I agree with the interviewee who I heard on NPR yesterday that it is important to be able to enjoy the lively and open discussion of politics with your guests. I actually believe we need to have more open and respectful discussions outside our homes as well, but I will save this topic for a future post because today I am sharing my gratitude for a meal enjoyed with friends. Good food and lively conversation is definitely one of my favorite ways to enjoy an evening, and thanks to Susan’s new cookbook, I finally ventured back into the kitchen.
We sampled three of Susan’s savory bites with the Blue Cheese and walnuts with a dollup of Bee Branch Farm honey, of course, being our favorite. This is very simple to prepare and to have all the ingredients on hand for when guests drop in for a visit, which is one of the aspects I appreciate about Susan’s recipes, they are not overly complicated and most of the ingredients are readily available. Entertaining should be fun; keep it simple and relaxing. It is not about impressing people; it is about having a lovely time with friends.
My mouth is actually already watering for the main course of Beef Bourguignon, again. Before you jump to correct my English/French combination name of this dish, you will just have to get the cookbook and learn the rest of the story. This was my first time making this french classic, and Susan has simplified and adapted the recipe to easily available ingredients and modern cooking styles. Absolutely delicious!! Well done Susan; I am going to add this to my favorite recipe repertoire. I served it with peas and a crusty seeded sourdough bread to soak up that tasty gravy.
We finished off with an apple and pear bread pudding, which was a slight adjustment on Susan’s Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Susan’s recipe called for a pumpkin butter, but I had a jar of my mom’s apple butter, and my mom makes the best apple butter. This recipe can be served for breakfast or dessert, and Glenn and I just enjoyed it for both!
There is no pretension in Susan’s cookbook, just as there is no pretension in Susan. It is absolutely delightful. Enjoy.
