Following a week of drenching New England rains, this
past Saturday arrived with cloudy skies that miraculously changed to sun-filled
ones by the afternoon. The good weather was just in time for a celebration my
husband and I were hosting to honor six of his students who were graduating
from Amherst College.
Each of these young people—four girls and two
boys—was receiving their degree with honors so we had plenty of champagne chilled
for toasting and a table laden with platters of appetizers for nibbling. I
chose some of my all-time favorites for this fete, all of which could be
conveniently prepared in advance. Our menu included:
Mushroom Pâté with Garlic Toasts
Melon
Slices Marinated in Pernod and Mint
Savory
Mexican Cheesecake with Tomato Salsa and Chips
Smoked
Salmon with Lemon Crème Fraîche
Asparagus
Topped with Chorizo, Hard Boiled Eggs, and Scallions
Creamy Orzo
Flans