44th Wedding Anniversary Dinner Party

Ashley was responsible for making the table beautiful

To celebrate my parent's 44th wedding anniversary, Brian and I hosted the family for a dinner party.  Our first anniversary dinner party was for their 40th and the menu consisted of dishes from Brian's Brennan's of Houston Cookbook.  You can see pictures of that dinner party here and on Shelly's blog.

This year, Brian selected the menu based on recipes from the Brennan's cookbook and one bought in Big Bend last year, called A Cowboy in the Kitchen.  

Bryan came over early to help Brian get everything cooked.  They work very well together and had each dish prepared on time!  This was a first for them.  

 I will apologize now for the use of paper and styrofoam plates in the pictures of the appetizers. I caught lots of grief for serving such wonderful appetizers on paper.  I just wasn't thinking ahead.  And, we used my cute Parisian Pottery Barn plates for dessert and then didn't get any pictures of them.  Next time I'll use the cute plates for appetizers and save the paper for dessert.

Crab Cakes with Lemon Beurre Blanc

 Cajun Enchiladas with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Salmon and Shrimp Tostada in Salsa Verde

 There was not a consensus on which appetizer was the best.  Brian's crab cakes are always a favorite for me, but I admit I ate two of the tostadas.  They were amazing!  While others thought the enchiladas were their absolute favorite.  We did agree that next time we get together for dinner, he could just make the Tostadas and Enchiladas for the main course.  They were that delicious and filling.

After eating all of those appetizers and drinking some great wine (Thanks again Dad for bringing the CakeBread Cab), we took a "breather" to watch a few slideshows on the tv.  The first were pictures from our family 2010 Big Bend trip.  Then as a group, we all sat down to view the slideshow Leah, Shelly & I put together for my parent's 40th wedding anniversary in 2007.  The kids had a great time seeing all the old pictures of Nana and Papa growing up, getting married, and raising us kids.  Their favorite part was getting to the point when all the grandkids started showing up in the pictures.

After the 40th Anniversary slideshow we watched our family's 2009 Big Bend trip, and then the pictures from our 2007 family cruise.  Birdie & Alex loved that one since they were only 6 & 8 months old in the pictures.

Watching the slide shows

Bryan, Brian & Leah

Shelly with baby Paige

Dad & Mom loved reliving their 40th Anniversary slide show

The kids loved watching the slide shows

I've been asked what we fed the seven kids.  I feel very wrong to admit that in the midst of all this fine food, we fed them corn-dogs.  Most of them tasted appetizers, but we fed them dinner quickly at the kitchen table before the adults ate.  We have learned through experience that we enjoy a leisurely dinner more if we get them fed and back upstairs to play before we sit down.

As we began dinner

Just in case we hadn't eaten enough already, we were served the main course.

Potato-Crusted Fish Lyonnaise, CrispyRibs w/ Jalapeno Jelly & Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Crab Bisque

We were all so stuffed by the time we ate our main course.  I polished off my Bisque, it was AMAZING!  This was the second dinner party Brian has served the Crab Bisque and I wish I could get him to make it once a week.  I love it!  But I did not eat much of anything else on my plate because I was too full. When I ate my Fish and Ribs the next day the fish was so flavorful with the well seasoned potato crust.  And the sweet spice of the jalapeno jelly along with the slow cooking of the ribs made them memorable.  Brian must make it all again, just not all in the same night.

Even though we were beyond stuffed, our dinner did include dessert.  Shelly brought a family favorite, Lemon Cheese Bars and I made a little contribution by making Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes from KraftRecipes.  We didn't get a picture of either, so I borrowed this one from KraftRecipes.

Molten Chocolate Cake

The chocolate cakes were so simple - Oops.  I shouldn't tell you that because they look and taste very impressive.

Happy 44th Anniversary Mom & Dad.

Thank you for always being a loving example to your children and grandchildren.

Kids Cooking Creations

I was busy Saturday working on something and left the kids alone to play.  Ashley came and asked if they could play cooking show and make food.  Thinking it was a great way to keep them busy while I got my stuff done, I said sure.  As long as they didn't use the stove or oven.  They were busy for almost two hours getting their dishes ready for judging.  Guess who was lucky enough to be the judge?  Me!

Since they described their own dishes better than I ever could, I made sure to get it all on video.  

Birdie and her creations

Lots of "Goodness"!

Happy, Happy Girl

Daniel & his Creations

What a spread!

You want a taste, don't you!

Ashley's selection

The popcorn was really tasty

The kids did such a marvelous job that I actually did taste most of it.  There were a few things I just couldn't bring myself to taste.  The kids wanted me to choose a winner, but as their mom, I ruled them all winners!!  The truth is, they all had something I liked and something that made my stomach churn. 

I most of all loved their enthusiasm.  I hope you can tell in their videos above.  They just love cooking and creating!  

Sandwich Night

After a Saturday afternoon of  craziness, I let Ashley and Daniel look at an app on my phone with recipes to decide what they wanted to make for dinner.  There wasn't a consensus (not a big shock), so they each chose to make their own sandwich.   

 

Ashley chose a meatball sub.  

