Honoring Kathleen Flinn

I have to admit that I feel very lucky right now. The Universe gave me the opportunity to honor someone I have a lot of respect for and greatly admire: Kathleen Flinn. Kathleen is a New York Times bestselling writer. Her books, The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry and The Kitchen Counter Cooking School have both been tremendously successful. When Kathleen told me she was going to be in DC to celebrate the release of the paperback for The Kitchen Counter Cooking school, I knew it was my chance to honor my good friend and guide. So, of course, we threw a party!

** Read my interview with Kathleen Flinn about her new book ****

We combined the flavors of India (thanks to an amazing spread by Chef K.N. Vinod of Indique Heights) and gorgeous French pastries (from super fantastic Pastry Xpo in Merryfield), and beautiful desserts and dishes from my lovely friends.. and voila.. a party:

Chef K.N. Vinod outdid himself – We had lentil wafers (papad) stuffed with crab, salmon sliders, and some delicious steamed and spiced rice cakes (idlies)

Here are the amazing sliders:

The steamed rice cakes

And not to forget the Bhel puri ( puffed rice tossed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, tamarind and cilantro chutney)

thanks again to Chef Vinod for an amazing spread. He is hosting a trip to India in January! If you are interested in eating all this amazing food and learning about his trip – check this out!

And these delightful French cakes from Pastry Xpo really delighted the crowd! Thanks so much Samar for making these for us!!

My dear friend Marcia made these Brazilian fudge balls.. and I think I ate half of them!!

Of course, we were drinking! Here is the moonshine apple cider punch I made

And the guest of honor – Kathleen Flinn with Food Network star Mary Beth Albright and  next pic: my friends Donna and Eman.

Friends celebrating friends!

And, yes, more food:

** Read my interview with Kathleen Flinn about her new book ****