So What If You Burned Dinner???

There is just way too much 'stink' made over burning a dinner! No one WANTS to burn a dinner (well, very often), things get a little exciting somewhere else in the house and 'poof' it's gone! Been there, yes, that's right, "I'VE" been there, and shhh, don't tell but I've been there MORE than ONCE, yup!
I've learned to make lemonade out of even burned lemons, hey, go out to dinner ~ it's NOT that bad to eat out on occasion. I always pick up some AWESOME idea's when we go out to eat, I'm lurking around every cooks corner trying to find a 'brilliant' idea that I can make 'astonishing'! Some of the greatest dishes ever made began with someone's concept, someone just had different tastebuds and re-arranged, revamped, remarketed the concept into thier own world. We stretch ourselves in the kitchen when we burn a dinner, we become more educated on kitchen 'what not to do's', and we challenge ourselves in removing 'odors' from our home (burned food can put out some foul smells).
I love it when I go to someone's home and they are "human". They don't have a perfect kitchen, they don't own every appliance under the sun, they don't know what 'that is' in the refridgerator, thier dishes don't match, they burned the boiling eggs. We've ALL been there, somewhere. So UNITE felllow burned dinner Sisters (brothers), pick up your spatula's and aprons (does ANYONE still wear these? YES, I do!) and make lemonade from your burned lemons ~ just don't drink it:)!!! Great meals are around the smoking corner, and everyone will be so glad you share what you've learned down the road, promise!

Summer means "Company" Gathers!

Wow! Summer is around the corner and I need to get crackin' if Hubbs and I are going to have a 'normal' summer. For us, 'normal' means people gracing our Patio with their friendship and sharing food and fun. Be it family or friends or the pleasant combination, food is a part of it all for us and I like to plan and be sure no detail gets missed. I know, it sounds "stressful", and at times it can be a bit, but for the most part it's just plain old FUN! Nothing is sweeter than to see everybody together, laughing, eating your food, loving you for it;), and wanting to come back. It's a winning combo for me!
This seasons gatherings are going to be based on "theme". We have Italian, Mexican, Southern, and the Pacific figured out, plus I've added a Bluesfest theme (serious BBQ & all the men and thier guitars going at it ~ way sweet!). In there somewhere will be some camping vacations we're taking, but Lord willing all will work out in a timely fashion.
All you need for a theme dinner is a few simple things on your menu and some decorations that 'highlight' your idea's. Keeping it simple is SO important, please don't miss that ~ it's so sad to have wonderful family and friends over and 'miss them' by being too crazy busy. Example of my simple would be our "Italian" night. Menu: Five Cheese Penne (a roaster pan full), a Basil Salad (huge), and a Punch Bowl Trifle (I love Tiramisu). That's IT ~ dinner, bam! Decorations: Vinyl red checkered tablecloth's, glass bowls filled with whole lemons, fresh basil plants on the tables, parmesian cheese shakers, olive oil decanters, paper napkins with a Tuscan motif, Italian music playing softly in the background, etc. AND, if you REALLY want to keep it simple, do some great Pizza's ON THE GRILL, yes, grill em', their DELIGHTFUL, pour a glass of red wine and HAVE A BLAST.
Not into Italian? So shoot for something else...the key is to have a party and enjoy all that God has given you by sharing it with others ~ share HIM with others! Never a dull moment when God is in your life and at your Gathering, He's the LIFE of the party ~ the Way, the Truth! Enjoy YOUR Summer in love:)