Fun and Elegant Tablescape and Fantasy Dinner - First Course Lady Pea and Corn Salad

Well here's a fantasy table for you set by Michael Tavano, one of the hippest desginers today. Now if you could invite 17 guests to join you at this table for dinner, who would they be?

From the past, mine might include: Leonardo DeVinci, Charlemange, Henry Ford, Dolly Madison, Thomas Jefferson, CoCo Channel, Albert Einstein, Perle Mesta, Thomas Alva Edison, Rembrandt, Claude Monet, Christopher Columbus, Edgar Cayce, Ernest Hemmingway, Napolean, Florence Harding, Cleopatra and Winston Churchill.

Among those who I have dined with and find endlessly fascinating - Carl S. Anthony, LeRoy Neiman, Jim Neal, Dr. Tom DeGraba, Dr. Mike Petracek and Connie, John Grisham, Mohammed Ali, Dixie Carter, Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Coach Phil Jackson, Pamela Harriman, Bill Clinton, William R. Eubanks, Vernon Jordan, Bill Carter, His Excellency Elecdad (Turkish Ambassador to US), Buzz Aldrin, Isaac Hayes and Merlin.

Lady Pea and Sweet Corn Salad
These small, sweet, tender white peas grow well in the heat and humidity of the south.
4 cups lady peas
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups fresh sweet corn (about 2 ears shaved off the ear)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced thin
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
1/2 cup thick smoked bacon, diced and cooked
1/2 cup salad dressing
1/4 cup sour cream
Sauté the onions in olive oil and butter until translucent, add the peas and chicken broth cook until tender about 30-40 minute on medium high heat.
Just before removing the peas, add sweet corn and cook for another 5 minutes. Strain the juice and chill peas in the refrigerator until chilled throughout.
Add remaining ingredients season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate over night. This dish is actually better if made the day before.

I just got home from the major twirl in Nashville last night to benefit PROTECT and it was over the top. More on that later. But here's a peep . . . Trace Adkins wrapped those big arms around more women, causing them to swoon. Martina McBride was gracious, personable, and beautiful all dolled up in the cutest summer dress and heels. Here's a secret from the Coach's daughter Tara who is a sophmore at Auburn, Jeff Fisher of the NFL Tennessee Titans loves to cook - and now will be part of my book, as will Martina. David Keith truly championed PROTECT which he passionatley supports. You can join all of us in Country Music Child Rescue by joining PROTECT for a small annual donation. The dollars you spend may save a child's life and dignity.

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