Cookaholics Bulletin Board

Basically, SOMEBODY forgot to ask for our 5th anniversary off. Since he'll be getting home shortly after the baby has been banished to bed, I was thinking of making a simple latenight dinner for the two of us. I'm supposed to be using the last bottle of Deus Brut de Flanders from our wedding. It's a champagne-method beer that is appropriate for cellaring so it should still be in good shape. It tastes pretty much like a brut champagne with some hints of fruit.

So any suggestions? After all day chasing the (almost) two-year-old-terror, I'm looking for something easy that we can both relax and enjoy. Also, shellfish in Michigan is a little outside the budget and, quite often, not all that awesome anyway. I'm leaning toward fondue, but I'm not leaning all that hard.

I have been having cravings for Carbonara with some really good bacon and lots of garlic and cheese. Well, maybe not so much garlic if it's your anniversary night.

Cheese and potatoes. This is a Swiss supper that is much more exciting than it sounds. Boil up some baby potatoes and serve with several cheeses and salami, nice ham, cornichons, etc. The salty/richness of the cheese and meat should go well with the bubbles. Or you could make some of CI's pizza bianca and serve that with cheeses and meats and olives. I think fondue would be a bit too heavy for a late romantic dinner. You being exhausted is also not conducive so keep it simple. And happy anniversary!

Mary

How about putting on a pot of short ribs and root veg to braise earlier in the day. Then you can relax a little in the afternoon while the 2 year old terror naps.

Something we also love to do is just an appy night. 3-5 appy's, some can even come in a bag or box, like wings, shrimp cocktail, with a good cocktail sauce, stuffed dates, hummus etc. Or say to hell with it and buy a party tray of mixed appy's at Sam's Club. That way you can really relax and enjoy yourself.

Laurie

Naps? What are these naps you speak of?

You guys are giving me some ideas, though. Thanks!

Both my kids were done napping by 2. Now that they are teenagers they are catching up on lost time. It did seem at the time that all the other kids were coming home from kindergarten and taking naps while their mothers made cocktails and read romance novels.

Mary

Well then maybe you should take the nap and let the terror make dinner!

I may not have figured out what I DO want, but I know I don't want mud-pies.

How about a late night brunch? Lobster or smoked salmon omelets, fruit, etc., etc.

I did consider smoked salmon, but I ended up with Asian appys. I liked the idea of not being stressed and tired, so I picked up a trio of Asian tidbits from TJ's -- pork shumai, shrimp potstickers, and veggie bird nests. I also got some strawberry mochi ice creams for dessert.