Food and Friends 5

Food is a gift.


Think about it.
Without getting into the politics and neediness in the world and the shortage there is of everything.....I'm just talking about in most of our personal lives.....right now.....what special occasion or event have you had recently that didn't somehow involve a meal? Or a dish brought to a friend in a time of need? Or something silly like making 8 trays of cookies for a first grade class? Or reservations at a special place for Valentine's Day?
It all involves food. 
I think it's a tremendous gift to prepare a meal for a friend - regardless of the occasion. And I know I am truly grateful when a meal is thought out and prepared for my family. At some point in life it's no longer about the 'stuff'. It's about being together, laughing together, enjoying the company of the people we love. And sharing a meal.


So on that note, Happy Birthday Gina!
She wanted a Korean feast so I prepared for her a Korean feast. 
Great night. Great food. Great friends. (Great beer!)


Some photos of what I made:


This is Kimbap - made the way I remember my mother making it.

Fried rice - made partially the cheating way for the sake of time - recipe will be up soon.

Bulgogi and white rice

Shredded dichon radish kimchee - my personal favorite.

Cucumber kimchee

Egg rolls - as with all the dishes this was also made the way I remember my mother making it.

Korean pancakes.

Bibimbap - this dish didn't actually make an appearance at the party - this is what I had for lunch since it contains most the ingredients of the items above.

The requested dessert? Chocolate filled beignets - baked not fried in a effort to reduce calories (ridiculous, I know) And also lemon curd filled beignets drizzled with chocolate ganache and powdered sugar. The lemon ones didn't turn out as pretty as I wanted them to but as I was told later "you didn't hear any of us complaining did you?" I wish there was a photo of me just placing the hot tray in the middle of the table, handing out a bunch of spoons and everyone digging in. It was delicious!

Happy birthday my friend. Looking forward to celebrating many more together.

Food and Friends 1

My family and I are surrounded by wonderful friends and great cooks. What makes our friends especially wonderful? Their infinite patience with me while I am taking photo after photo after photo. Then sometimes holding in a particular position while I take more photos! Case in point...


 

he was a really good sport.....


After that dinner may be served and everyone can dig in. Hopefully I am now eating and have put the camera down (hopefully)

This dinner was simple in preparation (I might be in trouble for this comment)



but huge in flavor and perfect with the several bottles of wine we opened and the conversation that flowed the rest of the evening. 

The tri-tip was rubbed with a Creole seasoning http://www.tonychachere.com/seasoning/ and some added fresh black pepper then grilled to perfection.




The tomato corn salsa dish was very difficult to not just stick my spoon in and eat all of it right there!


Everyone else could have steak and tortillas. I was going to finish this bowl! Recipe? Follows:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 cups garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh corn kernels
2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add shallots and garlic, saute 1 minute. Add corn, saute 5 minutes or until corn is lightly browned. Add tomatoes, saute 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Place corn mixture in a medium bowl: cool to room temperature. Stir in basil and salt. THEN EAT ALL OF IT

DELICIOUS

There was also a guacamole dip and chips that I never got around to trying



because of being completely distracted by the tomato corn thing.

Combine all of the above flavors with several glasses of this

It was a fantastic evening.

Thank you Andrea and Dustin. Looking forward to many more dinners together.