Cephalopods for dinner.

The fabulous Brittany Reaves came over tonight to eat squid and watch American Idol and generally be awesome.

It was a grand time.
I decided to make squid on a whim. It was pretty and white and fresh at the grocery store, so I bought it. Silly me making something I've never made before for company.
I live dangerously.

It turned out great! Sauteed calamari (bodies and tentacles) with shallots, garlic, butter, white wine, and fresh thyme served over orzo with a salad of watercress and baby arugula.
And then cupcakes.

I made a quick batch of cupcakes from scratch. Seriously, I look back on my cake mix days and wonder, "What the hell was I thinking? This doesn't take any time at all!"
Dark chocolate spice cupcakes with candied ginger and lavender buttercream.
The cupcakes were spiced with ground ginger, fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, lavender, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup.
They were awesome. As were their cute little striped cupcake liners.