September 14, 2009

Monday evening we enjoyed a great combination of Latin American flavors. When I (Amanda) chef, I love to bring a little International flair to Family Night. I will fully admit that after my Spanish tapas menu (which included recipe items brought back from my trip to Spain) I felt like perhaps I had raised expectations a little too high. I was very pleased, however, with the outcome of our efforts. And even with a smaller crew (George and Rick were sailing, Natalie's back at school, and Becky was spending time with her nephew), we had a lovely night dining outside enjoying the fruits of our labor.

So, the menu:

Grilled Pork Chops with Anise-Seed Rub and Mango Mojo- Sherry and John grilled these to perfection with amazing flavors from the rub and the mojo

Haitian Coleslaw- Sarah won the battle with the Cuisinart to make a HUGE amount of great-tasting coleslaw...even John ate some

Mango Pomegranate Guacamole- Guy worked some avocado magic on this side item, served as a side with tortilla chips

Aaron Sanchez's Mexican Brownies- I was amazed at how easy these brownies were to make, served with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and Mayan chocolate shavings on top. You feel the spice of the cayenne, and we all think these would be perfect on a cold Minnesota winter night to warm you up inside.

AUGUST 31, 2009
CHEF - Becky
MENU
Sticky Spicy Ribs - John master on the grill and also the protector of anything related to pork....
Corn Crab Chowder - Sherry & Amanda using FRESH Alaskan crab flown in, sweet like candy...
Spinach Salad with Pistachios -Becky love the sweet cherries and pistachios and yes some greens...
Purple Velvet Torte - George & Rick working with beets, chocolate and all things natural...

The weather is cool, the kitchen is hot and we are trying new tastes.

CHEFS

Yes this is our group of chefs. We each have unique tastes in the area of food - but we all have a great love of gathering together and sharing the process of creating.

food...

wine...

fun...

A great recipe for adventure!

Beginnings

For more than 8 years we have been meeting together on Monday nights, to cook, laugh and share life. We are a family by choice, related by both blood and circumstances. We open our hearts and homes to one another as we create a meal that invites us to share life together.
Each week a designated chef designs a menu and directs the activities in the kitchen that create the meal.
Over the years we have discussed ways to compile the recipes and keep track of both the glories and the defeats of various menus. So we begin and will journal our way through Monday nights.