew for effect, but that they are not part of the original recipe. Loved it!
The abundant desserts included my chocolate frosted brownies (no shock there), some delish home-made angel food cake with fresh strawberries from our "angel", Lauren Gill, and some Baklava and an INSANE trifle from Dina! The trifle had layer upon layer of Kahlua soaked brownie crumbles, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crunched up Heath Bar. Proof that God exists! 
Melissa had two helpings (because she can!) However, she soon slipped into a food coma, as evidenced by the photo below!
It is always a wonderful thing when one can experience the joy and laughter of good friends. To also appreciate the diversity of our cultures and cuisines is priceless. OK, now I sound like a Mastercard commercial! In any case, thank you to Dina (and her partner in "thyme"...get it?!) Melissa, for a wonderful Drunko. I mean, Bunco. Yeah, right!
Love you all...
Love you all...
Fortunately I was able to come out of the coma. :) It was well worth it!
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