Hoophouse Gala 2010

The 2nd annual Hoophouse Gala was held last Sunday, September 12th. It was a gorgeous day! My friend - Lynne, her husband - Gary, and I -- along with over 200 attendees were dining al fresco under a harvest sky on the grounds of the MSU Student Organic Farm. The proceeds from this harvest dinner fund scholarships that support the training and education of Michigan's future organic farmers.

Venue: The MSU Student Organic Farm. At the Horticulture Teaching & Research Center. Michigan State University. Beautiful and amazing!

Reception
Towering Pineapple fruit trees

Selection of Michigan cheeses and breads

Appetizer Stations
Shrimp and fresh herb summer rolls
Vegetable spring rolls
Okemos-raised shrimp station

Dinner time...

Music by the MSU Jazz Combo

Appetizer:
Wedge of Black Star Farms Raclette
Michigan apple chips and spiced walnuts

Salad:
Gathered MSU Student Organic Farm Greens
Michigan dried cherries, toasted almonds, farm-fresh raspberries
and honey-raspberry vinaigrette

Fish:
Tuscan-Poached Salmon
with heirloom bean and barley cake,
topped with tomato-basil salata and fried basil

Intermezzo:
Michigan Peach Sorbet

Entree:
MSU Student Organic Farm Pasture-raised Pork
roast center cut pork loin filled with Michigan dried fruit
Michigan apple cider-braised pork shoulder with caramelized onions
Sweet Potato Dauphinoise
Pan-roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Vegetarian Entree (option)

Dessert:
Michigan Blueberry Bread and Butter Pudding
MSU Student Organic Farm Honey Vanilla Ice Cream

*******

Our meal was prepared using local, seasonal and sustainable produce -- by MSU's award-winning Spartan chefs. The event also showcased products of Michigan farms and wineries. Kudo to sponsors, volunteers, donors, student farmers, chefs, and all who made this great event happened. I am actually looking forward to next year's dinner already...