Courthouse Ladies Night
(Caution: Half naked cooks and servers
pictured below, you've been warned.)
The Courthouse Ladies have a Ladies Night almost monthly. I hope to add some content and a bit of history about the grand times we have had and plan to have. Our group varies by how many are free to attend on the given night. We have from 3 to 9 participants on any one night, all ladies (except the cook, that's me). So now you know why it's called Ladies Night.
Now I have been asked why I do this and how
did it start.
Well, I'll tell you. I have business with the fine ladies that run parts of the
Yuma County courthouse, specifically the assessor's and treasurer's office. One
day while conducting business one of the ladies asked if there was something
they could do for me. You see, my wife had recently passed away and I suppose I
looked forlorn that day. I replied: "Sure, you can all come to dinner at my
house." The reply was: "No, no, I meant something we could do for YOU." I
said: "Yes, I know. I would like you to come to my house for dinner." The
response was: "Say What?" So I had to explain: "I love to cook and this would
give me a reason to cook a fancy dinner for you ladies that have been so helpful
and kind to me." The ladies in the county offices are always so kind and
occasionally have to deal with, well, disagreeable clients that I thought an
evening of relaxing would certainly be in order. So we planned an evening when
everyone was available and so it started with a single dinner. We all had so
much fun, I decided to continue the Ladies night on an irregular basis. That's the story. I have itemized the evening's fare along with some of the
recipes. So check them out below.
Would you like to meet the Courthouse
Ladies?
Here's a little sample.
And if you believe me, I would like to sell you a
bridge!
Which one would you like San Francisco or Brooklyn?
Would you like to know Who's Who?
Ladies, I know some of you have taken some photos, maybe you could send me a few and I can share them on this page! Here's one of mine to start with. (Note: This is an older photo and includes a small view of the old kitchen before it was remodeled.)
As chief cook and bottle washer,
I'm the lead for the evening festivities.
So I best get to work and serve up an unforgettable evening's fare.
Is that a picture of me? I don't think
so, my butt's not that cute
(and I'm no angel even though his wings are small).
Ladies, please come and enjoy the evening!
Here's a listing of our Menus
I'm not going to divulge our conversations or
shenanigans, those
are private.
(I've provided links to some of the recipes where I have them available.)
To see all my posted recipes check out my
Frim Fram Page!
What's Frim Fram Sauce? Check out the page to find out.
Our first gathering was April 23, 2018. That night we celebrated Carrie's birthday. We didn't make a big fuss, but did give her a 'happy birthday wish'.
Here's our first menu:
Chicken Curry (using home made curry powder) over Yellow Rice, with peanuts, coconut, and topped with home made mango peach chutney
Brussels Sprouts with pistachio nuts, pine nuts, and apple cider sauce
Artichoke heart salad
Pita bread
Fruit Cheesecake with real whipped cream
Lots of Cordial Testing
Our Second go was June 5, 2018 and by request included the following menu:
Romaine & walnut salad
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Thighs
Cheesy twice baked potatoes
Whole roasted asparagus
French bread
Homemade custard, the way mom used to make it
At our Third evening of frivolity on July 17, 2018 we celebrated Cindy's birthday with:
Squash/leek soup (homemade)
Romaine walnut salad (repeat, sorry, but was requested)
Shrimp parmesan over noodles
Sautéed zucchini
Baguette bread with olive oil dip
Cherries jubilee
September 10, 2018 found us celebrating Rosh Hashanah with a traditional Jewish selection that included:
Hors d'oeuvres of Chopped Liver (not liked by everyone) and Dolmas
Sweet & sour flanken
Kasha varnishkes
Stuffed courgetes and potatoes
Fresh baked bread
Homemade cheesecake using homemade ricotta cheese (Yes, I know, dairy is not allowed with a meat meal, but we are not Jewish.)
For our 5th gathering on
October 30, 2018 we'll have a 5th, well not really. We will celebrate
Erin's birthday and we'll throw in Dee Ann as I think we missed her last month.
