Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Although no voting takes place here, you’re cordially invited to peek at my who cares anymore dinner party, a blog post formerly known as the Challenge #3 Luxury Dinner Party in Project Food Blog.  I’m kidding (kinda), I care.  And we did have a nice party, after I drank away my sorrow, just kidding again (mostly kinda).  The links will provide more information about all that.  We’ll continue with the party – I prepared a few Thai dishes, since I’m familiar with the cuisine and dinner guests were not.

I invited my awesome family to partake in the food and since none were familiar with Thai food, this post is really titled Thai One Over On The Family, instead of who cares. I know they do.  They’re generally Steak, Seafood and Potato people.  The Potato People – Sounds scary.  Anyway, they were game to try it all.  I didn’t tell them about the Fish Sauce, but used it sparingly just in case.  Busted – They know now.

Since this post is no longer in competition and other stuff needs to get done, it’ll mostly consist of photos, a few words and relevant links.  Hover your cursor over each photo to learn a little more.  We had a great time together, as always.  I appreciate them so much.

Grilling Chicken and Filet Mignon Satay in the backyard on a beautiful day, with the Coconut Peanut Sauce waiting on the sidelines.

They take just minutes to cook, so turn them over quickly, take ‘em off the grill and dig in.  The Satay was the family favorite, as expected.

They’re finally ready to dip into the Coconut Peanut Sauce.

Just a few of the ingredients used to prepare our Thai meal, certainly not all.

The Shrimp and Coconut Milk Soup started with defrosting homemade Chicken Stock, Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves and Galangal.  I’d made this soup many times before, but it’s been a few years.  About 10 years ago, I was working as a Paralegal at a large law firm and we were having a fund raiser for the United Way.  To assist, I offered to prepare ‘any dish’ for the highest bidder.  One law partner paid $750 for a spicy Tom Kha Gai, a variation of the pictured Soup.  Thank God it turned out well and all proceeds went to the United Way.

Wish we could show you the Shrimp in the “Shrimp” and Coconut Milk Soup.  It’s too late now.

The pots were filled and the Lemongrass Tea chilled and ready for guests.  I’m not sure if the above photo can be considered artsy or if it’s just plain blurry!?  If just blurry, I apologize.  Had I still been in the competition, I would’ve taken more photos.

I also prepared a Vegetable Curry with a bountiful array of fresh Veggies (Baby Bok Choy, Sweet Pea Pods, Yams, Asparagus Tips, Carrots, Potatoes, Cauliflower, Zucchini and Broccoli).

And a Thai Peanut Noodle Salad, Saffron Rice and homemade Mango Lime Sherbet Ice Cream.  I found the BEST Peanut Dressing recipe for the Noodle Salad and coincidentally it’s by another Foodbuzz Featured Publisher.  It’s linked here and definitely a keeper.

The girls at the Thai Dinner Party (l-r) Niece Lexi, Mom, Sister Ami, Niece Bailee and Maggie, the King Charles Cavalier.  The boys were in the den watching football.

Lexi entertaining the crowd, as usual — She’s staring at YOU.

The Mango Lime Sherbet turned out too tart and I even added more sugar than the recipe called for.  Although everyone claimed to love tart flavors, it was pushing it.  My Dad took one bite and handed it back to me with a pucker on his face.

Above is a little sampling for the dog, just kidding — It’s what I had the next day, a Mini-Meal.  For the Satay and Coconut Peanut Sauce, I used a recipe similar to the one linked here.

My Nieces were in charge of the camera most of the time and secretly recorded us on video too many times.  I can’t use that, hahaha.  And I’m not even sure who this is, but it’s funny.  When it’s discovered by its Star, I may need to take it down — Until then, enjoy. The only photo of me is the BBQ’ing hands.  I’m okay with that.  Thanks Kids in the Kitchen.

Hurry, hurry, step right up to see the ‘Easiest Belgian Waffles in the World’ (or wannabes).  The pictured Lemon Luxury Waffles were created for another contest, blah, blah, blah — I’m now up against the last hour deadline, thus there’s no time to explain.  See an earlier entry here for more information.  All week I’d been working on recipe creations using Nature’s Pride 100% Whole Wheat Bread and this was a favorite!

They’re named Lemon Luxury Waffles because it’s a luxury that they’re so easy to make and they taste luxurious with Lemon Zest throughout the recipe.  The above is a mixture of 1 Egg, 1 tsp. of Vanilla and Sugar (each) and 1/4 tsp. of Lemon Zest.  It makes 2 – 3 Waffles using Nature’s Pride Bread (cut into the largest circles possible) and a Belgian Waffle Maker. 

The warm Waffles are topped with fresh Whipped Cream (1 Cup) that’s beat with Powdered Sugar (2 -3 tbsp.) and 1/8 tsp. of Lemon Zest (or just a pinch).

If you don’t have a Belgian Waffle Maker, any will do.

Luxury Lemon Waffles are made similar to French Toast, without turning.  Cut the Bread into the largest rounds possible, then dip each into the above mixture before placing rounds on the Waffle Maker.  Cook until done throughout and golden brown.  Plate and top with the Lemon Zest Cream.  Garnish with a slice of Lemon Rind, Mint Leaf, or pretty Lemon Candy of some sort – I didn’t have the time or resources to jazz this one up, thus opted for available Lemon Rind.

I wasn’t sure if this recipe would work, but it did and beautifully — And the Lemon Zest makes it extra special tasting, kinda like old fashioned homemade Ice Cream.  These Lemon Luxury Waffles were terrific.  I hope I covered it all.  If any questions, just ask.

Although I didn’t officially advance to Challenge #3 in Project Food Blog, I prepared a Thai Feast for my family.  I was sad, but might as well have that Dinner Party, eat and DRINK a lot.

My family is so awesome – They gave me the above as the best consolation prize ever and they’re mostly Meat and Potatoes eaters, but graciously tried the entire Thai MENU I’m no longer required to post by tomorrow, as I’m out of the competition. But it’s nice to be back on my own time/terms.  I shall enjoy the outdoors instead.

Chicken and Filet Mignon Satay with Peanut Sauce is just one of the dishes on the MENU.  After 24 hours of marination, the Meat was amazing and didn’t even need the Sauce.  We’ll post our “Thai One On With Family Dinner Party” highlights here soon.  Good luck to the remaining 200 contestants – Talent is abound.  I guess I’ll take my one trophy, sit back and watch.  It’ll certainly be interesting to see who wins.