Daniel made a ham and cheese calzone. 

And together we made a chocolate pudding dessert with oreos, strawberries and whip cream.  

I would love to say that everything tasted really great, but ....  Let's just say, it was a good night and we had a blast making it together.  I'm very proud of my developing chefs.

It's an Egg Challenge!

The kids have always LOVED cooking shows, but now they have discovered reality cooking shows - Top Chef & The Next Food Network Star are weekly family must watches. After listening to Father Roderick at SQPN talk about a great Australian cooking show starring home cooks, I was thrilled to find MasterChef now on here on Fox in the states.  

This week's episode had the competitors cook the perfect egg dish to earn a spot in next week's show.  The kids were fascinated watching as each contestant presented their egg dish to the judges for tasting and critique.  They rooted for the ones they liked and were shocked each time someone was asked to leave.  At one point, Daniel was half jumping on the couch with anticipation as the judges rendered their decision.  He shouted, "I LOVE this show!"  Needless to say, we've set the DVR to record every episode for a weekly family viewing party.

After the show ended, it was decided we needed to have our own egg challenge for dinner tonight.  Each person would be given one (or two) eggs to design the dish as they chose, then we would all taste the dishes. The kids and I talked about it a little throughout the day, making a few plans.  

Brian came home from work at his normal time and the challenge began.  Ashley quickly decided she wanted a fried egg sunny side up with vegetables, Brian wanted a poached egg and I wanted an omelet.  Daniel and Birdie chose scrambled but weren't sure what to put in it.  There was some talk of apples, bananas and honey, but in the end they went the savory route.

Brian got Ashley started cutting her vegetables.  (Boy was she proud to use the big knife!)

Daniel and Birdie each got to crack their own eggs and start adding ingredients.  For the most part they stayed in the comfortable realm of an omelet but then out came the raisins.  Next thing we knew, Daniel was rooting around in the pantry for spices to add.  I offered to help him find one to include in his egg and we settled on paprika as the spice of choice.  When I say they got to do what they wanted, let's just remind you of our son's love of salt.  Yep, he added it himself.

While Brian was busy cutting his toast into a heart, making his custom hollandaise type sauce to accompany a poached egg, I finally got started on my own custom omelet.

As each dish was completed, we snapped a picture of the dish and the creator. Brian and I were honestly surprised that the kids dishes came out as well as they did.  Especially considering the raisins and paprika in the younger two's creations.   As the tastings went on, each dish was proclaimed "The Best!"  And you know what?  To each of us, they were. 

We can't wait to see what next week's show challenges us to create!

Candy Sushi

On Friday, Daniel and I tried our hand at rolling sushi but instead of sea weed paper and rice, we used fruit roll ups and rice krispies.  We found the recipe for Candy Sushi in our "Cooking Rocks" cookbook by Rachel Ray and just had to try it.  

It was a pretty simple recipe - mix rice krispies with melted butter, spread over unrolled fruit rollup, place twizzler in the middle, then roll up and slice.  Sounds very easy, but in reality, it wasn't.  Have you tried unrolling a fruit roll up without ripping it?  It's tough!  And very amusing.  We had lots of laughs while trying to get fruit rollup out from under our fingernails and roll them out smooth.  Let's just admit now that Daniel got to eat his fair share of ones that got messed up.  

All in all, they turned out great. And even looked like real sushi.   Daniel managed to leave a few for his sisters and the Thiem girls who were over playing.  He was sure proud of making his very own sushi roll that even the girls loved.

Summer Fun with Food

Summer has only recently officially just begun and yet we've been really busy with Summer Fun.  Lots of swimming, library story time, hanging out with friends and grocery shopping.   One of our goals this Summer is to try lots of new foods and engage the kids in cooking new menus.  

Daniel has been choosing random new fruits at the grocery store for us to try.  The first week he chose a coconut which he was so excited to open. 

The kids enjoyed watching Daddy hitting it repeatedly with the hammer.  Once it was finally open, everyone tasted a slice.  It was really not a hit.  The best part was Brian tasting the coconut milk and trying to keep a neutral face for the kids.  They didn't notice, but I was laughing.  

Next, Daniel chose lychee nuts after watching King Julian eat them on the Penguins of Madagascar.  I had to use Google to figure out what it was and how to eat it.  He and I opened one, saw the fleshy white inside and decided not to taste it.  Brian opened one and enjoyed it.  He said it tasted like a cranberry.  We all took his word for it.  

Ashley picked out a cantaloupe, dried pineapple, honeydew melon and cherries.  Nothing surprising with those choices.  This week I picked out mangos and Daniel chose kiwis.  It has been lots of fun!  It is always surprising that Daniel is more adventurous with his food choices since he is the least likely to like anything really new.  

After reading about a frozen pineapple pie on Faith and Family Live, Ashley and Daniel made it.  Too bad for Daniel - it had whip cream in it, which he hates.  The rest of us loved it.  Ashley has also made pineapple upside down cupcakes, pizza and hotdogs.  Daniel has suggested making homemade pickles next, while Ashley suggests homemade ice cream.

