Let's just call this one "full circle."
After four months and twelve days, the crew was back where we started: R. J.'s house. In just a third of a year, we've grown, we've learned, we've become better cooks--chefs, even?
Tonight, we put on the most organized Cooking Club ever. Not to brag, but we had an entire menu, an itemized grocery list, and an oven matrix all before the night even began. And let me remind you that this all took place on a Friday--right after work. The only thing missing? A flour sifter. But don't you worry--Martha Ellen had one handy at her house and she had to run back to get the hens anyway.
In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we took on the American tradition as our inspiration, but decided to infuse the menu with a little bit of what you'd expect from Cooking Club. New and different menu choices, cooking techniques and a whole lot of wine resulted in a night that all will remember.
Highlights:
- I think it's the first cooking club without setting off a smoke alarm
- We almost cooked a warty maltese.
- Martha Ellen and Mary Kay mimicked Grey's Anatomy with their suturing of the Cornish Game Hens. Bridget would have nothing to do Game Hens or stuffing their cavities.
- Bridget won categories, even with Mary Kay's rules
- Two Talyors passed out early. We'd expect it from R.J.; it was a surprise from Martha Ellen.
Theme: Thanksgiving, With a Twist!
Cost: $$$
Menu
Cranberry Bruschetta
Garlic and Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hen
Fennel, Red Onion, and Focaccia Stuffing
Avocado Mashed Potatoes
Grill Roasted Vegetables with Pine Nut Pesto
Paula Dean's Pumpkin Roll Cake
Attendance: Founding Members + Associate Member Bridget + Elizabeth Kurfess (sponsored guest of MK)
Key Learnings:
- R. J.'s a sucker for whatever wine the wine lady recommends. Even if we've had it before and it sucked last time, too.
- Check the dishwasher. Make sure there are four or more dishes in it before starting the cycle.
- An Oven Matrix generates optimal results.
- No really, trust the recipe.
- Lemons should be squeezed before simmering in the butter.
- Mary Kay doesn't like to chop bread.
- Bridget is so-so on making desserts. Until they're done.
- You have to peel parsnips.
- Core the fennel. Then slice it lengthwise
- Mary Kay and R. J. live about one block apart.
- Mary Kay cannot lift R. J.
- Martha Ellen's dramatic hand gestures lead to candle wax spills
- You can alternate scissors for a knife
Memorable Quotes:
"How surprised were you about the Cornish Game Hens???" - Mary Kay
"I wouldn't expect two mushy things to go together." - Ben
Kitchen Audit Results: R. J. needs a sifter, vegetable peeler, aluminum foil, kitchen brush, another oven, and more stamina to make it through the evening.
Next Up: Asian Cuisine in December!
After four months and twelve days, the crew was back where we started: R. J.'s house. In just a third of a year, we've grown, we've learned, we've become better cooks--chefs, even?
Tonight, we put on the most organized Cooking Club ever. Not to brag, but we had an entire menu, an itemized grocery list, and an oven matrix all before the night even began. And let me remind you that this all took place on a Friday--right after work. The only thing missing? A flour sifter. But don't you worry--Martha Ellen had one handy at her house and she had to run back to get the hens anyway.
In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we took on the American tradition as our inspiration, but decided to infuse the menu with a little bit of what you'd expect from Cooking Club. New and different menu choices, cooking techniques and a whole lot of wine resulted in a night that all will remember.
Highlights:
- I think it's the first cooking club without setting off a smoke alarm
- We almost cooked a warty maltese.
- Martha Ellen and Mary Kay mimicked Grey's Anatomy with their suturing of the Cornish Game Hens. Bridget would have nothing to do Game Hens or stuffing their cavities.
- Bridget won categories, even with Mary Kay's rules
- Two Talyors passed out early. We'd expect it from R.J.; it was a surprise from Martha Ellen.
Theme: Thanksgiving, With a Twist!
Cost: $$$
Menu
Cranberry Bruschetta
Garlic and Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hen
Fennel, Red Onion, and Focaccia Stuffing
Avocado Mashed Potatoes
Grill Roasted Vegetables with Pine Nut Pesto
Paula Dean's Pumpkin Roll Cake
Attendance: Founding Members + Associate Member Bridget + Elizabeth Kurfess (sponsored guest of MK)
Key Learnings:
- R. J.'s a sucker for whatever wine the wine lady recommends. Even if we've had it before and it sucked last time, too.
- Check the dishwasher. Make sure there are four or more dishes in it before starting the cycle.
- An Oven Matrix generates optimal results.
- No really, trust the recipe.
- Lemons should be squeezed before simmering in the butter.
- Mary Kay doesn't like to chop bread.
- Bridget is so-so on making desserts. Until they're done.
- You have to peel parsnips.
- Core the fennel. Then slice it lengthwise
- Mary Kay and R. J. live about one block apart.
- Mary Kay cannot lift R. J.
- Martha Ellen's dramatic hand gestures lead to candle wax spills
- You can alternate scissors for a knife
Memorable Quotes:
"How surprised were you about the Cornish Game Hens???" - Mary Kay
"I wouldn't expect two mushy things to go together." - Ben
Kitchen Audit Results: R. J. needs a sifter, vegetable peeler, aluminum foil, kitchen brush, another oven, and more stamina to make it through the evening.
Next Up: Asian Cuisine in December!
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