Yummy

I discovered something new about myself yesterday. I actually like to cook. I spent the whole day in the kitchen, and I actually enjoyed myself. Melvin entertained the kids outside (high 50s in Minnesota during this time of year is quite an anomaly….and must be enjoyed outdoors)

I cooked a turkey for the first time...well sorta. It wasn’t a whole turkey, just the breast part, but still with the little cavity for stuffing. It didn’t turn out so great…but we’re not big turkey eaters. For us, it’s all about the sides. And my lack of measuring utensils didn’t seem to affect my culinary skills.

I made my special sweet potato casserole…very yummy, and my black-eyed peas and ham…which I don’t eat, but Melvin said were delicious. I made my mother-in-law’s macaroni and cheese, and Melvin gave me the ultimate compliment, telling me it was just like his mothers. To which I responded that he obviously hadn’t had his mother’s mac and cheese in a while, because I could never make mine as good as hers. I also made some killer green beans (which is what they were actually called on blackrecipes.com). I didn’t quite have all the ingredients, so I improvised, adding ham, breakfast sausage and using chicken stock, with a little crushed red pepper, and they were awesome!!!!! (not as good as my husband’s grandfather’s…but Melvin said I’m giving him a run for his money). Then I defrosted some greens that my mother-in-law made last time she was here, and I used Stove Top and Pillsbury to help out with the stuffing and rolls. My husband even said to me at one point, “When did you learn how to cook?” Not sure if that was completely a compliment or not, but I guess I could take it as one.

I did discover the real reason I usually don’t like to cook……when you’re all done, there’s a MESS to clean up. And some of it is still sitting in my sink now.

Overall, despite the fact that we weren’t around family, the day was pretty nice. Melvin’s new partner came over for dinner, and she helped out tremendously with the kiddos. It was so warm at night, we even had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. Then the kids watched a movie, and were in bed by 8:00, so that the adults could focus all their attention on Grey’s Anatomy. What a perfect way to end the day!

We are truly so blessed, and so thankful for all that God has given us.