Cooking Rocks

One of our goals this Summer is to get the kids more involved in the kitchen and preparing dinner.  Over the weekend, I sat the kids down with a Rachel Ray cookbook for kids called, "Cooking Rocks" to choose a few meals.  

The first one we tried was "Watermelon Sodas" which was basically watermelon slices with 7-Up in a blender.  Two out of three loved it.  Daniel, who can eat his weight in sushi, is our choosy eater.

Last night, the kids made "Ham and Egg Hawaiian Pizza."  They had a good time making it and ended up loving it.  I wasn't so sure about it.  It was scrambled egg, with ham, cheese and pineapple on a pizza crust.  A little strange, but not as bad as I'd thought it would be.  Next time I would probably have them use a different cheese.  Cheddar was a little strong for me next to eggs and pineapple.

Next on our list is "Candy Sushi."  They can't wait for that one.  I'm guessing it will be a sushi roll that even my girls will eat.

Cilantro, Bell Peppers and Pineapple!

Brian has been focusing on eating healthier, including adding more raw vegetables into his diet.  Rather than getting ideas out of cookbooks, Brian gets creative.  One of his newest dishes that we all LOVE is a chicken soft taco.  But it doesn’t have many of your usual ingredients for a soft taco – no cheese, salsa or sour cream.  Instead, pineapple, bell peppers, onions and cilantro accompany his seasoned chicken fajita meat.   There is something about the combination of pineapple and cilantro that is different but tastes wonderful.  It is quickly becoming our new favorite. 

Through our change in eating, we have discovered that the kids love raw bell peppers of all colors in salads.  Brian also includes raisins and red onions in our now colorful dinner salads.

My grocery shopping trips now include more time in the fresh produce section and less time on the canned goods aisle.  It definitely is a change for the better.

Suprising Dinner

Today was another one of those crazy days in our life where its late and we've got to get dinner on the table. I had chosen to fix a new stir fry recipe because it looked good and thought it would be fast after soccer practice. Have you met me? Dinner preparations didn't go as planned. Brian walked in at 7 pm with me trying to prepare a dinner I'd never fixed before and getting 3 kids in the bath, having just gotten home from soccer. He was so wonderful, helping out with the kids, then chopping up my vegetables. We traded after a while and he took over dinner while I emptied the dishwasher and got the kids ready to eat.

When they sat down, I was cringing inside. It was past 7:30, they were really tired and I just wasn't looking forward to the dinner struggle. While waiting for them to say, "what is this? I don't like it." I was pleasantly surprised with comments of "What is this? It's GOOD!" You could have knocked me over! They all three loved it. Ate everything on their plates! And to top it off, Brian and I really loved it also. What a surprise. It was so good, I thought I would share it with all of you.

Spicy Pork Stir-Fry
From Weight Watchers Complete Cookbook

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
15 ounces pork tenderloin, cut into thin slices 1/8" to 1/4" thick
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2" strips
8 medium scallions, cut into 2" pieces
2 cups drained canned pineapple chunks
1 medium tomato, cut into 8 wedges
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/4 cups chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat nonstick wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil, then pork slices. Stir-fry until pork is no longer pink, about 1-2 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and reserve.

2. Add bell pepper, stir-fry 2-3 minutes, until edges blister slightly. Add scallions; stir-fry 30 seconds; add pineapple; stir-fry another 30 seconds. Add remaining ingredients except cilatro, return pork to work and stir-fry 1-2 minutes more. Serve sprinkled with chopped cilantro.

We did not use the cilantro, added a little extra ginger, soy and salt & pepper. And served it with rice and corn on the cob. Our only complaint was that it didn't quite make enough food for all of us. We enjoyed it more than expected.

Let me hear from you if you try it for your family.

Green Vegetables!

Everyone knows that I am not a big fan of vegetables. I do fix and eat them due to the kids, but don't have the best recipes since there aren't many veggies that I like. One of the ways I grew up eating green beans that I enjoy is in a casserole. You know, the one with the cream of mushroom soup and french fried onions on top. Wouldn't you know, my kids hate them. Darn!

During my reading of Kraft Food and Family Magazine, I ran across a recipe for Green Beans that sounded easy and interesting. Would you believe that my kids LOVE it? Not only do they eat it, but they ask for seconds and thirds! And, Brian and I love it also. A win/win for everyone.

So easy its crazy!
Place 3 cups frozen green beans on large sheet of foil; drizzle with 2 tablespoons Zesty Italian dressing. Fold foil over and seal edges to form packet. Place bean packet in oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

Gotta love Kraft!

Magazine Excitement

I'm such a dork! Yes, I admit it. Today when I got the mail, I actually smiled when I saw that my Summer edition of Food & Family magazine was here. It is a free quarterly Kraft recipe magazine that I absolutely love. When I get it, I can sit down and plan out meals for several weeks, including desserts, due to all their great ideas. If you don't get it - it is a must. Just go to Kraft.com and sign up.

Ok, gotta run and start my meal planning.

Munchkin & Wumpy Cooking Show

My kids have a new favorite show - Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals. They love it. At dinner, they will take their meal and pretend to create something new and tell us about it. So, today we made muffins and made our own cooking show.
We hope you enjoy it.