The Cousins got together for dinner again Saturday, and American was the theme. Following the tradition, preparation of meals was divided amongst the group. And the menu was:
Entree | Pilgrim Pumpkin Pie (Nat)
Beautiful golden pie.
Whipping cream the old fashioned way is hard work.Whipped cream! Specifically made for the Pie, Nat mixed it with nutmeg, ginger and honey.
Overall, I think we all agreed that for our tastes, the Pie was perhaps a little sweet as an entree. And in the end, we came up with a version: the Pumpkin and Bacon Pie, which appealed to our savoury palates.
I heart Chowdah... Chowdah!Goo made a HUGE pot of Clam Chowder (using mussels). Taking no shortcuts, it was made with fresh, home made fish stock, and contained goodies like potato, carrot, onion and lots of cream. Once ready, it was pureed and the meat added; each portion was then garnished with a whole shell and sprinkled with parsley.
It was delicious... and definitely worthy of seconds (which I had. I would've had thirds, but it was all gone by that stage!).
Main | Cherokee Chicken with Roast Potatoes (The Dude)
Main Event in the making. Only another... 25 mins. Hmm.
Everyone helps out.Cousin Dinners are notorious for two things: the main taking a while but always being worthwhile and dessert being served after midnight.
On Saturday, we waited (admittedly, not that long) for the Cherokee Chicken. This was pan fried meat with green capsicums, garlic, onion and cranberries (which had previously had a great time soaking in vermouth). It was perfect. Crispy skin, juicy chicken. Mmmm.
Crunchy, roast potatoes sprinkled with chilli kept the chicken company (at least for a few moments).
Sides | Cobb Salad and Corn Bread (Me)
Pretty colours at the table.I opted for Cobb Salad for my contribution. Made up of cos lettuce, bacon, boiled egg, tomato, avocado, watercress, parsley and chives, all the elements are laid in lines on the cos lettuce. The salad is then served with a blue cheese dressing. I was pleased with the result and will be making the salad again.
The cornbread came about from hearing about in on possibly every American TV show I had ever watched. Made with polenta, cheese, chilli it was a good side - light and tasty. The addition of sugar (as we had in every meal) added a bit of sweetness, but it wasn't overbearing.
Dessert | Chocolate and Hazelnut Brownies (Net)
'All I need now is a glass of milk, and someone to rub my tummy while I fall asleep".Net's been baking a lot lately - and this is a good thing, as her baked goods are fantastic. Despite the problem of using an old gas oven, the brownies were as they should be: cracked and forming their own icing at top, soft and moist on the inside. With chunks of white chocolate and hazelnuts, it was the best way to end the evening.
Oh and for the record, the first brownie photo was taken at 12.51 am :)
Oh and for the record, the first brownie photo was taken at 12.51 am :)
Drinks | Old Fashioned Lemonade (Nic), Sangria (Me)
I'd pay 5 cents for a cup.Nic came prepared with real lemonade. I didn't end up asking how many lemons went into it, but it was sour, sweet, fizzy and delicious. Ok, and maybe, just maybe, we added vodka to it.
Just like juice - only happier.
Admittedly not American, I like sangria so brought enough for a couple of jugs. My version is made using Tarrango (Brown Brothers wines), vodka, sugar, lemon, lime and orange.
And there you have, American theme checked off. During dinner, we talked about the next theme... nothing's been decided but some if the ideas we tossed up included:
Just like juice - only happier.And there you have, American theme checked off. During dinner, we talked about the next theme... nothing's been decided but some if the ideas we tossed up included:
- Lebanese
- Spanish
- Medieval
- Three course Fondue (cheese, oil, chocolate).