Sunday, August 9, 2009

Good Food and So Much More

It has not been a great week here in Lake Woebegon, but I was privileged to enjoy two delightful meals, one with the Foodies, and one with the Hoodies.

On Thursday, my cooking club* pals got together for one of my favorite meals; we call it the "Land-Locked Seafood Lovers' Favorites." Thai crab cakes with peanut sauce, roasted red pepper soup with shrimp, summer squash casserole, Caesar salad, shrimp ceviche, and a heavenly banana cream pie. The weather cooperated and we were able to dine al fresco under the pergola, enjoying our hostess' beautiful back yard. With her homemade wine, a fresh summery Gewurtzaminer, it was a delightful feast.

Last night the Hoodies enjoyed a great pitch-in. A blistering heat wave has settled in, so we shared our meal indoors. There were eight for dinner, including a couple of new faces, and a couple of drop-ins after dessert. The hostess' five cats and visiting dog were joined by Molly and Gracie; they are always happy to join the festivities. The Hoodies are also fine cooks and there is always more than enough good food and wine.

Both groups really enjoy and appreciate fun, casual entertaining. Sharing a meal, a glass of wine, and a few stories, jokes and pleasant conversation is more than just a great way to pass an evening. It's an expression of involvement, connection and caring. It feeds relationships and nurtures friendships. I think I'm so lucky to be part of two different circles, with vastly different personalities, interests, etc., who share this appreciation. Not to mention, great eats.

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*Stir Crazy originally connected through the Cooking Light website' bulletin board. We've been told our club will get a mention in the magazine's September issue, and a more in-depth article online, with links to all these recipes.

3 comments:

Brother Ted said...

I had to respond to your Aug. 7 posting. I come to your blog on a daily basis because you live your life day to day with such joy. Your stories about your childhood and family bring such a smile to my face, your cooking stories get me into the kitchen and your interactions with your friends reminds me to stay in contact with my friends. You have distilled life into its essential ingredients. Maybe it is the big C that hangs above your head but I am willing to bet that it is just your nature. We have never met and probably never will, except through the blog world, but the reading of your blog starts most of my days, your zest for life lightens my heart. This "mean little cancer" has not robbed you of your sweet nature. You have not let me down and I assume all those people who have the privilege of calling you friend. May you, your foodies and homies continue to share good food and great friendships.

La Cootina said...

Thanks, Ted. And thanks for reminding me that this path has been strewn with blessings every step of the way. I'm going to go back and re-read "The Joys of Cancer."

Michelle@Gotchababy said...

Oh I wish i could have been in the backyard with all of you. Yum, yum and more yum.