Yesterday I hosted my annual February brunch potluck featuring many fine local foods. This is an extremely simple affair where folks can just hang out and shake off the winter blah's. 35 or so of my neighbors were in attendance and the weather was lovely! Special thanks to my friends Jackie and Patrise for taking all these great photos since I was just a little bit busy that morning :)
Some of the local foods featured included an assortment of Moose Manor's own Roasted Muscovy Duck (this 8.5 lb bird was polished off in about 8.5 seconds!), Hickory Smoked Cornish Chicken, and a simple plate of plain but pleasant hard boiled duck eggs.
Some of the local foods featured included an assortment of Moose Manor's own Roasted Muscovy Duck (this 8.5 lb bird was polished off in about 8.5 seconds!), Hickory Smoked Cornish Chicken, and a simple plate of plain but pleasant hard boiled duck eggs.
I also put out a medley of wonderful goat cheeses from the local Amish goat dairy, Locust Grove Farm in Mechanicsville, MD.
The goat mistress there, Katie Byler, makes wonderful cheeses: Regular, Garlic, Hot Pepper, and Colby were the selections of the day.
My guests also brought a scrumptious array of homecooked victuals. There was just a smorgasbord of casseroles, cookies, cakes, and coffee! Oh My!
That last ambrosial brew was provided by my friend Elaine who is the proprietor-ess of Wooded Bliss hand roasted coffee. "Cup of Bliss" is organic, shade grown, and fair trade... and very, very tasty.
The goat mistress there, Katie Byler, makes wonderful cheeses: Regular, Garlic, Hot Pepper, and Colby were the selections of the day.
My guests also brought a scrumptious array of homecooked victuals. There was just a smorgasbord of casseroles, cookies, cakes, and coffee! Oh My!
That last ambrosial brew was provided by my friend Elaine who is the proprietor-ess of Wooded Bliss hand roasted coffee. "Cup of Bliss" is organic, shade grown, and fair trade... and very, very tasty.
Accompanying the yummy coffee was whole cows milk from my small and local Amish bovine grower at the Swaruy Family Farm in Mechanicsville, MD.
If you're interested in trying out their milk or hand churned butter (and/or Locust Groves) you can place an order with my friend Zoa at La Plata Area Foods. She'll deliver it right to your door along with your choice of a bountiful selection of local fruits and vegetables from our hard working Southern Maryland farmers!
My across-the-street-neighbor brought their double decker Belgian waffle maker and a fluffy batter - Yum! And we had a potpourri of brunchy beverages to choose from (I do love a Mimosa with waffles!).
Many Gathered inside the barn around the warm wood stove fire (and food).
And many others gathered just outside where I set up my "mobile fire" near the beer :)
Local brew: Yuengling, America's Oldest Brewery
The weather was great! It was in the 50's and only a little overcast. The rain held off for a day so we could all have a great time in and out.
All natural free-range guests
In my experience, there are three key elements to any successful large gathering: include good food, invite good conversationalists, and provide the menfolk with a good fire and a sharp poking device.
In conclusion, I had a great time, it appears my guests enjoyed themselves (or at the very least left well fed), and I'm certain that the Moose was in heaven. I can't wait to do it again next February!
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