Anne Levine's "Ham Toss" this weekend

As promised I am posting some photos from the "Ham Toss" party at the fabulous East Dennis, MA home of radio personality Anne Levine and her dream-come-true significant other Michael Hall. It was held by the pool on Sunday last and was really quite a nice affair.

For a little background, Anne explained (I overheard this as she was chatting with another party guest so I probably have this all wrong) that the Ham Toss began as some by the pool frolicking by family members during a party that ended up with someone throwing a ham that was going to be cooked "et voila!" a tradition was born. You know how these inside family jokes are... Well since then I guess that they have been calling their August party a "Ham Toss". It does make for an intriguing party invitation, n'est ce pas?

The Contessa di Pomodori and I arrived at 1:00pm and were greeted by the hostess out by the pool. We were introduced to lovely guests only one or two of whom we knew but they were all quite charming (except the mother of a very noisy 10 y/o white Papillion named Abercrombie who could not keep her "baby" under control). We strolled around the extensive flower and vegetable gardens on the grounds and enjoyed shade from the fruit trees. We visited for a few moments of chatter with Anne but as she had her hostess duties to perform the conversation was a little spotty. Ah... the duties of a hostess...

We noticed as we arrived that a portable beehive oven had been brought in and a wood fire had been stoked inside. The caterers (La Cucina Amore Fine Catering) apparently bring this device to your home and bake fresh pizzas for you and your guests. As pizza is my #1 favorite food I thought to myself "Bring it on Baby!" We had the classic Margherita; sausage, mushroom and caramelized onion; fig and prosciutto, and plain cheese pizza. They had the "fixins" for many other varieties as well. Also being served were endive leaves with crab and mango, chicken tid-bits with a fresh fruit salsa; watermelon, cucumber and  feta salad with fresh mint; Israeli couscous tossed with a light olive oil and fresh tomato; and an arugula salad with a lemon dressing and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. It was absolutely lovely. 

I must say that of all of the events I went to this weekend (with apologies to my sister-in-law Julie and to Alison and Mike the Dick) this was the most fabulous. It gets three, very energetic, snaps up! I do hope we are invited to the event again next year.

The Hostess with a jar of Auntie Frenchy's "Not Quite Kosher" Dill Pickles by the pool

The Contessa examining the beehive oven

La Cucina Amore at work

Pizzas ready for the oven

Almost done!

Auntie Frenchy's Dillies