WHEN THE MUSTARD LADY COMES TO TOWN. Here, in Sun Valley, Idaho, the real mustard lady is Lois Allison. For all of you locals who have been buying and enjoying Sun Valley Mustard, Lois was the developer of this fine product. She did it just as Bill Hewlett and David Packard did— in the garage–only it was in her tiny garage on Warm Springs Rd. in Ketchum. The mustard has since gone through several transformations but when I buy a jar, Lois definitely comes to my mind.

Lois still owns that garage and attached dwelling but now resides most of the time in Santa Barbara, CA. However, she did finally make it back up to her beloved Sun Valley and to celebrate her arrival plus an upcoming 90th birthday in Sept., I threw a little ladies get together at my place.

The dishes I prepared were the following: (appetizer) Gorgonzola and Walnut Stuffed Mini-Peppers (main dish) Cheese Soufflé with fresh Hagerman Corn, Onions and Jalapeno Peppers, (thirst quencher) Lavender Lemonade and (for desert) the “ b-d” cake was a Chocolate Pear Custard Tart with Almond Shortbread Crust along with a bowl of Poached Pears and homemade no-churn chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Brought by guests were additional appetizers of smoked ID trout on rice crackers along with cheddar cheese, various breads to go with the soufflé, 2 wonderful salads, wine, champagne and Prosecco.

Donna Beaux arrange a fabulous slide picture show on her computer featuring of course, the guest of honor, Lois.

The weather was perfect so need I say we all had glorious time and did not leave hungry??!!!!!  It was fun for all!!!!

Menu for Terry Owens for the week of 4/15/13

From Margot’s Table to Yours

Salad

Organic Sweet Baby Lettuces with Homemade Classic Dijon

Main Course

Rolled Flank Steak Stuffed with Portobello Mushroom and Spinach

Ricks Slow Cooked Pork Chops

Side Course

Mélange of Oven Baked Vegetables and New Potatoes with Basil

Bon Appétit

Catered by Margot Van Horn

“From My Table to Yours”

Offering Special B&B Styled Menus

From Prue Hemmings, NexStage Theatre for Awards Event on 2/24/13 via email:

Dear Margot:

The party was a smashing success and your contribution was greatly appreciated.

You kept your sense of humor throughout, despite all our stressing and changes.

I will definitely write a letter of recommendation from nexStage the moment I can catch my breath. 

Many thanks,

Prue H

“And a bigger thanks for last night—we’re still talking about how great the food was this morning. Our kids LOVED the soup….” Neil Zussman  2/2013

From Pat Wilson in regards to my catering a future dinner and the one I did for her:

“..  Good luck on another successful dinner.  Ours was certainly wonderful” Pat Wilson 2/2013 

From one of the guests present at Pat’s dinner:

“Darling Pat,

Such a lovely evening with eight compatible people.  Dinner was marvelous, you and Margo created a splendid meal”

Shari and Randy

(in regards to the picture I emailed to Pat for the my planned plating design)

“Beautiful!!!  What a masterpiece you have created, Margot…cannot wait.” Pat Wilson

Sue Engelmann for Sotheby via email  1/2013

“Hi Margot, Thanks again for doing such a great job on Tuesday!”

Ruth and Gunnar Lie—Phone Message  12/2012

“Everything was just wonderful.  There wasn’t one thing we didn’t love. Our son in law said I would like to cook with her because she used ingredients that are different.  I can’t wait to do it again next year.  I love some of those dips for the shrimp.  I could eat the orange marmalade one with a spoon.”

For our Sun Valley/Ketchum Guests and for parents who want to spend more quality time with their families without worrying about the cooking, I provide my specialty of providing small intimate or family dining experiences whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner or après ski. All you need to do is to pretend that you are staying in a bed and breakfast and that I am your innkeeper.  My experience has been as an innkeeper at my own bed and breakfast inn in Paso Robles, CA for 5 years as well as having been a Realtor and mother before that.( I have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.) My passion has evolved into cooking and as well as providing wonderful experiences for people. My rates vary with what you require, but are generally very reasonable.  Also included if you wish is a booklet with the recipe used for your dining and a picture of your group.

For more information, please visit my blog: http://blog.tempinnkeeper.com.

References below and more given upon request

“Margot’s breakfasts were absolutely gourmet and first class.  Always using fresh ingredients, she made a variety of items that would please a wide variety of tastes.  Breakfast was a very warm and cozy affair, with lively conversation on what everyone’s plans were for the day.”  Jennifer Martin–CA

“During the time that we have known her, Margot has always acted with the utmost honesty and integrity.  Catering seems like a perfect match for her skill set, as well as her natural warmth and graciousness.” John Schreiner and Ingrid Nelson -CA

“Margot is an intelligent, caring person who does the best everything she can to make people happy and feel comfortable.”  Corinne Gamble

“Margot is very committed to her profession as an inn keeper and takes great pride in her work.” Nancy Le Claire–CA

“I found that Margot ran a well ordered business and went beyond my expectations in service to her guests.” Philip Lockyer-CA

“You have an uncanny knack at making people feel delightfully welcomed-not to mention your marvelous breakfasts!you go above and beyond for your guests.”