Dinner Party #3 (I think)
I’m just stuck on these themes, I tell ya! (Sorry, Grampy (aka Sir John), I have not yet tried the meatloaf recipe you so kindly emailed me. First of all, I would need to try it on myself before I push your (I’m sure) flavorful recipe on anyone else. Perhaps, American theme on the next one.)
Also, I have no intention of turning this blog into a food blog, but I just thought I’d share some of the awesome recipes I’ve found, and the crazy difficulties I’ve had along the way. Bear with me!
Had another couple over on Friday – I know, everyone’s “all loved up” as Jocko would say – and I opted for a Caribbean theme.
First course – Calypso Beef Dumplings. Again, couldn’t find what I was looking for in their supermarkets a la wonton wrappers. So frustrating, but luckily Jocko always assures me there is always a substitute. I simply am a follow-the-instructions type gal and it’s hard for me to wrap my head around these fandangled substitutes. We bought dough – Americans, think like Pillsbury crescent rolls. And, I fried them with the original beef dumpling recipe on the inside. Let’s be honest, anything fried is going to taste good. And they did, delicioso!
Main Meal - Jerk Chicken marinated overnight, Homemade Sweet Potato Chips (or crisps for you Brits), and Avocado and Clementine Spinach Salad.
Again, wanted to make Yucca French Fries spiced with thyme, salt and pepper and a dash of balsamic. But, not thinking I needed to google “Yucca,” we went to the supermarket, Jocko’s eyes crossed when I asked him about the Yucca plant, and needless to say, nowhere to be found. It ends up they do call it the same thing, but I guess it’s not readily available. So, I knew I had heard of Sweet Potato Fries before, and bought those instead.
Most of the reviews I had read about these said that when you oven-baked the yams, they didn’t turn out crispy like most people hoped. Jocko’s fabulous idea was to take a peeler and peel the entire vegetable and then fry. They actually turned out some of the tastiest little treats I’ve ever had. We’re such a team!
Dessert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Mango-Filled Cream Puffs with Spiced Mango-Mojito Sauce – AKA the most yummy creations to have landed on earth.
I was a little worried when I found this recipe because it seemed so complicated, but in hind sight, they are actually pretty simple to make, healthy-ish, and just delicious. The photo doesn’t really do them justice, but I say try them if you have never heard of them before! Personally, anything with mango, I’m in for!
We ended the evening at half past midnight, and I have to say, I have never been so full. I definitely made way too much food, but better too much than too little, right?
On another note, I am very pleased to announce that I cracked my 9 minute miles, and ran 7 miles in 8 minute 15 second miles (TOTAL of 57 minutes 41 seconds). I feel really strong, and can’t wait to run the half marathon in two weeks! Wish me luck!