Guess we should add Bob too, but the last time I looked, he wasn't a lady, so I
don't know.
Here's the menu:
Hors d'oeuvres will include brie cheese & crackers topped with a selection of either homemade pear & port compote or cranberry pear chutney
Artichoke heart salad (repeat, sorry)
New England boiled dinner using home cured corned beef & fresh pickling spices, with lots of vegetables and cabbages
Fresh baked asiago and garlic bread (not homemade)
By request of one of the fine ladies: Cherries Jubilee (repeat, sorry)
Although this has been a St Patrick's day fair, I thought it good for another
day too, besides my main stove is gone and this is easier to make in the
basement on my canning stove, a one pot dinner so to speak. In addition to
selected wines as always, there will be a choice of 5 different kinds of beer
for those of you who might care for a beer or two, corned beef goes so well
with beer.
Our Sixth meeting of the Courthouse Ladies will be on Tuesday November 27, 2018 with the following menu:
Hors d'oeuvres of cheese, crackers, celery, pickles and olives (and libations of coarse)
Waldorf Salad
Chicken and dumplings
Sunshine carrots
Home made pumpkin pie with real whipped cream
Happy Birthday Chrystal
This will be the cook's KISS event (Keep It Simple Stupid) (The cook is stupid not the guests).
We'll keep it simple as Thanksgiving was just 5 days earlier. Plus the kitchen is under construction, but at least the new range is installed on the main floor, although it will be removed just days afterward!
Because the kitchen will be going through major modifications in December and with the Christmas holidays and all, I plan to have our next Ladies Night in January and skip December this time. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
February 26, 2019 found us returning to dinner with the courthouse crew. We were missing Carrie and Chrystal - They were missed.
Our evening began with cheese, crackers, olives, deviled eggs, etc. to begin with, along with a small glass of wine to start.
(You know where deviled eggs come from, don't you? - Wicked Chickens!)
We moved to the table to find cabbage shaped salad dishes on top of wooden boards!
A simple salad was served in the yellow dishes with no explanation as to why the wooden boards rather than just a table cloth.
Next came the entrée - each of us got a hot cast iron pan filled with Shepherd's Pie - the real stuff with lamb not that hamburger version.
(And of coarse we found out the reason for the wooden boards - a place for the hot out of the oven cast iron pans. Everyone got one of their own.)
Dessert was a copout store bought cheese cake selection along with coffee and appropriate 'creamers'.
The long delay of monthly or by-monthly get togethers is over. Sorry December, January and much of February. The kitchen was finally finished just a few days before and is now available for ease of cooking and serving. Hopefully we can get back to our regular - irregular - schedule.
Our next planned evening will be March 25, 2019. As we are only a week away from Saint Patrick's day of March 17th, we ought to have Home Cured Corned Beef and Cabbage, however, because we had that back in October we will try something different. At this time I plan to have a new experiment of either: The good ole Southern dish - Grits and Shrimp; or possibly Grits Roll filled with Tomato Sauce, Shrimp and Mushrooms, along with all the necessary accompaniments, of coarse. See you there!
Well, as it often happens, things get changed. Maybe we can do the above another day. I ended up having a meeting just an hour before our time together, so I changed the menu so I could let all cook ahead of time. So here's what we did:
We began with a few nibbles of cheese, crackers, olives etc. along with a little liquid to wash it down.
Dinner began with the artichoke salad that we have had before as there was a request for the recipe. (Still have to get that one recorded!)
The main course was my Mother's Meatloaf recipe with vegetables and meatloaf gravy included, along with a loaf of Garlic, Rosemary & Olive Oil bread.
Dessert was again - store bought cheese cake.
Not sure when or what for next time, but I'll let everyone know as soon as I do. (I'm hosting a Jewish Passover Seder just after Easter, so we may delay a week or two before Courthouse Night.)
