Party Pictures, a Recipe, and a Winner

The party was great--great friends, good food and perfect weather--we couldn't have asked for a better day!  Our pulled pork even received the seal of approval from our Texas friends--a definite accomplishment!  The biggest hit of the day was definitely the dessert buffet--and with the exception of some cupcakes, there wasn't much leftover.

The Menu

Dessert Buffet

Cupcake Tower

Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Gingersnaps, Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Pralines, Pecan Tarts

Close up of turtle

Lemon Bars

Beverage Station-Sangria, Lemonade, Iced Tea, Homemade Rootbeer, Water and Beer

Outdoor Buffet Server!

Thanks to a LOT of hard work by my brother, sons, dear husband and a friend--our yard was looking much more presentable than it was two weeks ago.  They raked, hacked, bagged and  hauled leaves, branches, and brush to the dump for over a week (our yard had not been raked in at least a few years when we moved in last summer!).  We also got the pool cleaned and running--although it is still way to cold to swim in--and even some new carpet on the pool deck.  It just made the yard so much nicer to look at and we even found room for a hammock (an early father's day present for my dear husband!).

Deck View

The Pool

Gazebo w/ seating

A little people picnic table, comfy chairs and drink holders

A Hammock in the shade!

One of my favorite treats on the dessert buffet was the pecan tarts--they are easy to make and taste so good.  There is just enough gooey sweetness to the filling without being overwhelming.

Pecan Tarts

 Pecan Tarts

crust:

 3 ounces cream cheese

1/2 C. butter

1 C. flour

Filling:

1 egg, beaten

3/4 C. packed brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 C. chopped pecans

1/4 C. chocolate chips (optional)

Cream butter and cream cheese, add flour.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Divide dough into 24 balls and press into mini muffin tins.  

Combine egg, brown sugar, vanilla, pecans and chocolate chips (if desired).  Fill cups 3/4 full (trust me, don't overfill!).

Bake at 325 degree for 25-30 minutes or until light brown.

Cool for 5 minutes and remove from pan.

The winner of the hope chest cookbook is: Bonnie.  Congratulations!  I will be contacting you shortly to find out what color cover you want.  Also, because we only had 3 people enter, I decided to send a digital copy to the other two people who took the time to comment.  Thank you all so much!

***Hey ladies, if you won, please send me an email at hearthandshome@yahoo.com so I can get your info, blogger isn't letting me email you.