The Menu: Commonwealth
This menu is a little bit all over the map, just like the characters. We’re pulling flavors from Los Angeles, Virginia, Chicago, and New England, places the families move through over the years. But the heart of this meal is set in the Hamptons, where Franny, now grown, finds herself in a complicated relationship with the older and well-known author Leo Posen. It’s the perfect inspiration for a coastal, Hamptons-style dinner.
Drink
Start the evening with a nod to the christening party where everything changed. A simple gin and juice cocktail, like the one from Absolut Drinks brings you right back to the orange trees and the moment that set the whole story in motion. Raise a glass to the kiss that started it all.
Appetizer
Franny and Leo had their cooking routine down in the Hamptons, so start your meal with an appetizer twist on their baked potatoes. Small Town Woman’s potato skins recipe combines crispy edges, melted cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s a cozy and satisfying way to kick things off.
Salad
Skip the struggle of slicing through a classic wedge and go with a deconstructed version instead. Slurrp’s recipe has all the good stuff: homemade blue cheese dressing, crunchy iceberg, crumbles of blue cheese, and plenty of bacon. Add as much bacon as your heart desires.
No buttermilk on hand? You can make your own. Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice into 1/2 cup milk of your choice and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It’s that simple. For more details, check out the buttermilk guide at Cookie and Kate.
Main
Upgrade Franny and Leo’s steak for two with Ina Garten’s marinated flank steak from Ina Garten Eats. The marinade blends soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices, creating layers of flavor in every bite. For the best result, let it marinate for at least 12 hours so the flavors fully sink in.
Side
Pair the flank steak with some roasted asparagus from Alexandra Cooks. You can grill it or roast it in the oven, then finish it with a drizzle of aged balsamic and a sprinkle of shaved parmesan. It adds just the right amount of brightness to the plate.
Dessert
Finish the meal with rich, fudgy brownies from Once Upon a Chef. They’re perfectly soft in the center with a crispy top, just the way brownies should be. Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and you’ve got the perfect sweet ending.
As you savor each bite of this Hamptons-inspired menu, let Commonwealth remind you that family is a mix of bitter and sweet, much like the flavors on your plate. From the unexpected kiss that set everything in motion to the final page, it’s a story that lingers long after the meal is done.