May 21, 2019 was the next gathering date for the Courthouse Ladies Night in Wray. Although a selection of Rock Cornish Game Hens were requested, I changed the menu. A friend headed to Denver and was able to obtain for me some lovely fresh (large) artichokes. So here's what we had:
Hors d'oeuvres of cheese, crackers, Charasset/Haroseth (left over from the above mentioned Seder, but still good and liked by everyone), shrimp with dipping sauce, deviled eggs, and strawberry daiquiris or wine. (The daiquiris didn't go over well, but that's what I get for using a premix!)
Dinner included a steamed artichoke with homemade dipping sauce made with Bob's Curry Powder & mayonnaise along with a helping of avocado & green apple salad.
Dessert was offered but no one had room, so it was coffee and Orchada and a nice visit.
June 26, 2019 found us down four of the courthouse ladies. We only had the Assessor's Office represented (boo hoo). However, we did have a grand evening. It was a seafood night (not see food and eat it diet I must say).
Hors d'oeuvres found us chowing down on home made guacamole & chips, cheese & crackers, and a few smoked oysters with the obligatory liquid to wash it all down.
Dinner began with lobster bisque and a serving of home made sour dough bread for the evening meal. After the soup we switched to an entrée of crab cakes with rémoulade sauce and a grand platter of king crab legs and peal yourself shrimp with individual dipping sauces. Yes, we were supplied with towels rather than napkins for all the 'pealing work of the seafood.
With little room left over in our packed tummies, Dessert found us eying chocolate dipped strawberries and a bowl of fresh sliced pineapple, which we all helped ourselves to along with an Orchada coffee.
Our next scheduled Ladies Night is for July 30th. Haven't yet decided what's on the menu, but I'll begin contemplating!
July 30, 2019 we were down a couple of fine ladies but that didn't stop us from having a feastly night.
Hors d'oeuvres were a standard fare of crackers cheese and other goodies with cool liquids to wash it all down as we waited for the final ladies to arrive. (Snooze you loose!)
Dinner this evening was a simple menu. There was fresh salmon (caught just a few weeks prior to dinner in Alaska by friends that shared their catch with me) in a teriyaki sauce along with couscous and a cucumber noodle salad.
Dessert was a red velvet cake roll with ice cream (I scream, you scream, then the police come. Not. Even though we are just across the street from the local police station.) And of coarse coffee with the appropriate 'creams'.
Our next Ladies Night might have to wait a while. For August and September, my brother and I will be working very hard on the White Prayer Chapel I'm adding to my home. I'll update things as I can to keep you abreast of what's happening.
It's a New Year! 2020 can you imagine?
January 14, 2020 Finally! We finally got together once again. The construction project and other things kept me from our feasting. However, with most of the chapel complete and my brother gone home I thought it about time once again to have the Ladies over. So here's what we had for Ladies Night:
Hors d'oeuvres included only some crackers and smoked gouda cheese along with home made guacamole and chips. Liquid to wash it down is always necessary too. Moscato was the liquid of choice for most of the ladies.
The first course began with homemade Mushroom Bisque (rather than a salad tonight). I kind of figured with the cold weather a bisque might be good.
The main course was Brined Rock Cornish Game Hens served over a bed of homemade chestnut stuffing, a vegetable dish of peas with pearl onions, and a nice helping of sautéed sweet potatoes. Moscato or a Chablis from South Africa was made available to go along with the eats.
Two desserts were mentioned, but everyone said they were too full to have any. I let everyone know that the choices were store bought cheese cake or home made Crème Brûlée. With a moan everyone chose to have some Crème Brûlée after all. But there was only one taker for a cup of coffee with Chila 'Orchada (originally called Orchada). I have been out of Orchada for months as it is no longer sold within the state of Colorado, but I was able to find a special source and got a few bottles as all the ladies preferred this brand over the others that are available. (Yes we had a taste testing to find out previously!)
Not sure when our next Ladies Night will be scheduled, but I will be certain to post the evenings pleasures when we have our next Ladies Night.
