Chocolate Fondue And Other Awesome Things That Happen When the Women of Serenbe Come Together for a Great Cause
Written by Marie, Posted in Miscellaneous
Years ago, when Serenbe was much smaller, I had a conversation about black-tie events with a resident and a young woman who rented a place here. The woman said she’d never been to one and the idea of a community-wide black-tie progressive dinner was born.
We did those until five years ago, when Serenbe Playhouse started hosting an annual gala fundraiser. One of the big auction items every year was an in-home catered dinner for 30 with entertainment from the Playhouse actors. Then one day it dawned on me that all the businesses at Serenbe except one is run by a woman and a Women of Serenbe package would be a highly sought after experience that would bring in lots of money for our beloved Playhouse. And has it ever.
The first Women of Serenbe experience was a low-key event with a native American theme. Serenbe resident and notable stylist Jill Sharp did the décor, The Hil chef Hilary White and I did the food—no forks, hands only—and Garnie did the drinks. We had a drummer and the whole bit.
Last year, we took the Bacchanalian feast theme and ran with it. We added set designer and Serenbe resident Kristin Genet to the mix plus Serenbe Farms farm manager Ashley Rodgers and Serenbe resident and Many Fold Farms proprietor Rebecca Williams, who provided the venue.
To say it was over the top doesn’t do it justice. Kristin helped each of us create our own headdress—mine was more than two feet tall—and she handmade amazing invitations that she hand delivered. She got cow bones from a nearby farmer and used them in the most incredible set design, along with branches, feathers and other found objects.
The package was bought by Tom Reed, the mayor of Chattahoochee Hills, and his wife, Karen. They invited 40 of their friends, all of whom were led in by the light of tiki torches. We had stations where people could adorn themselves with temporary gold and silver tattoos, try on necklaces made out of bones and fit themselves for headdresses made out of hydrangeas.
Guests sampled oysters, cheeses and charcuterie then moved into the barn, where they sat at a long farm table lit with twinkling lights and dined on roasted baby pig—head on, apple in the mouth—and vegetables from Serenbe Farms.
After dinner, we brought them back out for dessert. I like to break up a large party like that so guests aren’t sitting at the table the whole time. I was in charge of dessert and set up a fondue station with 
copious amounts of dried and fresh fruits, cookies, breads and nuts. I made a dark chocolate fondue with almond liqueur, cayenne and cream in a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven. The entire evening, from start to finish, was an exquisitely beautiful feast for the senses.
This Saturday night, Serenbe Playhouse hosts its 6th annual gala, “La Pasión … In the Street That Never Sleeps.” It’s an Argentinian-themed night full of music, dancing and more. And of course the Women of Serenbe package will be back for another great year, this time with the theme of Cowgirls and their Sidekicks. And we’ve even brought a male into the equation: chef/restaurateur and Serenbe resident Kevin Gillespie will be guest cheffing at the chuckwagon dinner.
Visit SerenbePlayhouse.com for more information on La Pasión and upcoming shows.
Chocolate Fondue (with just a hint of fire)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 12-ounce package Ghirardelli semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon brandy
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- Pinch kosher salt
Bring cream and honey to simmer in heavy saucepan. Add chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in brandy, cayenne and salt.
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
Pour into a bowl or a fondue pot. Surround with sliced fruit, cubes of angel food cake and/ or Biscoff cookies.
