Anniversary Part 1

  To ring in our 5th year as a married couple, Matt and I set out on a culinary adventure together. But, you have to understand why this is an adventure...Matt doesn't really do the cooking thing around here. You could say we have, for the most part, settled into pretty traditional roles. I am the chef extraordinaire, and Matt is the bread-winner. Normally, Matt is rolling in the door right around dinner time and, in the morning, is busy getting ready for his day while I prepare breakfast. Weekends we take slow, and eat leftovers or go out to eat. So, as you can see, not a lot of mutual cooking happening. But on the 20th, we put a menu together from a cookbook we received as a wedding present (thanks, Susan!). It's where I keep the cider recipe safely tucked away, and keep a copy of our vows. I love the recipes in this book; every one is a winner! We'd been saving a wine from our rehearsal dinner all this time and wanted a special meal to go with it.

 

So we decided on rack of lamb. Kind of ambitious, huh?!? So we skedaddled over to Trader Joe's the night before our anniversary and picked up the lamb, some fennel, rosemary, and thyme. We were in business! We threw the marinade together, popped the rack in the fridge, and let it "marry" overnight. Ooh la la! Then, the big night arrived. I picked Matt up from work and we returned home to get down to the business of cooking. Together. 

 

Turned out superbly!!!

 Seriously one of the best meals of my life. (Especially homemade ones.)

 

The wine was smooth and tasty (aren't I a little wine expert! Not.), the sauteed fennel bulbs were soft and buttery, and the green beans added the perfect little crunch. Almost perfection....

...once we followed it with this goodie! Lemon and Triple Ginger Snap Ice Cream. I swear, TJ's doesn't offer a bad product. Have you ever bought something you didn't like there? I haven't. Amazing.

We rounded off the night cuddled up under the Christmas Tree lights watching a movie (The Odd Life of Timothy Green. Feel good, family goodness) and then called it a night. Our part 2 post will come after we get back from Willow's Lodge. We'll be there celebrating on Boxing Day. So excited for that time of relaxation!! And can't wait to share the beauty of it with you all! More to come....

Xx,

m