a wonderful weekend and some love for the gracemeister

Where to begin? How about with this burger:


It was one of the many terrific aspects of my holiday weekend.

Other noteworthy eats include Mambino's ambrosia salad...


...grilled hot dogs...


...baked ham and pasta salad...


...wedding cake (from a truly fantastic affair--congrats, Sarah & Aaron!)...


...and of course, the desserts about which I've been fretting for a few months now:


This picture is all you'll be seeing of the end results. I planned the ingredients superbly, but the timing and logistics were another issue altogether. By the time I made it to the reception, it was a race to get the desserts to the table before everyone was already through the line. I was quite frazzled, and believe it or not, take pictures for blog wasn't at the forefront of my mind. You'll just have to take my word for their beauty and decadence. :)

Yes, I'm happy and very relieved to report that although there aren't any more pictures, the desserts (sugar-free banana pudding, peanut butter brownie bites, mint oreo truffles, and miniature turtle cheesecakes) were a hit.

Note to self: For future catering events, hire help.
(That's not to say I didn't have any help. I would've lost my sanity without the Mamboni, my sister-in-law, my grandmothers, and my future cousin-in-law.)

Other happy news--I've received three award-type recognitions. Val of More Than Burnt Toast has given me a bear hug. No, not just any bear hug--a giant bear hug:


I'm sure most of you are familiar with Val's blog, but if you're not, you're sorely missing out on some delicious recipes and extremely artistic photography. Go visit!

Nancy of A Recipe A Day has given me the Arte Y Pico award. She and I have sort of swapped places--I live in her hometown, while she now lives in my home state. She has some amazing entries on her blog, so if you like good food, go check it out!

Finally, Leslie of The Hungry Housewife has passed on her first award to me:


Leslie is quickly becoming a super-blogger, keeping her site chock-full of good eats and entertaining entries. Don't take my word for it--go look for yourself.

Thank you, ladies!