I don't think she looks bad at all. Contrary: I think she looks amazing! And, I had to go against our mission just this once....because I am so dang proud of her. She is currently my hero and inspiration. She started training in January, and on this day finished her first half marathon! This is her holding her medal for me. I seriously am so proud of her, and look forward to the day (just started a couch to 5k program) that I can run next to her. "A", thanks for your inspiration......and, please don't kill me. :)
On Sunday, after she finished the race and took a nap, JAK went and celebrated her accomplishment with a big 'ole fat Mexican Dinner. At dinner we discussed how the upcoming Monday dinner needed to be yet another celebration. I asked: "What was your favorite meal growing up". Thinking "J" could cook that for her. We got to talking, and decided that we would use the month of May as a look-back at all of our childhood favorites.
Since this week was about "A", she went first. Her favorite childhood memory/meal was breakfast for dinner. (I did a happy dance inside, as I always loved breakfast for dinner as well).
The breakfast started out with ripe plantains.
And, sausage patties of course.
Dark chocolate was heated on the stove-top, until it melted.
As were raspberry preserves.
The plantains were buttered up, and cooked to perfection. Even getting a splash of beer, to help them caramelize. These had the most amazing taste. I even made "A" cut some more up and cook, as I worried the shown amount wouldn't be enough after I taste-tested them! They look just like bananas, but have such a better flavor!
Sausage frying up in the cast-iron skillet!
See how caramelized they are? Chewy, yet a crunchy exterior. Yummo! ;)
"J" made his own homemade waffle batter (recipe below....trust me kids, you'll want to use this recipe). It's hard to really see in this photo, but look how paper thin they are. I always prefer waffles over pancakes, because of their crunchiness; however, I don't like how thick they are. These were PERFECT! They were almost like a new food invention: Waffle Chips. Seriously, we discussed while savoring them, how you could make waffle nachos out of them. This idea to possibly be continued......
The beautiful tablescape.
Each crystal glass contained it's own unique waffle topping. Chocolate, maple syrup, toasted pecans, raspberry sauce. Butter with brown sugar on-top, and of course the fried plantains.
We each made our own signature nacho. Mine had butter, chocolate sauce, maple syrup and plantains.
"J's" had butter, chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce, toasted pecans and maple syrup.
"A's" was as unique as she is. :) She placed the toppings on the side and dipped. Chocolate sauce, raspberry sauce and plantains.
Done in less than 5 minutes.
Dessert? You betcha!
Waffle ice-cream sandwich with chocolate sauce and marshmallow cream on top!
This was not only a great Monday because of the delicious food, but because our conversation was so fun. We talked about our childhoods, things we remembered, liked, tv shows, cartoons, childhood friends. Great stories were told.
Cheers to "A"! As well, we clinked our glasses together for the brave men and women who have fought relentlessly for us the past 10 years in the War on Terror. And, to those Navy Seals who caught and killed Osama. The world is a safer place because of it. Thank you.
Until next time....A la cuisine!
JAK’s Waffles
1/2 teaspoon Instant yeast |
2 cups All purpose flour |
1 tablespoon Sugar |
1/2 teaspoon Salt |
2 cups heavy whipping cream ¾ cup skim milk |
8 tablespoon Butter; melted and cooled |
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract; optional |
Canola Oil; for brushing on waffle iron |
2 eggs |
Preparation
1. Before going to bed, combine the dry ingredients and stir in the milk, then the butter and vanilla. The mixture will be loose. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside overnight at room temperature (I found a gallon pitcher worked best)
2.Brush the waffle iron lightly with oil and preheat it. Separate the eggs and stir the yolks into the batter. Beat the whites until they hold soft peaks. Stir them gently into the batter. (I just stirred the eggs into the batter without separating them. Seemed to work well.)
3. Pour batter onto the waffle iron and bake until the waffle is done, usually 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your iron. Serve immediately or keep warm for a few minutes in a low oven.
I watch for the steam to stop rising from the waffle iron before I check for doneness.
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