Fall Cooking Retreat

Well they just left. Five fun and adorable ladies ranging from 25 to 44, who were either friends or friends of friends who came this weekend to relax and enjoy some time in the kitchen learning something new. The theme was a special dinner for their family, friends or just some one on one time with the person they love.


When they arrived on Saturday, I served them lunch:
Corn and Kielbasa Chowder (see recipe section)
Buttered Rutabagas
Sweet Slaw
Boston Cornbread

We discussed the dinner menu and then all piled into the van heading to WalMart.

I took them to the cookware section where they learned about different types of knives, appliances, pots and pans, and of course kitchen gadgets. At one point a shopper joined in thinking it was a store demonstration.

Then we went to the grocery side of the store where we talked about different kinds of foods and easy ways to prepare them. In the produce department, the ladies got to ask about various fruits and vegetables that they had never tried. We left there with a few “extras” in our shopping cart. So the bok choy, pineapple, mango, plantain, and artichoke were not on the menu, but they did end up on our plates.

Once we got back to the kitchen, the ladies donned their “Our Place Café” aprons and we began to prepare dinner. They learned how to sharpen their kitchen knives and how to hold it correctly. There was no blood – thank you God!

Our dinner menu:
Pumpkin Soup
Baby green Salad with fresh Vinaigrette
Roasted Chicken
Steamed Broccoli
Caribbean Carrots
Garlic Braised Bok Choy

Everyone got a turn at chopping, mixing, stirring and tasting. They even pressed the table linens and set a festive table for the evening. Everything was delicious!

Afterwards they were served desert: Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Sauce and Hot Vanilla (Kind of hot chocolate in reverse!)

They ladies spent the rest of the night on the porch enjoying the cool fall air until the fireworks started. Our annual fall festival was the same weekend and it always ends with a fireworks display. As soon as we heard the booms we raced upstairs and out the window to sit on our roof and watch the show! The stars were bright and the colors beautiful.

I gave out early, but the others took advantage of the time away from their families and stayed up late talking and having “girl time.”

In the morning we made brunch:
Hash Brown Casserole
Anytime Scones
Steamed Artichoke
Fresh Pineapple and Mango
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Many had seconds, but as my youngest says “We do not judge.” It does my heart good to see people eat! More time on the front porch, pictures taken and time for goodbyes was the rest of the morning.

When they left one of my children said “I forget how much I enjoy having people here until we have them.” I must agree. The food was delicious, the company was delightful and a good time was had by all.