Cherries, cherries everywhere!

Had a delightful dinner with friends this evening.  Our mutual friend Al had invited five of us over and told me in advance that the meal would be built around a cherry theme, and it was.  I've always known he was a really good cook but he outdid himself this evening.  We started with cherry dumpling soup (sounds weird - tastes amazing, a lot like starting with dessert) then on to a tossed salad featuring dried cherries, nuts and other fruits and a cherry vinagrette dressing, and served with small cherry filled cinnamon rolls.  By this time we were all feeling pretty full, although the wine was still going down very smoothly. For the main course we had roast pork temderloin with a cherry glaze, buttered new potatoes and green beans with bacon.  I guess he decided enough was enough without adding cherries to the potatoes and beans.  Dessert was cherry almond cake topped with powdered sugar and served with coffee.  All in all, an absolutely delightful dinner, and he refused any help with the cleanup.  I feel like I just dined in an elegant restaurant.  So sweet.