As everything this evening was home made, there were many that wanted recipes, so I hope to post those shortly.
March 16, 2020 found 4 ladies as our group for the evening.
We skipped the soup or salad course and started right in on the main course of Crown Roast of Lamb, Rice & Bulgur stuffing, Brussels Sprouts with pistachio nuts and apple cider sauce (repeat, sorry) (forgot the pine nuts), and roasted garlic sour dough bread.
Dessert included small 'store bought' slices of cheese cake and our standard coffee with additions.
All in all, we had a wonderful time and no one went home hungry. With all the other things happening at this time, it may be a few months before our next gathering, but I will fill you in when that happens.
Well that 'few months' mentioned above is going to turn into maybe several months as the virus has caused a hiatus in our plans. When everyone feels comfortable, we will start up again.
The virus isn't over yet, but we have attempted to restart Ladies Night. It's August 20, 2020 and we had 5 Ladies and myself. (Happy Birthday Pam!) Here's what we had:
Starters consisted of Guacamole & chips, deviled eggs and cheese - sausage & crackers.
The main course included Walnut Crusted Pork Loin, Green Bean Bulgur & Barley Salad, Tiny Roasted Potatoes, and spiced apple rings.
For dessert we had Peach & Bourbon Cobbler (got in a shipment of Palisades Peaches - Yum) with the usual coffee, etc.
We were scheduled for another Ladies Night on September 17, 2020. However, the day before, they found out there was a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the courthouse and they were kind enough to cancel as a just in case. Thank you for the consideration of all our health. I certainly didn't mind a little delay. Besides, I can save the elk stroganoff for another evening.
I was joined by 5 of the lovely Ladies of the Courthouse on October 21, 2020 for a Mediterranean themed dinner evening that also included a poetry reading (more on that later).
Starters included a dip of Lebneh & Za'atar with fresh vegetables and pita crackers. Then on another plate was some peppered smoked Alaskan salmon.
Yea, I know, the smoked salmon isn't Mediterranean but everyone seemed to enjoy it. I was going to make rumaki, which isn't Mediterranean either, but didn't have time. Besides there are some of those fine ladies who don't care for liver. You know, rumaki was first introduced at a place called Don the Beachcomer restaurant in Palm Springs around 1941 and was also popular at Trader Vic's in the '50s and '60s. Did you ever go to Trader Vic's in Denver? I did! Sadly, when they closed then later tore down the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trader Vic's decided to close in Denver too. Hay, maybe we should plan a Tiki night some time in the future? But I digress - -
The Main Course included Za'atar Crusted Halibut over vegetables and couscous, with a helping of eggplant za'atar salad (with tahini) and some sautéed asparagus on the side. Homemade roasted garlic/rosemary or caramelized onion/sage sourdough bread was also made available. Wine was served for the evening as you can see on the hors d'oeuvre table pictured below.
Dessert was homemade Baklava with a fig and a date on the side. Dessert was served with a helping of coffee and the preferred 'flavoring' either in the coffee or on the side. Oh, and don't forget; a Poetry Reading for the night.
As we were kind of close to Halloween, I decided to have the Poetry Reading a little macabre (no it wasn't Edgar Allen Poe). I recited 'The Cremation of Sam McGee' by Robert W. Service written in 1907. Now because of the subject matter, I decided to do the reading After dinner. Everyone seemed to enjoy the it, so I may try again some other evening. It certainly incited continued conversations afterwards. (No I won't tell you about the conversations!) You know, I might see if I can convince one of the Ladies to do a reading next time.
I'm sure the Ladies enjoyed themselves. You'll have to ask them the next time you see them.
You may find the recipes above by following those links and the spice recipes for Za'atar and Tahini here.
We have decided to take a short break. The coming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas make November and December very busy months. Then when you add in the advancing numbers and rules for Covid19, it makes it difficult to gather a group together. So let's plan to reconvene something in January. Happy Holidays!
