I'm back...you know you missed me :-) Today I catered a lunch for a website launch party at my husband's work. I had a lot of fun deciding on the menu and preparing all the food. Colton even took a big nap this morning. Without my little man running around my feet I was pretty relaxed about everything.
This afternoon, well that's a different story. I'm just not getting the dishes done...Colton is running around with a bucket on his head, a beach ball in his hands, a shovel down his shorts and yelling "BaaBaa" like a sheep. I'm laughing too hard to do the dishes. Of course, this excuse won't last forever. But then I'll have to get the mail, wash the floors, scrub the toilet, catch up on 3 years of scrapbooking, plan our 10 year anniversary vacation (our 3rd anniversary is in 2 weeks), paint the extra room, chizzle an ice sculpture, blog...you get the picture. If only dishes would do themselves. I guess I'll just have to wait until after Big C goes to bed. Then I'm sure my darling hubby will help with them...right??
Here are a few of the recipes from today. The menu included Smoked Sweet and Spicy Pork, Honey-Roasted Red Potatoes, Mandarin Orange Poppy Seed Salad, Italian Garlic Bread, Lemonade and Brownie Cheesecake. You too can have this menu at your next catered event! :-)
The Pork Loin:
I did not follow a recipe for this. I just followed my heart (kidding, kidding).
I rubbed a store bought pork spice rub on it and smoked it to about 130 degrees the day before.
The next morning I cut the cold pork loin into pieces and brushed on a sweet glaze. I used a pre-made one, but I sometimes make my own using some sort of fruit preserve. I baked the pork loin in the oven at 350 degrees until the thermometer reached 160. Right before serving I dumped on a little glaze for flavor and prettiness.
Red Potatoes:
Again, no real recipe here. Maybe I should make one up. But basically I quartered size "b" red potatoes and mixed them with some honey and dry mustard.
Taste as you go, you're smart. You'll know when it's just right. You can add some oil to make it a little more "runny."
Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil (the honey hardens and can be really hard to get off) and roast at 375 for about 40 minutes, stirring halfway.
On a side note, Colton is now walking around trying to balance a paper plate on his head. I wonder if he's trying to hide the fact that he's 15 months and still bald...
Brownie Cheesecake:
Sorry, no recipe here either. But I have great guidelines for you:
Follow the directions for mixing a 9x13 brownie mix (fudgy, preferably). Pour mixture into a greased springform pan and bake according to directions on package, maybe slightly less.
Next, make your favorite 2 or 3 cream cheese cheesecake (a 4 cream cheese cheesecake would be too large, unless you only put in 1/2 the brownie) Pour over baked brownie bottom and bake according to cheesecake directions. That's all. Basically 2 desserts in one.
If you have any questions, ask away. Unless you're asking for secret ingredients, I'll be happy to help!
Meal Planning Ideas for Busy Families – Week 49
6 years ago
