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“Autumn Picnic” Dinner Party

deer lake sign

Do you remember my posts about Deer Lake in Canada? They were from July 2013. Deer Lake is a gorgeous property owned by our friends, Paul and Kim Howard. Barb and Terry Fenzl, Dave and I, and the Howards had a wonderful week at the lake that summer. Afterward, we talked about having a reunion dinner in our backyard. We were supposed to do that in the fall of 2013, but it didn’t happen.

entry

When Barb, Kim, and I were at Rancho la Puerta in September, we were talking and realized we still needed to have our reunion dinner. On Saturday night, we finally did!

sign

I decided on a Fall Picnic theme and then I asked Kim to bring the appetizer and Barb to bring the dessert.

picnic chalkboard

All of the recipes will be posted in the coming week, with decorating ideas to boot.  Today, we’ll start with the salad.

apple and celery root salad with horseradish dressing

Crunchy Celery Root and Apple Salad

  • 1/2 cup prepared mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons peeled and freshly grated horseradish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 pound (about 2 bulbs) celery root, peeled and cut into bite-size matchsticks
  • 2 large apples, cored and cut into bite-size matchsticks
  • Tarragon sprigs for garnish

dressing

Combine the mayonnaise, tarragon, lemon zest, salt, and horseradish in a medium bowl.

celery root apples

In a large bowl, toss the lemon juice, celery root, and apples together, and then stir in the mayonnaise mixture. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes and up to 12 hours before serving.

apple celery root salad

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs.

celery root apple salad

Makes about 5 to 6 cups


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2 comments

1 Marissa { 11.17.14 at 9:54 AM }

Sounds like a great dinner party!

2 barbara fenzl { 11.17.14 at 3:42 PM }

What fun it was! The weather was perfect with just the right amount of chill in the air, the food was delicious, and, of course, the company was charming. We’re so glad we got to see your incredible backyard (more like a living room!).

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