Dinner with Pete and Karen

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Dinner with Pete and Karen

August 15, 2011 by Eva Taylor

Pete is an old friend from way, way back; JT has worked with him over the years (that’s how we got to know him). We’ve gotten together sporadically over the years. Pete recently got engaged! And then he had a heart attack. It just got us thinking how precious and short life is. We had them over for a gourmet, but health conscious dinner. Now I usually cook on the healthy side anyway (butter only where it really adds bang for the buck, I trade cream in for Carnation or flavour such as spices etc.) but I am being super careful with this one. I will link recipes where I can, and post them separately if I haven’t already (it’s easier to search that way).

The Deconstructed Caesar Salad

Hors d’oevres: Spanakopita
Appetizers: Chilled cucumber soup (small portion) and the famous Deconstructed Caesar Salad
Pork Medallions with a ‘creamy’ mushroom velouté on cauliflower and celeriac ‘mash’
Chocolate three ways: Mexican Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Banana Avocado Ice Cream and a Chocolate Dipped Fresh Fig

Of course, it’s also about portion control, and the portions I plan to serve are not going to be huge; the dessert will be three small tasters, just enough to make you want more. I want this dinner to be satisfying and delicious but not heavy and filling.

I had hoped to post recipes at this time, but my Canon EOS USB cable died, so it will have to wait until I replace it.

Posted in Menus | 13 Comments

13 Responses

on August 16, 2011 at 2:46 pm | Reply Manju

That is such a delicious meal, Eva! Waiting for the pictures. Found about you through Manu’s blog (seeing your comment there) and headed over here 🙂

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- on August 16, 2011 at 9:36 pm | Reply Eva Taylor
  
  Thanks so much for dropping by! And your comment. I’ll check out your blog!
  
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on August 16, 2011 at 2:35 am | Reply Charles

That’s a great sounding meal and it’s very good of you to care so much about others’ needs in the preparation. I’m lucky in that I don’t have any serious health problems, but I am currently trying to change my eating habits and lose weight. Whenever we are invited to friends’ and I mention this and wonder if maybe they could try to ease up on the butter and oil they act like I just insulted their mother 😦

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- on August 16, 2011 at 8:21 am | Reply Eva Taylor
  
  Thanks Charles. I’m sorry your friends feel that way. Myself, I love it when people are honest with me so I can cook something they can and will really enjoy. I have friends who are gluten intolerant and I feel like it’s a challenge to create something ‘normal’ that would not be gluten free normally! I will only cook one meal for us all, so it all has to taste ‘normal’! I have some tips on this page to help manage weight (although I am not a nutritionalist) I have listed some key things that give you the flavour and are good for you too! https://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/tips-for-healthy-eating-and-weight-loss/
  
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on August 16, 2011 at 12:38 am | Reply Ann

Hi Eva – the meal sounds delicious and it was very thoughtful of you to be so aware of Pete’s dietary needs. …and Spanikopita is one of my favorites!

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- on August 16, 2011 at 8:22 am | Reply Eva Taylor
  
  Thanks Ann. I love Spanakopita too. I made about 50, and froze them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment, then bagged them carefully. Now I have home-made appi’s at the drop of a hat. Hope you’re having a blast at Disney!
  
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  - on August 16, 2011 at 10:55 pm | Reply Ann
    
    Thanks, Eva….I’m having a blast! I LOVE that you froze the Spanakopita….homemade appetizers take time to make, but – to me – they absolutely MAKE a meal! Awesome idea!
    
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    - on August 17, 2011 at 3:52 am | Reply Eva Taylor
      
      Thanks Ann.
      
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on August 15, 2011 at 6:26 pm | Reply Manu

Hi Eva! That is a very thoughtful and DELICIOUS meal! Soo looking forward to the pictures and the pork medallions recipe! Sounds mouth watering!!

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- on August 15, 2011 at 10:04 pm | Reply Eva Taylor
  
  Thank you, Manu. I just love your blog! Thanks for taking the time to comment on mine.
  
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- on August 16, 2011 at 8:23 am | Reply Eva Taylor
  
  Thanks Manu, the pork turned out spectacular (sadly, I didn’t photo it). And the cauliflower celery root mash was the best I’ve ever made. I will post the recipe later today or tomorrow.
  
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on August 15, 2011 at 10:28 am | Reply Kristy

I have heard way too many stories lately about early and sudden heart attacks. It really makes you stop and think. Life is just too darn short and precious! Your menu looks great. I had similar issues with my Canon a while back and picked up this little card reader – http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+6-in-1+USB+2.0+Memory+Card+Reader/9119438.p?id=1218029378008&skuId=9119438. It’s been great and was only about $20 at Target. (Not sure if they still carry it.) I know they say that you’re not supposed to take your CF card in and out all the time, but I do it very carefully and have done it for going on 4 years now. It’s a lot faster than using the USB directly with the camera too. Just be careful to slide the card in and out slowly. You don’t want to bend the pins. 🙂

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- on August 15, 2011 at 12:38 pm | Reply Eva Taylor
  
  Thanks for your kind words and tips about the Canon! I tried it at work with a newer USB and it worked great! We don’t have a Target in Toronto (yet) but I’ll keep a lookout for it. thanks for your comments.
  
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