So this month, I was chosen to participate in FoodBuzz’s 24×24. They choose 24 bloggers to host interesting and fun dinner parties for their friends and family, and document it. My theme? Cheese.
I was stressing out for weeks before this party happened. Why? Well, when it comes to anything food related, first of all, I’m obsessed. I read who-knows-how-many articles about different types of cheese, and complimentary flavors to pair along side of them. I felt like I couldn’t absorb enough. THERE ARE SO MANY TOPICS ABOUT CHEESE. Overwhelming? Yes. Second, all of my friends are foodies, professional chefs, bakers, picky eaters, and more foodies. Intimidating? Yes. Third… well, there is no third.
I’m hungry.
Let’s go through the menu, shall we?
The recipe for that awesome cheesecake was written by the fabulous Anne Burrell. You can find it here.
I was so thankful that almost everyone was able to make it, and everything was a hit! To complete the theme even more, we played Richard Cheese all night. Have you ever heard his stuff? You should.
And I even got some of the picky eaters to try new things, and they actually liked it! Woo hoo!
So what have I learned about throwing dinner parties?:
-1, Don’t freak out. It’s food. People like food.
-2, Get organized sucka! Take things day-by-day. Write out menu ideas, shopping lists, and make a game plan. You can actually get a lot of prep work done a couple days before!
-3, Ask your friends for help. Support from loved ones will help you stay sane, calm, and collected. Plus, they give you high-fives, and who doesn’t LOVE high-fives?
And what have I learned about cheese?:
It’s all delicious! In the beginning, I didn’t know how I was going to throw this party together. Honestly, I’m not a fan of bleu, or goat cheeses, but when paired right with different textures and flavors, they become a whole new being than when they’re just on their own. So… give cheese a chance 
admin says: Thank you Catherine! I cant wait for our next dinner party! 
Jeff says: What a great night of cheese, wine and foodies! Thanks again for a great evening.
admin says: Thanks for coming Jeff, it was great meeting you!
I love cheese! This is my kinda dinner party. I have never seen the dates that are coated in cinn/sugar before. Those sound delish! Awesome 24×24
admin says: Thanks! Yeah the cinnamon/sugar coated dates were a very last minute idea, and they came out great! Crunchy, chewy, and sweet all at the same time. I’m thinking next time I’ll mix in some cayenne pepper to give it a little heat
Wow…that party looked great! I can’t live without cheese!!!
Everything looked spectacular! Wish I could’ve been there!
What a wonderful event! I’m still dreaming of your gorgeous goat cheese cheesecake… Absolutely out of this world!