Chianti, Religion, and Friends

Traditions are wonderful things. Some of them we inherit, like the type of cranberry sauce that MUST be served at Thanksgiving, and others are created in the course of our lives to commemmorate events that are important to us.

The 1998 Chianti that is pictured in a slightly fuzzy fashion (used my Blackberry's camera instead of my Canon) is just such a tradition. On August 9, 1998, my friend David walked away from the incredibly strict and cultlike religion in which he had been raised. That year he bought many bottles of wine and every year since, on the anniversary of his liberation, he has opened a bottle with friends to share with them his celebration of freedom. Those of us who also were once part of that religion share the joy with him, as well as a really great bottle of wine. This year was no exception. In addition to David's anniversary, my friend Sheila -- also a refugee from Jehovah's Witnesses and a friend of mine from childhood -- was visiting Dallas to promote her latest mystery novel, "Last Writes," which has its setting in a religious cult with some very familiar overtones.

Of course I had to have a party! It wasn't as large as some I've had in the past, most notably a few crawfish boils that are still talked about in the neighborhood and on the Internet (mine was NOT one of the bare butts on the front lawn -- just sayin'), but it was fun, a warm gathering of friends both new and old.

In addition to David's bottle of wine, Margaret made several shakers of pomegranite martinis (mixer from World Market, add vodka, Triple Sec, lime juice, ice and shake until your fingers are numb), and I made balsamic chicken breasts, pasta primavera with cherry tomatoes and asparagus and chopped garlic and basil, salad, and fresh rolls. My friends Willie and Kirby brought a selection of pickled veggies from Central Market, and the cherry tomatoes and basil came from Margaret's garden (since my basil plant mysteriously disappeared -- I blame the rabbits).

For dessert we had an oldie but a goodie: Harvey Wallbanger Cake. I know I'm dating myself by even knowing what a Harvey Wallbanger is (vodka, Galliano and orange juice), but the combination makes for a wonderfully fragrant and moist cake. What you need is a box of yellow cake mix, a box of instant vanilla pudding, 4 eggs (forget the diet and just deal with it), 1/3 cup vodka, 1/2 cup Galliano liqueur, 1/2cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup oil (I use canola, but that's just me). Beat the hell out of it for a few minutes and then pour into a greased and floured Bundt pan and back at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let it sit in the pan for 5 or 10 minutes and then turn it onto a wire mesh thing to cool off. Frost with 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted so you don't get lumps) mixed with 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon Galliano, and 1 teaspoon vodka. It's really delicious and stays moist for a few days (if it lasts that long).

Sharing time and good food with friends is the best tradition of all.