Jamilyn's Birthday Dinner...out under the stars.

For Jamilyn's 17th birthday Tony came up with the great idea of having a four-course meal outdoors. It was not any cheaper than going out to eat & it took alot of planning to make sure I had dishes for everything, which made for a fun, eclectic table.

At the end of the night Jamilyn said that it had been her favorite birthday so far so it made it all worth it. I wouldn't have changed a thing.

For our appetizer we had portobello mushrooms stuffed with feta & spinach.  It was the first time I had ever made these & I wondered why?  They are easy to put together & I really should do it more often. Here's the recipe link:
http://www.rd.com/food/spinach-stuffed-portobello-mushrooms-recipe/

Next came mixed green salads with home-made strawberry vinaigrette dressing.  I also crumbled some goat cheese on top with some toasted pecans.  This was probably my favorite course.

The main course was a family favorite, a pasta dish that we affectionately call "Bowls of Heaven."  Here's the Pampered Chef link to that recipe:
http://www.pamperedchef.com/recipe_search/recipe.jsp?id=85206

Then for the final course, a very basic, easy sweet that Jamilyn loves!!  Butterfinger Dessert.  I made these in individual dessert dishes & they were adorable.
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1813,155176-228198,00.html