Symphonic moments are inspired by the cooler weather. Background music adds to the ambience of culinary presentations. Whether the listener’s taste is classical or contemporary, the style will set the mood. Another consideration is the volume. Do you prefer that your guests raise their voices to communicate with each other or do you prefer that background music plays? My suggestion is to mix up the volume and the style. Upon arrival, offer interesting contemporary music or hire a quartet for the reception. During dinner, soften the tone with background music. Consider jazz. Then, transition to dance music. Even if the event is a small dinner party, I recommend that the guests move into another room after dinner for after-dinner drinks. In conjunction with the transition, change the music. For dinner party entertainment, one of the guests may be talented and may wish to play the piano. For larger events, continue with the dance music in the main dining room but offer a seconded dance style with a D.J. performance.

Wine and cheese event themes can encourage music such as Bach, Beethoven & Bordeaux or Melodic Moments & Merlot. Thoughtful planning makes a harmonious event. I previously served on the board of a local symphony. This was my most requested cake for the after-the-performance parties. I baked several of these cakes and served the slices on a decorated cake board that held a displayed violin. It is a moist and versatile cake. Kelly McBride Loft

Apple Rum Cake

Stir together:
2 cups sugar
1 stick of butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ teaspoon butter flavor

Add:
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups of flour
1 tablespoon water
4 diced Red Delicious apples
1 cup chopped pecan

Bake at 350° for 1 hour

Glaze Icing:
In a pot on the stove, cook:
1 cup water
1 stick of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon butter flavoring
4 tablespoons rum flavoring