Here it is January 20, 2021 and we decided
to begin the first month of a new year with another Ladies visit. Now many of
our previous dinners have been what I might call semi-formal, I decided to make
this evening a bit more wacky. Because of our planned dress, I closed all the
blinds and shades so there would be no kibitzers. I decided to host the evening
as a Tiki Party or Luau. Now it's the dead of winter, so I couldn't have roast
pig. It's a bit too cold to dig a pit and stand out there for hours keeping
things cooking. Besides it's a bit difficult to find banana leaves this time of
year in Wray!
When each of the three Ladies arrived, I made sure they were properly outfitted with Hawaiian shirts. If not, they borrowed one of mine. Each one got several leis, wrist leis, and had a selection of goofy luau glasses to dress their face. I had a set that looked like a big crab. Oh and there were a couple of grass skirts that were taken advantage of too! (Can you see why I closed all the shades?) Totally outfitted we began the evening with a libation. The orders included: Piña Colada, Bermuda Rum Swizzle (topped with home made Grenadine), and Dark 'N' Stormy. Mine was the Dark 'N' Stormy. I won't tell who got what after that. Just like I won't share pictures of our antics or participants. Besides, I may need to keep those photos around for blackmail in the future.
The dinner began as a complete round of Pu Pu Platters - no main course so to speak. The Polynesian fare included: Rumaki (and liverless Rumaki for those that don't care for liver), Pork Egg Rolls, Seafood Wonton, Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops, Seafood Sushi (with wasabi on the side), Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, Pork BBQ Spare Ribs, Coconut & Sweet Chili Shrimp Purses, and Lump Crab Cakes. One non-Polynesian was a bowl of Guacamole & chips. We were also infested by a group of mice, but I forgot to put them on the table. So the ladies didn't get those mice, but you can see them below. (I always seem to forget something each evening. The mice, the drink garnishes, the bitters, the sesame seed toppings - la la la.) Oh well, I think we all had a good time.
Many of the items for the Pu Pu Platters were taken from Trader Vic's. Below is a 1950's vintage menu cover.
There was fresh Papaya for desert with a little liqueur splashed over it if there was an inclination.
Oh yes and there was a reading this night too! Chrystal was kind enough to tell us the story of the Creation of the world from the Polynesian perspective. (She looked good telling her story in her grass skirt, leis and humming bird black rimmed glasses. Sorry, no pictures - she looked too good for this page.)
See you next time for Ladies Night at Bob's Place!
February was cancelled on account of unavailability's. Let's hope more are available for March and Saint Patrick's day!
March 18, 2021 the day After Saint
Patrick's day found us celebrating Saint Patrick's Day one day late. I wasn't
available for the day and many were not available the day after either. As it
turns out it was Spring Break and most had other plans. There were two that were
available so even though it was a small group, we planned an evening of
frivolity anyway.
Our menu began with a bit of cheese, summer sausage, and honey smoked salmon with crackers. The libation of choice turned out to be Moscow Mules to begin the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day. No, green beer was Not one of the choices but Guinness Stout was.
Dinner was my home cured corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and carrots all simmered together for hours. There was also a crunchy green bean and pea salad to round out the plates. Yes, the corned beef was a repeat from two and a half years ago, but what else are we going to do for St Paddy's Day? The leftovers were shared with the ladies so they could take some home for another day.
There were two choices for desert. The winning selection turned out to be the lighter choice of Crème Brûlée with the usual coffee and digestives. The lighter choice seems to win out when we enjoy much of the main course selection.
I didn't prepare a reading performance. To lazy I suppose. Maybe next time.
Here's looking forward to April and another Courthouse Ladies Night! I wonder what we should have for a late April Fools? Maybe I can get some suggestions from the Ladies.
We almost didn't make it in the month of
April. However, the day after the pink moon we were able to gather together once
again on April 27, 2021.
Our menu began much like last month with crackers and toppings of honey smoke salmon, cheese and summer sausage. In addition there was a bowl of home made guacamole and chips. Libations were provided as per each individual request.
