Party Theme/Idea: Dinner in the French Quarter. Gather fresh produce and decorate with brightly colored peppers, squash, and flowers from the market.

Favorite Recipe: Gazpacho from Brennan’s

Ingredients:
2 cups cold beef stock
2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
1 bunch scallion, finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon Tabasco
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Preparation:
Pour beef stock into a large bowl, then add cucumbers, scallions, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, tomato juice, red wine vinegar and Tabasco. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, then add the Worcestershire and parley. Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls. Serves 6.

Favorite Flower: Coffee Beans

How-to Idea: Flower in a pepper or gourd

– Make sure the gourd or pepper can stand up – if not slice a small bit off the bottom to level.  If you slice off the bottom, place a plate underneath.
– Cut off the top of the gourd or pepper. Clean out the center and add a small, clean jar filled with water or a small, soaked square of oasis. 
– Add desired flowers.