What I Buy Wednesday

It's been one week since New Year's Eve. 

Ordinarily, we don't do anything. This year we had plans. Or I should say, we made plans. We invited Stephanie, Mindy and the boys over for a steak and lobster dinner AND--as I was selling it to them--elevated sides!

The boys do the grilling as they know exactly how they like their steaks. 

Butch came up with the headlamp so Justin could see in the dark!

Along with the steak and lobster, we had twice-baked potatoes, lima beans--Sandy's recipe, a salad of Bibb lettuce, mozzarella pearls and grape tomatoes with creamy Caesar dressing along with yeast rolls. I bought a Red Velvet Cake for dessert. It was all good and so easy! Everyone loved the red velvet except me. In my opinion, my mother's recipe is the best I've ever had--but I haven't made it since the 70's. It's a scratch cake and rather involved. I did not want to spend the day in the kitchen! I do need to make it sometime to see if I still like it as much as I remember.

One problem, the lima beans were way too spicy. I've made them before and must have cut down on the cayenne pepper. I've changed it on the recipe card now. They have such a good flavor. There was enough leftover for everyone to take home--the steaks and the lobsters were huge!

Clean-up was simple as everything (except my Waterford crystal) could go in the dishwasher. 

After dinner, we played a new game that Jordan and Robbie introduced us to over Christmas. 

It wasn't long before Nicky was complaining that he couldn't hold all of the cards. What? It was only 12!! Well, except if you had to pick up the pile. But he never had that many--just 15 in this picture. Still, I was able to come to his rescue with the cardholders I bought for my 98 yr. old bridge friend. 

I brought them to her, but she didn't like using it. Now, about a week ago, she asked me if I would get her one. I looked at Connie--I couldn't remember if I even kept them. Turns out I did. Now I have one for her and one for Nicky!!

I'm so glad I can help out "old" people!! 

We had a great time. Steph and Nicky spent the night, so was watched the Ball drop in NYC and the Music Note drop in Nashville. I fixed a big breakfast the next morning before we sent them on their way!

Happy New Year everyone!!!