Dinner was finally ready (Bob took his time tonight) with a starter of Avocado and Apple salad. Everyone enjoyed their salad, while Bob finished off the cooking for the main coarse which was: Milanesa Napolitana, Asparagus and Green Bean Bundles, and Potato Rounds.
A light Desert were two small Chocolate Mousse filled Cannoli and for those that cared; coffee and the normal Cream Choices.
Again, I was much to lazy and didn't supply a reading or performance of any kind. (Remember, I'm not allowed to dance on the table.) Maybe next time (for the reading not the dancing).
May 19, 2021 (Happy Birthday Heather)
became our next business meeting. Monkey Business don't you know. Only three
were available but we certainly made a night of it.
An arms length of libations were offered and everyone of the lovely ladies chose a Moscow Mule to go along with a table full of Hors d'oeuvres. There was cracked pepper smoked salmon, sardines, smoked oysters, pickled herring in sour cream, shrimp with dipping sauce, spinach dip along with crackers and chips. (Kind of fishy, but it went along with the dinner theme.)
The dinner theme was Surf and Turf. Surf was lobster tails and Turf was sliced rib steaks all topped with Spicy Garlic Chimichurri Butter. I also added some fresh white corn on the cob and sautéed plantains (rather than potatoes) with garlic toast on the side (sorry it was a bit too salty). A nice shrimp salad was served along with the dinner.
The only mistake I made was cooking too much, or serving too much. Because of that the cheesecake stayed in the refrigerator and desert became a nice hot cup of fresh brewed coffee and 'Orchada. Having so many leftovers, 'doggie bags' were prepared and shared. Hopefully for the next day's lunch or dinner rather than the local pet.
No pictures for this night, as I was busy visiting early and cooking later. Oh, there was a poetry reading: Reincarnation by Ellen Bass, 2015.
Looking forward to our next 'business meeting' with the lovely ladies of the Wray Courthouse.
June 16, 2021 found us with 4 guests and myself making a total of 5 hungry folks.
Hors d'oeuvres included a seven layer dip with tortilla chips and lil' smokies with BBQ Sauce.
As I have in the past made quantities exceeding the capacity of my guests, I decided to make a single item for our main course with only one other accompaniment. Some home made roasted garlic and olive oil sour dough bread. Our repast consisted of two 14 inch pans of Seafood Paella with scallops, shrimp and mussels. (In actuality, a single pan might have been enough (there was one light eater), but I didn't want anyone to leave hungry. There I go again. Besides, I can always invite some other guests the next night for leftovers. Oh Boy!)
Desert consisted of a copout again of store bought New York style cheese cake with a couple of takers for coffee, etc.
A good time was had by all especially as they didn't have to endure the torture of another 'poetry reading'.
I wonder what to do next month? Any suggestions ladies?
July 27, 2021 found
3 Ladies again ready for Ladies Night! Happy Birthday Cindy on the 19th.
Hors d'oeuvres included sliced & toasted baguette topped with goat cheese and roasted cherries, sliced cheeses, sardines, smoked oysters, and crackers. The drink of choice for starters was Moscow Mules all round as the day was very hot.
Our main course included homemade lasagna using home canned sauces, Brussels sprouts w/pistachio nuts and apple cider sauce, homemade sourdough bread, and a nice antipasto salad to round things out.
Desert was German Chocolate cake in celebration of Cindy's Birthday.
We had way too much fun to include a poetry reading. Maybe another night or maybe not.
