Mrs S returned home this afternoon, hopefully this time for a spell.
Things in Cali are going better than we could have hoped for. Things in Houghon Michigan are worse than we expected, but frankly we don’t give a shit about how the kid gets off to his Jr. Year. All focus now, middle kid and his College admissions BTW, Auburn still his top ranked school.
So this evening we, Mrs S andI, find ourselves in an empty house. Girlfriend is off to see Big Time Rush at the State Fair. Middle son is working at Andy’s Grille at the State Fair and we’re all alone, or as I like to to say, Camp Clothing Optional.
Mrs S does not say that in case you were keeping score.
But, a fella has to try.. as I tell her, when I stop trying, then you should start worrying. So to what could welcome home my long absent bride than a special home cooked meal? In my mind, and if I had a wife who cooked, nada.
Yesterday I bought a pound and a half of locally produced America Lamb at the Co-Op. Practically soiled myself in excitement just thinking about fresh lamb. These came home and went into a marinade of olive oil, fresh thyme, garlic, House Seasoning, and a few pepper flakes. Let that sit overnight. This weekend I actually hung out around the house, my first weekend at home in no less than 8 weeks. Being home meant I could head over to the Apple Valley Farmers Market.. man I wish we had something like that near the lake place.
I purchased a basket of green beans, aka haricort verts. These I sauteed these with some garlic, shallots and red and purple bell peppers. Here’s the method, heat a couple times round the pan of olive oil in a skillet, one that you have a good top for, that’s a challenge around here. Add the peppers, garlic and shallots and saute until fragrant. Add a pinch or two of pepper and garlic salt. Add the beans and mix around as they cook a bit. Add about a 1/4 cup of chicken broth and cover. Turn down the heat to simmer.
Rice- I really like the Royal Blend brand, especially their wild rice/brown rice mix. For this I toast some almonds in a skillet, about a handful will do. Then a few tbl spoons of olive oil into a deep pot. Heat on med-high. Add half a diced onion then add the rice. Saute the rice for a few minutes, stirring the whole time. Add a just short of 2 cups of chicken broth, if th
e rice is hot enough it will boil instantly. Cover with a tight lid and turn down to simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. At 15, add the nuts and a hand full of dried cranberries, stir well and recover and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or so. When the rice is fully cooked remove from the heat.
For the lamb- grill on a high flame, about 6 minutes a side.
If I don’t mind saying so myself, this was a pretty damned good welcome home. Just to show what a decent husband I am.. add a very nice bouquet of flowers, also fresh from the farmers market. Make the daughter add a “welcome home Mom” hand made card and a bottle of Mouton Cadet and I’m thinking I’ve done everything I can to impress my bride.
And while she liked the meal and commented so, after dinner she thought the best way to celebrate our first empty nest experience in 4 years would be to go out and weed the yard.
Back to the drawing board.
