Gilded Age Dinner Party Menu: A Culinary Journey Back in Time

Step back in time to the opulence and extravagance of the Gilded Age with a meticulously curated dinner party menu that pays homage to this iconic era in American history. Let's explore the sumptuous dishes and decadent flavors that graced the tables of the elite during the late 19th century:

1. Appetizers:

   • Oysters Rockefeller: Succulent oysters topped with a rich blend of butter, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection.
   • Lobster Newburg: Tender chunks of lobster cooked in a creamy sauce made with butter, cream, egg yolks, and sherry, served over toast points.
   • Deviled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs filled with a zesty mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, garnished with paprika and fresh herbs.

2. Soups:

   • Consommé Royale: Clear beef broth infused with sherry and garnished with finely diced vegetables and julienne of poached chicken.
   • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Velvety-smooth soup made with fresh mushrooms, cream, and a hint of sherry, finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

3. Main Courses:

   • Beef Wellington: Tender beef fillet coated in a layer of pâté and duxelles (a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and herbs), then encased in puff pastry and baked until golden brown.
   • Roast Duck with Cherry Sauce: Crispy-skinned duck roasted to perfection and served with a sweet and tangy cherry sauce made from fresh cherries, port wine, and orange zest.
   • Poached Salmon with Hollandaise: Fresh salmon fillets gently poached in white wine and aromatics, then drizzled with a velvety hollandaise sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.

4. Side Dishes:

   • Duchess Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes piped into elegant rosettes, then baked until golden and crispy on the outside.
   • Asparagus with Hollandaise: Tender asparagus spears steamed until just tender, then drizzled with homemade hollandaise sauce and served hot.

5. Desserts:

   • Baked Alaska: Layers of sponge cake and ice cream coated in meringue, then baked in the oven until the meringue is lightly browned and the ice cream is just beginning to melt.
   • Chocolate Fondue: Rich, velvety chocolate melted to perfection and served alongside a selection of fresh fruits, marshmallows, and pound cake for dipping.

6. Beverages:

   • Champagne Punch: A refreshing blend of champagne, brandy, citrus juices, and sugar, served over ice with fresh fruit slices for garnish.
   • Mint Julep: A classic cocktail made with bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice, served in a chilled silver cup.

Transport your guests back in time with this exquisite Gilded Age dinner party menu, featuring an array of luxurious dishes and timeless flavors that capture the essence of this bygone era of elegance and extravagance.