I had spent 2 weeks researching the menu and another full day gathering the ingredients. I was good to go. My kitchen looked like I was ready to do battle - which I was. I felt like I was facing down my own personal Waterloo. The kitchen, and in particular, the stove, and I have always had a bit of a love/hate relationship. The stove knows I am afraid of it and the fridge constantly moves things around and by the time I find them, the fridge has made them turn rotten.
I am afraid I did not inherit my mother's skill set in the kitchen. She and I could open the same fridge and she would see a seven course meal while all I would see would be condiments and rotten fruit.
This time things would be different. My menu was planned and according to the pictures, it looked pretty good. I had an entree, a vegtable, rice and salad. I thought I was good to go. However, it was pointed out to me that I needed an appetizer. I did not have time to do the research and shopping. I did the only thing any rational person in this postion would do. I ran down to 7-11 and bought chips, dip, jelly beans and ju-jubes. What's not to love about a junk food appetizer plate? If dinner failed, who would be able to be mad at me if they were on a sugar high?
First, I needed to prepare the chicken bundles. I pulled out the chicken breasts and realized they did not look like the picture. I figured out that I was supposed to smash the breast down flat before I stuffed it and rolled it up. I was in the zone - what to do...... I needed something to smash the chicken flat. I had just the tool. See attached:
I set the table with all the stuff I rarely get to use. Lots of wedding gift glassware. I would be hard pressed to tell you which wedding, but I got to use it.
I was ready for my guests after 5 hours of prep-work (the recipe said it should only have taken me 60 minutes total - not sure what happened here). I kept my apron on so everyone would see I actually did the work myself. One of my guests took a photo before we ate. As you can see, I don't take the best photo but in my defense, I had been testing wine all afternoon.
We had a lovely evening. No smoke alarms. No speed dialing take-out and no quick road trips to emergency. Simply amazing really. I have lovely friends who left me very little by way of leftovers. I think that is a very good sign.
These women must have brought some good luck into my home as well. I was supposed to have been on a flight to Toronto today with 2 stops in Winnipeg and Regina on the way back. I am tired and wanted to just stay in one place for a while so it was with heavy heart and lead feet that I got up early, packed my bag, unloaded the dishwasher and put away my laundry in an attempt to be all prepared for the taxi to pick me up and take me back to the airport where I am sure everyone in security can now address me on a first name basis.
I had just gotten into the cab when I happen to notice a text from a friend who advised me that a bunch of Air Canada flights had been cancelled and maybe I would get lucky and be able to stay home. Well, just then, I got an email from the airline to tell me that I was indeed cancelled and they could not get me on another flight. Yeehaa! I frightened my cabbie when I yelled out. I was going home to cancel my whole trip. Finally, something good happened in my favor. While I am normally not a big fan of Air Canada, today, they are my best friends.
I am now home for the week. Might be a disappointment to my staff though. I have a feeling they like it when I am out of the office. I think they have parties and eat chocolate while I am away. Well, surprise to them tomorrow!
Anyway, this gives me more time to shop for my daughter. It is her birthday on Friday and I am having a hard time figuring out what to get her this year. She is at that tough age - you know the one - between teenager and grandmother. These are tough years.
I bought her something already but while in line at Costco, I had a conversation with a woman who has a daughter roughly the same age and she assured me that my current decision was incorrect. Since I have no mind of my own and am easily swayed by public opinion and live in constant fear of the ridicule of strangers, I returned the item. Can't say what it is in case I change my mind and go back for it. I am back at square one. Anyone with any ideas for a just shy of middle aged woman with 3 children who just got her Realtor's license, is a soccer (well, lacrosse), Kia driving mom who doesn't like my taste in clothes, I am all ears and welcome any suggestions.
Since I have a free afternoon and evening, I will sign off now to go and finish off all the wonderful desserts everyone brought last night. I am an adult and I can eat whatever I want for dinner.
Stay tuned
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