Cooking with Company
One of my favorite activities in the whole world is cooking with the people I love. For me there is no greater way to share the bounty we enjoy here in this part of the world. It is not just a way to share what is offered here, but to also get creative with my favorite people. People hear me preach the act of eating locally, and cooking from scratch on my blog and in person, and when they come to visit us, we all have a great time together living out that vision. Mostly it is for fun, but it also shows people in a personal way why we decided to make our lives here, and how easy it can be to eat locally and healthfully in a place that really strives to make that ideal a reality.
I have had the best summer because we have had quite a few guests visiting the homestead, and since all of them love food in one way or another, we always, without fail end up spending time in the kitchen or out on the deck at the grill and then of course EATING what we have created together. Such a simple yet magical act that really brings people together in a fundamental way.
Here is our summer of eating so far – in mostly visual terms.
My mom was here earlier in the season, and we celebrated her visit with lots of al fresco dining. One evening we enjoyed mead sprizters – local mead, with a splash of Italian prosecco, garnished with muddled mint and currants from our garden. Sadly at the time of her visit we weren’t harvesting many veggies yet. But we still enjoyed many local meals out on the deck!
When my dad and stepmom came to visit, they both ended up cooking for us. My stepmom Kayzie made her mom’s famous crabcakes – and brought fresh blue crab with them all the way from Maryland! On another night my dad grilled some beautiful local steaks that we enjoyed with local sweet corn.
Roberto and I also got a duck as part of our meat CSA share from Applecheek Farm . I cooked duck once before with my friend Amber (who also came to visit us!!! ) but wanted to try a different method this time. So with the help of my dad, we grilled it on our rotisserie. It was lightly seasoned with herbs de provence and stuffed with orange wedges. I made a cherry sauce with red wine and oranges to accompany it. We also grilled some potato wedges under the duck letting the drippings season them.
Most recently my stepdaughter Gwen is visiting. She loves to cook, and whenever she comes to visit we end up making something yummy! This time we made the ultimate nachos – Tortilla chips covered in 3 kinds of cheese (cabot cheddar, maple smoked cheddar chunks and parmesan), homemade beef and bean chili, tomatoes and cilantro from the garden and green chilies.
Tonight she and her dad made me dinner – their specialty, spaghetti with tomato-cream sauce and garden fresh herbs with a delicious side salad – all veggies from the garden.
Thanks to everyone for your visits – and we look forward to many more wonderful meals with family and friends here on the homestead!
Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul - August 21, 2010 at 11:34 pm
I’m lovin all the feasts Jenn! That duck looks amazing and the wedges sound good too! In fact, it all looks good!
5 Star Foodie - August 22, 2010 at 12:14 am
Looks like you’ve been having some wonderful meals! The duck grilled on rotisserie sounds amazing!
Jan - August 22, 2010 at 2:26 am
Fantastic Jenn!
Rosa - August 22, 2010 at 4:06 am
I also love cooking with people, but that happens to many so seldom, unfortunately… Great feasts and parties!
Cheers,
Rosa
Joan Nova - August 22, 2010 at 4:28 am
I see contentment all over this post…with your new life, with local foods and with, of course, family and friends. Glad you and Roberto are so happy in Vermont.
Happy Cook - August 22, 2010 at 4:58 am
Wowo wish i was ther eto enjoy this delicous spread.
Shelby - August 22, 2010 at 5:00 am
I think its great you have so many who enjoy cooking with you. I would love someone to cook for me sometimes – other than a resturaunt!
bellini valli - August 22, 2010 at 9:15 am
It sounds like the two of you are enjoying your return to Vermont. My personally favourite time of the year is coming up and Vermont is the perfect place to enjoy all the bounty and stunning fall foliage.
Rebecka - August 22, 2010 at 11:40 am
Hi Jenn,
The duck looks terrific..YUM! Thank’s for sharing your lovely ideas and family with us.
nina - August 23, 2010 at 12:02 am
Nothing beats cooking and eating with friends and family. Memories that are not easily erased!!
Jen - August 23, 2010 at 9:07 am
I agree, Jenn – I don’t think there’s anything better than cooking with, and enjoying the bounty with, friends and family. It looks like a lovely summer!
kat - August 23, 2010 at 10:39 am
Cooking with friends & family is the best way to spend time together in my book!
Elle - August 23, 2010 at 12:32 pm
LOVE LOVE! I’m so thrilled for you and Roberto–that your dreams of homesteading have come true. It’s awesome to see it unfold through your blog, too! <3 Gotta say, also really love the ducky fat potato wedges. mmmm…
Stella - August 23, 2010 at 4:04 pm
Hey Jenn, when I first looked at these pics without reading, I thought Gwen was either you or Roberto’s younger sister, not a child of either of you! I can’t believe that. You guys look great-all of that healthy eating and hard work will keep one beautiful (smile).
Oh, and all of the food looks wonderful too;)
maybelles mom - August 23, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Jenn, what lovely feasts, particularly with your s.daughter…which looked like the most fun.
The Duo Dishes - August 24, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Nothing better than food and time spent with your loved ones.
Cara - August 24, 2010 at 7:42 pm
I agree with you – it is such a wonderful experience to create a meal with loved ones and enjoy your work together. Glad to hear your summer is going well!
Toni - August 25, 2010 at 2:37 am
You and I have the same idea about entertaining – let’s all cook together! And what better way to bond with people than over a terrific meal ? Sounds like you’ve figured out the perfect way to beat the heat, Jenn!
Gwen Campus - August 28, 2010 at 4:28 pm
hahaha that was alot of fun and the nachos and pasta were absolutly the best part!!!! 🙂 cant wait till next summer!!!
The Leftover Queen - August 29, 2010 at 2:07 pm
GWEN! YAY! You left a comment! We can’t wait til next summer either!
Arlene - August 29, 2010 at 9:11 pm
It seems our family always associates good times with FOOD! I had a great time with you both. I hardly recognized Gwen. She grew up – like overnight!!
Angela@spinachtiger - September 5, 2010 at 11:08 am
Jen, you and I are on the same food plane. I love the edible flowers. I love beets. I love color. I love fresh. I love all these same things and that’s why I love your site.
BTW, Retro Rose is behaving herself. 🙂