When Doves Cry

Right after we moved into this house, we started a tradition: Appetizer Night!

We had recently moved, and wanted people to come visit us in the new house. Actually, it was the house I grew up in, but for us, as a Married Couple, it was new to us. My Folks had retired and moved to Cape Cod. So, we moved form a small apartment into the family home. We had a newborn and one on the way, and space was rapidly shrinking where we currently were.

In the small bowl, Loucanico (Greek Sausage made with bits of Orange, cooked in olive oil, lemon, and seasoned with my oregano growing under my grow lights),
On the board (Clockwise from red meat): Chorizo, Salami w/ Red Wine and Garlic, Prosciuto, Sliced Fuji Apples, Creamy Feta, Super Sharp Cheddar, Celery, w/ cherry tomato in center!

Our idea behind appetizer nights, were simple: We didn't want to cook after the work week, a cocktail and time with friends was was we looked forward to. Also, we didn't want anyone else to spend all night cooking, either. so, the tradition evolved into an informal, drop in pot luck appetizer night.

Hot from the oven: On left, Spanakopita (Spinach Trangle in Phyllo), Tiropita (Cheese filled Phyllo), and Gyro meat filled Trigona, on right, some Mozzarella Cheese sticks, and bottom right, some Egg Rolls.

The things with our Apps Nights? we had a standing open house. UNLESS we let you know otherwise, it was a a drop in, bring what you wanted, kind of night. We had invites open to a dozen couples and a half dozen singles. People simply showed up, we never truly knew who was coming... or when. Sometimes the night ended early, by 7 or 8. Sometimes, it went longer into the wee hours. It was just that, a relaxed, open night.

My Plate!

When someone was coming by, there was no recrimination if they didn't bring something... sometimes, people were not able to... that's fine, my table is ALWAYS open. Most however, would bring an appetizer, and a drink. Beer for some (that's something I don't drink, so it was never in the house) or cocktail, or, whatever.

As I said, we never knew who or what the night would bring. But the fun part was in not knowing. it was a core group, with a rotating cast of characters from all over the political spectrum, Atheists, to a Pastor. Friends to family, all were invited.

When I do appetizer nights, deep in the icy cold of winter, now, and smack dab in the heart of a global pandemic, it's fun to remember all the people who would visit, and the amazing conversations that happened.