hoppy easter - the menu

here's the final menu with my alterations and a bit of timing info.

• apps
• White Bean Dip - 
• I doubled the beans and parsley, added a touch extra oil and left the garlic as is...also used whole wheat pitas for the chips
• made this the morning of so the dip didn't separate too much, but think it would've held up okay a day in advance
• Aparagus & Gruyere Tart
• i doubled this for the 12 people but probably didn't need to
• shredded the cheese the day before and trimmed the asparagus early easter morning
• Cheese, crackers & olives.  

• non-alcoholic bevvie
• Strawberry, Lemon & Basil soda
• made a big batch of this the night before in the food processor and then served it in a little pitcher to mix yourself with seltzer
• main
• Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb
• didn't change anything here!
• Pea Salad
• turned out to not be my favorite, oh well.  i used frozen peas since i couldn't find a large quantity in any stores.  i omitted the dill - cuz i hate it.
• made the dressing the day before and cut the radishes the morning of
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• made the broth mixture and cut the carrots easter morning
• Artichoke, Leek & Potato Gratin
• based on the notes/reviews, i replaced the half&half with heavy cream (no brainer, more fat = more better ;-) ) and sautéed the leeks with butter instead of just steaming.
• shredded the cheese the night before, put everything together in the morning and popped it in the oven when the lamb went on the grill
• Corn Muffins & Bread
• mini-muffins made easter morning using Indian Head Cornmeal

everything above is just filler...now on to the REAL meal...

• DESSERTS!!  it took a lot of will power to narrow down to just 4...if it were a three day weekend i would've made more...and handed out stretch pants to all guests.
• Chocolate Pot de Creme

• my mom makes these often and they are phenom.  it doesn't really count as a dessert, it's more like a side...you have to have a taste with whatever other dessert you choose.  i can't imagine eating a 5oz portion, 5 bites can do me in.  i doubled the recipe (used ghirardelli chocolate) and served them in votives that i found at bed bath and beyond for $0.99.
• made them friday night.  whenever you make them...because you should, for whatever reason so put it on your calendar...be sure to make one extra because it's pure torture pouring out the perfect portions for your party and not eating one the minute they're ready.
• Coconut Key Lime Pie

• had to use bottled key lime juice but it was delicious!
• made the crust friday night, the pie & toasted coconut on saturday, topped with whipped cream sunday
• Raspberry Rhubarb Crostata

• this crust was tasty but a little tough to work with...worth it though!!
• made the crust friday night and the crostata first thing sunday morning
• Ricotta Pie with Pasta Frolla

• this was a recipe from a family friend that i received at my RI bridal shower.  i used vanilla extract in the pie and orange zest in the crust (instead of lemon - omitted the vanilla in the crust).  
• leave a comment if you want the pie recipe!

in my book, whipped cream really should be it's own dessert.  i could've eaten this entire bowl.

of course i only took pictures of the desserts...and of course i had to try all of them...and therefore of course i felt like i was going to vom all day on monday.

and i was way too excited to take a good picture.  oops!