Welcome baby brunch

Today we had a little get-together brunch to welcome our little girlie. We invited mostly family and a few friends who haven't met her yet. Our house is cozy (read: small) so I tried to have a buffet-style mix of offerings which accommodated as many palates as possible. I had veggie items, some meat (ham), and a few gluten-free foods. I finally got to break in a 3-part buffet warmer my mother gifted me for Christmas plus I put beans on the stove and a few cold salads (fruit, mixed greens & a pasta). I paired these items with coffee, tea and lemonade. For dessert, I offered mini lemon pies and a pumpkin rum raisin cake I made while pregnant and froze for just such an occasion. Finally, I put out some fresh flowers, a bright tablecloth and all-white serving dishes and plates which added to the Springtime and "new" feel. Thankfully we had a beautiful day to boot so we opened up the curtains and windows to let the sun shine in and fresh air fill the house.

Of course, I couldn't forget the main ingredient & star of the show: out little girl!

Spring!

Getting to prepare food in an industrial kitchen always puts me in a Spring mood (well, it has for the past few years since I've been volunteering with FEASt). Here are some images from FEASt Fest 2012 which happened this past Saturday. Bring on warmer weather, strolls in the neighbourhood, more regular and longer naps from my little gremlin, and lots of cooking!

 

Baby in the kitchen!

 Lots of Georgestown Bakery crusty rolls. They smelled so good and tasted even better!

 There were seven different types of soups and chili so we had a lot of bowls lined up for hungry guests. In the background are the vegan gluten-free shortbread & chocolate mini cupcakes I made for the event.

 Here is some of the crowd gathering as lunch is being served.

 

A bit posed but here I am, nonetheless, in the kitchen.

And here is our little gremlin at the event in her locally grown onsie. So sweet :)

FEASt Fest 2012

The big event is happening tomorrow: Saturday, April 14 2012. Come on down to City Hall to the Foran Room (10 New Gower St., St. John's NL) starting at 11am for some great local and fresh food, a seed swap, kids' activities and lots of information on local food and growing.

I've participated in FEASt Fest for a few years now and know it's well worth having a look-see. I'm making a few gluten-free yummies for tomorrow's event and, though I haven't been hands on with the planning, I know all the FEASt volunteers will do a great job again this year!

I'm going to help out as much as I can but this year I'm also a patron as I look for info on starting a food garden for our family. I can't wait for our little girl to start eating solid food and hope that some of that food can come straight from our own labour in the back yard. 

To find out more visit FEASt's website.