As I munch on a bowl of popcorn and filter through the pictures we took on our recent trip out East, I feel like a lucky girl. Here I am, with a wonderful partner at my side and surrounded by a beautiful and expanding family. We share our pain and our hopes, we share warm bread and red wine, and we laugh more than we cry (although cry we certainly must!).
Ryan celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, but we honored his special day in advance (while still in Boston, visiting my sister and her family). And of course...I must send out my warmest congratulations to my brother-in-law, Craig, who just graduated from Harvard with a Masters in International Policy. Celebratory meals were certainly in order last week, and we dined in love and laughter.
Susanne and I planned on taking the boys out to dinner on Wednesday evening, but as the afternoon unfolded and we strolled in and out of small galleries and boutiques, we agreed that both of us wanted to be in the kitchen that afternoon, doing what we love best.
After a quick run to the grocery store, we set to work and were able to pull together a meal that will stay in my mind for much longer than any impression a restaurant might have left. A roasted vegetable pasta tossed with a basil pesto sauce, thick slices of garlic bruschetta, two steamed artichokes and a fresh fruit salad adorned our table, and we feasted for two hours.
This slice looked a bit like Casper the Ghost
After a leisurely dinner, we took the bus down to Cambridge and shared dessert at a fabulous restaurant, Upstairs on the Square. Ryan and I shared a zebra cake with Dulce de Leche buttercream, a rich chocolate ganache & malted chocolate ice cream. Divine, I know.
I do love when restaurants write with chocolate sauce
And as always, we were swept up by the vitality and beauty of my niece and nephews. Being around children has a way of reminding you of how simple life should be. They have a way of enjoying each moment, of savoring a bright green lawn by doing a dozen cartwheels or sitting on the floor popping bubble wrap. Ryan and I left Boston feeling rejuvenated and blessed. Family is one of the most precious parts of being alive, I can wholeheartedly declare.
Sounds like you had a great time in Boston. I agree - sometimes it's much better to prepare a celebratory meal than to go out to a restaurant that you probably will forget. The meal sounded delicious.
This celebration meal/evening/visit sounded lovely! My husband turns 26 soon and I think he would love dessert such as that cake and ice cream. Mmmmmm! Happy belated to Ryan and congrats to your bro-in-law!
Monet, What a comforting post. My sister lives in Boston... don't you just love the feel of that city? I'm going up in a few weeks... any restaurant recommendations?
Sounds like you had great time. It must bewonderful feeling to be with a lovely family like your sister's. And I agree, having something you cook is always remembered more. And I love to spend time cooking together with someone you love. Your menu for dinner sounds so appealing. and that small birthday cake looks amazing!
What an amazing celebration! I'm with you, no restaurant meal can compare to one cooked by family with love.
I had to laugh about the bubble wrap. My boys LOVE bubble wrap. Forget the $50 gift that it's wrapped around. They just want those little popping bubbles.
It sounds like a fabulous way to celebrate two very important happening. This is my first visit to your blog. I love your recipes and will be back as often as I can. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
Hey Monet, I feel terribly behind the times. It's sad not having internet, I can't comment quickly enough to avoid be buried under a pile of other people's comments.
Not to suggest that they aren't good comments, especially Katherine's. I am curious, are those new glasses? Are you copping my glasses?
Regardless, this all looked like fabulous food and chocolate writing is my favorite.
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Monet Moutrie Writing and baking in Austin, TX. I'm currently pursuing my MFA in Creative Writing...with hopes of a pie shop and a book in the near future. Thank you for reading and sharing.