An Afternoon Bridal Shower: Lemon Berry White Chocolate Trifle

So I before I get on to the really important stuff (like bridal shower fun and delicious desserts) I thought I would preface this post with a little disclaimer: I think I been experiencing a bout of dessert compulsion.  As recently as just a few months ago, I was expending almost all of my culinary energy tossing together fresh salads, eating fish, and simmering healthy soups.  I would have said that I definitely prefer to cook rather than bake. Then love came to town (aka my boyfriend and his sweet tooth) and kicked my nutritious disciplined eating to the curb.  If you force me to choose, I would always pick my adorable Norwegian over vegetables, and when push comes to shove he really is a very healthy eater.  But somehow since he left last month, I haven't been able to stop making sweet treats!  I am getting lost in a tangent here; the point is, I have no plans to turn this into a dessert blog so don't be confused by the number of sugary posts from last month, or any cakes that I post in the next few weeks.

Now, on to the bridal shower!  

In case you are just tuning in, I went home to Cleveland, Ohio last weekend for a bridal shower and bachelorette party for one of my dearest college friends.  There are seven of us bridesmaids, and we all worked together to plan this elegant extravaganza, and in my humble opinion (although I think the other ladies present would agree) everything turned out to be truly perfect.  

The weather was amazing, with a clear blue cloudless sky and bright sunshine to greet us.  So many friends and family of the bride were able to attend, which made for a really friendly and lively afternoon.  Everywhere you looked, there were beautiful smiling faces of well-dressed women chatting together, either catching up on life with old friends or getting to know new friends.  And of course, we were all doting on the star of the day, the lovely bride.          

As I mentioned in my last post, the mother of one of the other bridesmaids was generous enough to host the shower at her home, and it turned out to be an ideal venue: plenty of room both outside and inside, and absolutely charming to boot.  They did an amazing job of decorating everything with intricately embroidered tablecloths, patterned paisley napkins, brightly colored flowers, and cherished family china.  We started the afternoon outside where Judy and her mother had set up tables so everyone could enjoy lunch, and we followed up with gifts, games, and dessert inside.

Citrus Layer Pie

Are you ready for another grapefruit recipe?  I hope so, because this citrus layer pie is sweet, silky goodness.  

Over Easter weekend, I had planned to host a small brunch party with some close friends, but I was worried about the time it would take to make the apartment "party-ready."  So when a good friend and co-worker invited us over, I eagerly accepted.  He was particularly keen on celebrating the holiday since it was his son's first Easter experience.

Little Viktor Diego Tautz is just under 8 months old this month, and although he can't yet run through the yard on his own, he likes to cruise around in his baby Jeep Liberty that is almost as cool as the new Jeep his dad drives. For Easter he was excited to spend time with his good friend Peter Cottontail and to hunt through the yard for hidden, colorful eggs.  He needed a little help to find his gifts from the Easter Bunny, but that was mostly because he was more interested in the grass than in finding presents. (Already a true outdoorsman!)  Diego still has a few years to go until he can enjoy the champagne, cakes, and yummy citrus pie with the rest of the adults; however, in short time he will join the ranks of children all over the world who celebrate this sugar-laden holiday by eagerly scarfing down Cadbury eggs and chocolate bunnies.