Hosting our daughter Sophie’s Engagement Party was a true delight and honour. The theme was inspired by the upcoming wedding - Sophie’s love of flowers, bright colours and an injection of European-feeling summery blue & white patterns. It was a casual afternoon party… guests were invited to come and go at their leisure, congratulate the couple and mingle with others. I wanted the challenge of creating a light bites menu for the party that fit within my own dietary restrictions, that way there was no need to worry about cross-contamination and truthfully, I find it more enjoyable and inspiring to prep food that I can taste test myself. And the bonus, I had plenty of options for others with their own restrictions or allergies. The spread was entirely gluten-free and primarily dairy-free, with Brazilian cheese bread (naturally gluten-free) and a few good cheeses on a grazing board as the exception. The menu included a warm white bean and cashew spinach & artichoke dip, white bean ranch dip, an almond & maple cake with coconut whip (a Sweet Laurel Bakery recipe), the tastiest nutty chocolate chip cookies (adapted from Maman café & bakery’s famous recipe) and a gluten-free brownie I’ve been making for 25 years (everyone’s favourite, and a new favourite of my soon-to-be son in law’s). It was a sweet and simple afternoon party perfectly fit to honour the bride & groom.