You’re invited to another round of Texas Dinner Party. Your host is Texas Monthly staffer Melissa Reese (read: not a professional cook). She loves a good old-fashioned dinner party just as much as anyone, and has scoured the TM recipe archive to put her hosting skills to the test, making the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to. She put together a springtime Southern Gulf–inspired menu, where dark aged rum starts and ends the meal. This dessert has several steps, but can mostly be prepared hours or a full day in advance—perfect for entertaining. Want to try for yourself at home? Head to the full recipe.