Nice, nice VFT aka Family Dinner Night (FDN). With the usual suspects and some new guests of honor, the table was full. It’s really nice to hear “We need another chair,” after setting the table for 6, as Mitch usually does. While it’s bitter cold and most of the US is blanketed in snow, (and more snow) we in South Florida are just enjoying the change of season. Yesterday was a gorgeous day followed by a beautifully cool night. With the fire-pit for ambiance, it’s always more enjoyable prepping for the event. The fire-pit, in fact, is one of my favorite things about winter.
With Derek here first, we enjoyed watching Cee Lo Green’s performances from this past week’s Saturday Night Live as we waited for the rest of the gang to arrive. Cee Lo has a great voice and we loved his “all girl’s” band. Mitch, particularly was impressed with the woman who played base guitar.
Mitch and I made split pea soup over the weekend and I froze about 10 cups worth. Taking it back out yesterday, the meal started with soup and salad. The soup was a hit (my favorite so far) and very easy to make. (Recipe to follow in the next few days). The next course was a (soy) “Franks and Beans” casserole, topped with sauerkraut. Easy and inexpensive to prepare (5 minutes prep time– then I cook it for about 45 minutes) its my favorite way to eat soy dogs, feeds a lot of people and is a comfort food in winter (or any time!). Mitch also grilled up some Hebrew National hot-dogs and buns for those that indulge in the real thing. With a side of mini-assorted colored potatoes drizzled with olive oil and kosher salt and cooked in a tin on the grill and just baked cornbread there was more than enough food, even with the unexpected new guests. Dessert was simple. Blackberries, honeydew and the dried, candied apricots from Aunt Arl and Uncle Ron. Derek went home with leftovers for today and I have some for myself, as well. Another successful VFT/FDN. Only thing missing…Kyle and Nicole. We are definitely going to see them SOON.
To my readers, friends and family in the Northeast US and other parts of the snow-covered country, I wish you safety, warmth and comfort as you deal with Mother Nature. Not too warm, though. I JUST heard on this morning’s news that too much heat might be helping people put on weight. Since a calorie is a measure of heat, it makes some sense that having to warm yourself up, would require more calories than simply being toasty from the heater. How about turning down the heat, turning up some music and getting on that treadmill that’s been sitting and collecting clothes…Just saying! Wishing you warmth…(split) peas and fitness. TGIF!