Suggestions
Ladies - I would like some suggestions. Send me an email of some of your favorite dishes so I can think about what's next. Or let me know what tickles your fancy of what I may have in my larder just waiting to become dinner:
Fresh caught & frozen Alaska salmon
Fresh caught & frozen Alaska halibut
Ahi tuna steaks
Swai filet
Tilapia filet
Catfish filet
Shrimp
Calamari (squid)
Mussels
Crayfish
Scallops (Bay & Sea)
Rib steak (but you have meat and potatoes all the time)
Flank steak
Beef, lamb, pork, goose, chicken liver
Beef, lamb hearts
Lamb chops, shanks, roasts, leg, crown roast
Veal
Lots of chicken
Pork belly
Pork, beef, lamb roasts
Goat
Venison
Elk
Ox tail
Bison
Rock Cornish game hens
Quail
Rabbit
Duck
Then there's some of the other recipes I've made (or not yet made but sounds good) that we haven't yet shared:
Flank steak roulade
Salisbury steak
Curry dish/dinner made w/beef, pork, chicken, lamb, mutton, fish, shrimp or ?
How about breakfast for dinner: Curry Braised Eggs w/naan, couscous or basmati rice
Bacon, spinach and ricotta pizza (all homemade)
Bay rubbed roast chicken
Dolmas (Wrapped grape leaves w/beef, chicken or lamb. Dinner or hors d'oeuvres.)
Sushi
Salmon, beet root & plum wine sashimi (served raw)
Seafood pot pie
Chicken pot pie
Meatloaf Roulade
Salmon loaf
Coffee crusted steak
Taco buffet (Margarita night) (which is more important the tacos or margaritas? I make mine from scratch with salted rims-watch out!)
Bouillabaisse
Cajun Boil
Jambalaya (Andouille sausage, chicken, seafood or ?)
Paella (seafood, chicken, pork or beef)
Sea scallops (not bay scallops those are for appetizers)
Stuffed pork chops
Stuffed mushrooms (dinner or hors d'oeuvres)
Venison Stroganoff
Elk
Cast iron frittata
Baked ham
Stuffed quail or rock Cornish game hens
Chicken cordon bleu
Chicken Kiev
Chinese stir-fry wok dinner w/chicken, beef, fish or shrimp
Cashew chicken
Oriental sweet & sour pork
Oriental lamb w/black bean sauce
Lobster Thermidor
Calamari steaks
Mom's lasagna
Rolled flank steak on a stick (mother's recipe)
Manicotti
SOS (creamed chip beef on toast - known by WWII vets and others as Shit On a Shingle) Boy did I get into trouble as a kid asking for SOS when company was at home!
How about some suggestions from you. If you can tell me, I can probably find a way to fix it! I have so many recipe books I get dizzy.
If you can't come up with a main course how about a theme for the evening - old Southern, Appalachian, home made comfort, Japanese, East Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Cajun, seafood, finger food night (no food fights allowed) etc.
Maybe you can tell me what your favorite dish was that your mom used to make for you when you were a kid. Remember, we were all kids at one time. Sometimes I think I still am, but that feeling doesn't last long. My knees don't always work well, but what do you expect? They are about as old as I am. So they remind me I'm no longer a kid.
As for cook books, I have recent ones, some dating back to the WWII times or the '20s and '30's, and even others dating as far back to the 1700's (we will have to go hunting for that one!). Yes, I have current versions also.
One of my favorite recipe books (my default go-to for the last 20 years) is the Victory Binding of the American Woman's Cook Book, wartime addition. My copy (from Ramona, my wife) was published in 1943 during the war and includes an entire section of menus, recipes and substitutions in the wartime supplement added to the back pages (do you remember rationing? Guess not).
Before Ramona, my favorite go-to cook book was from Posy (Rosemary - my first wife), The Good Housekeeping Cook Book, also published in 1943 including a wartime supplement. I used that one for over 28 years and I'm so happy to locate it again! (It's been in storage for over 20 years and I just unpacked it with others that have been in storage way to long.)
Watch out there, you might get invited to the Courthouse Ladies Night - As Dinner!
Caricatures from Catering for Special Occasions with Menus & Recipes by Fannie Merritt Farmer, artwork by Albert D. Blashfield ©1911 David McKay
©Bob Snyder
Last updated August 14, 2021
http://www.snydersmart.com/courthouseladies/index.html
