Brunch in Lake Elsinore

My sister Madeleine and her family moved to Lake Elsinore about two years ago.  I had not had an opportunity to visit them until today, April 14.  Madeleine decided to have a little pre Mother's Day brunch for myself, David, Tracy and Calvin, Madeleine, Alison and Jimmy (her hubby) and Mom.  We all arrived around 11am, and enjoyed several hours together, talking, laughing and eating.  Madeleine has a beautiful home on a cul-de-sac in the hills of Lake Elsinore, with a beautiful view of both the lake and the surrounding mountains.  The highlight was a wonderful lunch prepared by Madeleine and Alsion.

We began the meal with some slightly spicy lamb meatballs, which were absolutely delicious.  I held myself to just one, knowing that lots more food was on the way.  The main lunch was a vegetarian pasta salad, with olives, onions and artichoke hearts and cheese and tomato paninis.  It was a just wonderful.  The sandwiches consisted of mozzarella cheese and heirloom tomatoes on the inside, melted butter on the outside, then grilled to a golden brown.  Yum.  The dessert was to die for.  I plan to make it for my next party, as it can all be made ahead of time.  It was poached pears in port with a reduction sauce, on a bed of marscapone and topped with marscapone.  It was out of this world, and so pretty.  Madeleine also served soft chocolate chip cookies for dessert, and wonderful espresso or latte from her espresso machine.  What a feast.  A great day was had by all, food and conversation and just getting together was long overdue.