Tuesday, 11/16/2010

We hosted our PEPS group tonight.  It was a really fun evening.  The kids played together nicely, for the most part.  I particularly enjoyed the end of the evening when they were all wearing and sharing Katie's Mardi Gras necklaces:)  And, the adults were able to have good conversations.  

In the past, the hosting family would provide the complete meal.  Tonight was the first time we tried making it a potluck.  We are going to give it a full rotation before we decide to stick with the potlucks or go back to the other option. 

Ben grilled chicken drumsticks and thighs, that I prepped in a lemon and herb marinade, and we provided beverages.  The rest of the group brought the rest of the meal: a green salad, pasta salad, bread, snacks for the kids, and a spice cake from Macrina Bakery.  We got the chicken marinade recipe from Ben's brother, Spencer.  He used it several months ago when we had dinner at his house.  In order to marinate 14 drumsticks and 8 thighs, I tripled the following marinade recipe.

LEMON HERB CHICKEN MARINADE

Mix together the following ingredients.

1/2 cup Canola Oil
1/4 cup White Vinegar
1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup Lemon Juice
2 tbsp Lemon Zest
1 clove Garlic, chopped
1 tsp Lemon Pepper
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Thyme
1 tbsp Oregano

Marinate for 2-6 hours.

Saturday, 7/31/2010

What a great day we had today. Not only were my parents visiting, but my best friend from college, Jamie, and her son Harlon came over to spend a couple days. Harlon was born just 9 days before Katie. Boy did those kids have fun. They still don't really play with each other, but they are super cute being near each other. They both took their turn being drug around while holding onto our cat's tail. Sooner or later he will learn that he doesn't have to let them get that close;)

Tonight I performed with my Trillium Soul friends Bron, Betsy, and Irene in a concert at our church. Mom helped me out by fixing dinner for our family and our house guests. I picked up a box of Whole Grain Helper- Lemon and Herb Chicken. Surprisingly, it had great flavor. Usually, we find that boxed meals are pretty bland. Along with several ears of corn, it was just enough to feed five adults and two toddlers.

Sunday, 6/27/2010

I was really down and out today. Not sure if I have a cold or the flu, but I was in no position to make dinner. I spent most of the day sleeping on the couch. For dinner, Ben looked up recipes for chicken drumsticks. He wanted to do something with herbs. He didn't find one he liked, so he made up his own. It was really good! I don't know how much he used of each ingredient, but I know what he used.

HERBED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Ingredients:

melted butter

olive oil

garlic powder

freshly cracked black pepper

kosher salt

dried oregano

Directions:

Mix ingredients and brush onto chicken drumsticks.

Grill on indirect-medium heat for 45 minutes, turning once.

We made up a box of Near East Parmesan Couscous to go with it. It was pretty tasty. I think next time I will add in the minced garlic and green peas recommended on the box.