In an Awesome Ending Fridays post a few weeks ago, I alluded to the fact that this was coming…

Several weekends past, I was invited by a co-worker to attend a Sunday afternoon BBQ.  Utterly flattered by the invitation, I made more than a commitment to attend.   I promised myself I would arrive with bells on, no matter what!  Attending social gatherings is a bit of a rare occurrence for me.  It’s not that I’m a hermit or anti-social at all – quite the opposite, in fact.  However, I am a very thoughtful and empathic person, and the truth is that being around large numbers of people simply wears me out!  I innately absorb my surrounding energy, and with crowds of others bringing in anything and everything going on inside their lives, I am bombarded by highs and lows, and often times feel like a train wreck following social engagements.  Nonetheless, I’m working on more play dates, trying bigger and better things, and creating more fulfilling relationships in my life.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I went into the venue assuming it to be just like any other backyard BBQ – hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, corn chips, and maybe some pickles.  Oh boy was I wrong…

This was an Exotic Meat Party.  Yes, exotic meat.  And, this type of gathering was nothing new to them.

Wow.

From a smorgasbord filled with wild boar sausage, sun-dried tomato – spinach – and pheasant sausage, to an African berry and apricot game sausage, my palette was astounded.

Following the sausage board, we sampled:

• Marinated Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers
• Asian Sirloin Kabobs
• Rocky Mountain Oyster Meatballs
• Rocky Mountain Oyster Stew
• Delicately Marinated Chicken Breasts
• Bison-Lamb-Feta Sliders

and for dessert…

• Home-made Bacon Bourbon Ice Cream

I’m rather devastated that this party occurred during one of my “power down” moments, away from my trusted iPhone, which means I have no photos to account this amazing experience.  You will simply have to trust me on this one. (and the photos I have discovered and posted from the world wide interweb).

I arrived to the party in an effort to impress and jazz things up with my Basil Peach Salsa.  Obviously there was no need for that.

Of all the things I sampled – leaving with an extremely full and satisfied belly – I believe my three favorite items were:

• Wild Boar Sausage
• Bison-Lamb-Feta Sliders
• Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Pheasant Sausage

The way in which these were seasoned, spiced, and grilled was just out of this world!

Needless to say, ANYTIME this couple extends an invitation for a gathering where food is involved, I will be sure to reserve plenty of time on my calendar.  This was fantastic!

And, I am forever thankful for the acceptance and welcoming of new friends in my life.  Thank you.