USA! USA! USA!

My brother the Yogi/Ski Master is in town visiting for a while and since I did not go to Vermont for the July 4th as I usually do, we had an impromptu Independence Day gathering here at Alder Street. As usual, the menu to a turn for France (or, a "Tour de France"): Ratatouille, Potato-Green Bean Salad w/Dijon Vinaigrette, Baguette, grilled Mushrooms and Harissa spiced Shrimp, Olive Tapenade, Spiced Hazelnuts. Christo-pee brought Salad Caprese and Beef Tenderloin for the grill. 'A' brought her signature- and only- dish, Sesame Noodles. Melissa brought delicious mini-profiteroles. Appropriately, Blandit brought Maple Bars and Chocolate-Frosted Doughnuts- the only bonafide American offerings to be seen. Kevin brought a delicious Syrah, 'L' brought lots of beer.

In addition to all of us gluttonous, alcohol guzzling adults there was a hyperactive Jack Russel Terrier and an equally mischievous 14 month old, so we were all "on our toes."