The birthday cook-a-thon celebration for my husband was a huge success and just so much fun. We started cooking at noon and ate from 2:45 to 6:45 just in time to put Zach on a 7:10 train back to New Haven. So what do you call a leisurely meal like this that encompasses lunch and dinner? Linner!
While every dish was great, what was even more terrific was the time spent together, planning, chopping, sharing pots, debating, arguing, laughing and agreeing. My oldest son was upset at first with the look of the short ribs. He said they weren’t going to look pretty enough. Being a designer, that made me feel good – at least he learned something from me! We played games in between while watching football. And since one person did not have responsibility for the whole meal, there was time off for everyone. It was really a wonderful day of just being together.
Now for the food! Here’s the photo essay.
Busy Girl Health says
Mary, this looks fantastic! The torta looks so good – do you have a recipe for it?
Thanks!
– Brit
Mary Frances says
It was really delicious and clean tasting. My son made it up. Let me see if I can get the details from him. I’ll get back to you!
Francesca says
What a wonderful birthday meal. I think it’s great that the whole family cooked it. You are a lucky woman! 😉
Mary Frances says
I know, I am lucky! Thank you.
quilt32 says
Lovely meal. The salad looks especially delicious to me.
Lillian
lillianscupboard.workpress.com
Mary Frances says
The salad was fantastic – so simple and so good. It is always about the quality of your ingredients and this was particularly great, creamy mozzarella.
suth2 says
What a lovely way to have your meal. That is the way we do our Christmas meal, leisurely over several hours with each person contributing. Happy Birthday to your husband.
Mary Frances says
Thank you! We really enjoyed it – as I’m sure you do your Christmas dinner.
yummychunklet says
Everything looks fantastic! Love the veggie torta!
Mary Frances says
Thanks!! I’m working on the recipe now so stayed tuned!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
What a great meal. I think I’d like to make the same menu!
Mary Frances says
It was great! Torta recipe to come…
Judy says
Every recipe you post, you say how you love the “secret ingredient.” I’ve yet to see what that could be. Enlighten me, please.
Thanks
Mary Frances says
LOVE IS the secret ingredient! Start from a happy place. Cook with the intention of love for all your ingredients, in all your actions. Imagine the joy on people’s faces when they eat your food and how delicious it’s going to taste.