Monday, April 9, 2007

Happy Easter dinner...

I love to cook. I don't know where the passion came from or why the Lord has blessed me with a desire and ability to cook, but I do love it and will not take it for granted!

Yesterday I had to opportunity to cook dinner for Patrick, Kent, Carol and Frank to celebrate Easter. I was very nervous, as this was my first time to cook/bake/roast a turkey. I got several tips from those I love who have cooked turkeys for years. That was GREATLY appreciated. After some hard work on the farm (yes, we worked on the farm planting trees on Easter morning! Welcome, new traditions!), I headed home to start dinner.

I looked through a few cookbooks for some last minute advice and much needed comfort (as I do find unexplainable comfort in the pages of a cook book...). Then, I washed my hands and got to it. It wasn't long before the turkey was cleaned and free from sweet surprises that are stuffed into them before being sent to your home. So, I made a little mixture of melted butter, fresh garlic, powdered garlic and rosemary and lathered the bird until it was well coated! I then pleaded God's mercy over the turkey, knowing that I was fully incapable of making a good turkey on my own...even more, the first turkey I've ever made.

I stuck the turkey in the oven and baked it at 350 degrees for 45 minutes before basting it for the first time. It already smelled so good! I was pleasantly surprised, four hours later, that it indeed tasted as good as it smelled! I'm quite picky about liking things I make, but I was very impressed at God's mercy and goodness in letting me make a very tasty Easter turkey.

Also on the menu:
Sauteed green beans with garlic, onions and rosemary (to accent the flavor of the turkey)
Mashed sweet potatoes, with butter and brown sugar on the side
Stove Top stuffing (because Patrick loves it)
Homemade rolls
Deviled eggs
Cherry Cobbler (that I was not impressed with and will most certainly have to tweak the recipe to make it better...)

I was so glad everything came out well and that the Lord answered my prayers. It was so nice to have Easter dinner with family this year. I've loved sharing Easter with friends, but after two years alone, it was nice to celebrate with family!

Side note: I'm thinking about sharing recipes that I've made and enjoyed (or not) on my blog once a week. I am really looking forward to sharing all the fun things I've been making. I also hope to get a few good recipes from you all too!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can honestly say that this was one of the best meals Ashley has ever made!! MMMMMMMMMMMM

:)

Anonymous said...

Who knows.....the next Rachel Ray....or I should say Ashley McBride!!! Yeah you!

Bozics said...

Please share recipes for all of us who are food-challenged. I'm sure Corey is getting tired of my 6 or 7 recipes