Pot Lucks Rule!

Yesterday was not only Superbowl Sunday, it was my friend, Margot's, 40th birthday. Needless to say it was a day full of eating and drinking. My day started at home with egg, caramelized onion, and sharp provolone sandwiches made for my family (complete with visiting cousins), and finished with Duncan and I making pizza roll ups and banana berry smoothies at my sister-in-law's house for the big game. It is the middle part of my day that was spectacularly impressive. This was the pot luck brunch that Susie threw in honor of Margot.

Pot lucks can be risky, right? Too much bean dip, not enough salad. That said, my girlfriends really know how to bring it when asked to provide. The twelve of us started with the following: Mimosas, bloodys, and bellinis, Serena's homemade muffins and Jackie's coffee cake, cheese, salami and crackers with Susie's homemade mustard, shrimp cocktail, and fresh fruit. An hour of somewhat civilized conversation and 2-3 drinks later led us to the sit down brunch. Check this out: Amanda's poached salmon with potato pancakes and dill hollandaise, Dina's pecan praline french toast, Michele's Mickey Mouse waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream, Mimi's sausage, cheese and egg enchiladas, and spiral ham with more of Susie's crazy good mustard. We ate like queens. I was so impressed with the spread. My girlfriends rock! Of course we managed to toast the birthday girl many times over, eat our faces off, and retire to the basement for a little Wii and an always too revealing game of Truth or Dare. Really, Dina? Ellen, my God! And yes- guilty as charged.

After we had heard just about enough of each others sordid past that we pretty much already knew, having grown up together, we made our way back upstairs for my birthday carrot cake that paired very nicely with Margot and Michele's Strawberry cupcakes. This, of course called for another round of Mimosas, a well-tuned birthday song, and many gasps of "Oh, I couldn't, well, maybe a sliver." The day rocked, just like my friends. Happy Birthday, Margot... and Who Dat? Yay Saints!

Chicken Soup

I am a pretty healthy person.  I hardly ever get sick.  Once a year, maybe. I was pretty darn sick this weekend.  All I wanted was some Chicken Soup.  So I made some.  I have to admit that I am generally not very enthusiastic about cooking at home.  After all, I do it every day at work.  But this Monday I really needed good soup.

I went to the restaurant and got a locally raised guinea hen that I had roasted the day before.  I brought it home with some carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, fresh thyme and parsley, and already cooked egg noodles.  (Those noodles were a blessing.  One step to omit.)  I took the meat off the bone of the hen and put it aside.  I chopped the veggies along with some fresh garlic and put it aside.  I simmered the bones with some of the carrot, onion, celery, and thyme while I took my 7 year old, Duncan, to hockey practice.   

One hour later the stock was ready. When we got home from the rink the house was filled with aromas of hope for my cold.  I sauteed the veggies in my Le Creuset pot, putting a lid on for about ten minutes until they were soft.  I added the hen meat and fresh herbs. I then strained the stock into the pot. I let all of that simmer for about 15 minutes, added the noodles and tested for seasoning. 

I could hardly contain myself.  I was curious about my animalistic need for this soup.  My excitement was contaigous as evident by my husband and son's lurking around the kitchen. I poured three bowls.  I passed out spoons and napkins.  We savored, silent for several minutes.  (As I inhaled the soup, I thought to myself- Oh my, this is so good.  I hit the nail on the head.  I feel like a real mom.  Like my mom.)  Just then Duncan slurped loudly and turned his head to me and said, "Mom, this is as good as it gets."  I am feeling much better today.