Cabbage Patch Rolls

My mother’s birthday was last Friday.  She and Daddy were at the lake for the weekend, so they came for dinner last night.  We toasted the evening with a signature drink of a Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail, followed by Roasted Red Pepper Soup and an entree of Cabbage Rolls with Champagne Risotto.  For dessert, I picked up some Black & White Cookies — my mom’s favorite, from when she was little in New York.

I’ve been playing with the settings on my camera.  What do you think?

The champagne, featured throughout the meal

Blanch the cabbage for about 30 seconds to soften

The meat mixture rolled and forming the first layer in the dish

Add half a chopped red apple and the white sauce

Sprinkle with cinnamon

Add second layer of cabbage rolls, top with remaining sauce, apple and more cinnamon

Meanwhile...

I roasted red peppers for the Roasted Red Pepper Soup (toss peppers with evoo and bake at 350 for about 45 min.)

Doesn't that look delicious? Baked Cabbage Rolls with Champagne Risotto (topped with pancetta)

Don't forget the crusty garlic bread

And for dessert, Black & White Cookies.