The Menu: Butternut Squash Lasagna & Arugula Salad

About a month ago, Kelsey made this amazing birthday dinner for her husband, Ryan. Unfortunately, I don't have the recipes for most of the things listed here - you'll have to ask Kelsey for those. Rather than the individual recipes, I was hoping to share the flavor of the overall meal - and provide you with some ideas for your next dinner party.

__________________the menu________________ 

Baked Brie

Grapes

Crackers

Pumpkin Ale

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Arugula Salad  

with apples, walnuts, goat cheese, and lemon vinaigrette

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Coffee

The lasagna had sort of a muted but sweet flavor that worked well with the bright and tart, yet nutty, salad. The salad was so good that I ended up making a variation of it everyday for lunch that week! To make the vinaigrette - whisk together some freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper - use a ratio that is to your liking.

 

And the cake was amazing! It is no surprise that this amazing recipe was found on Smitten Kitchen - there always seems to be something worth trying there. I wish I had another piece of this cake right now - chocolate and peanut butter goodness! 

Have you ever seen a candle do that? Maybe it was used one too many times...

Whether you have a birthday to celebrate or just need an idea for dinner - this menu is the perfect thing to sit down to on an Autumn evening! 

Thank you, Kelsey, for such a wonderful meal!