September KTC: Easy Weeknight Meals with Meg and Damian

Hello again, Kissers! For our recent event, hosted by Meg and Damian, we met at Damian and Frank's home on a "school night." The plan: To put our money where our mouths were with regard to creating quick, healthy, and tasty meals in that way-too-compressed vortex of time known as "after work."

The gang trickled in...Anne and Rick were the first to arrive, bearing tuna gifts, to our grand delight! Thanks, guys! They were followed by Fernando, Shawn, and Sebastian. He's growing like a weed! Or like a sprig of thyme? A sage bush? A parsley plant?

It was a beautiful, late-summer afternoon, and Frank and Damian's two cats made the most of it:

Immediately seeing the wisdom of this decision, Fernando, Sebastian, Meg, Damian, and surprise guest William all followed suit, congregating on the back porch to enjoy the sun and the garden.

Haven't the foggiest idea what they were all focused on so intently in the back corner of the yard, but I thought this was a pretty funny shot:

Pretty soon, Joyce and Jessica arrived!

Jessica said her hellos to Sebastian from the baby's-eye perspective:

Rick looks pretty jolly for a man whose been fasting for the whole day in preparation of a routine medical procedure the following day...

Joyce had picked up a gigantic sunflower somewhere (Or at least, I think it was Joyce - I missed the story of the origin of the sunflower...) UPDATE: It was actually Anne!!

I assume had assumed it was Joyce because she got more and more dramatic and artsy with the sunflower. Here is "Wistful Nostalgia With Sunflower."

This one is from the more surreal school of composition, entitled "Head Like a Sunflower."

Best buds! It was a treat for us to spend an evening with William.

Damian and Meg had organized this gorgeous collection of snacks - note the kale chips! Also, there were three "versions" of the same cow's milk cheese: one plain, one with chives, and one with cocoa powder on the outside. All were yummy!!

Jessica and Shawn chat while Sebastian has a snack.

There they are now! Otherwise occupied, Shawn couldn't participate in Meg and Damian's welcome and partaking of instruction.

But everyone else could! Here's the assembly, awaiting instruction and assignments:

The plan for the evening included a "Show and Tell" style menu. Kissers all sent some examples of quick weeknight meals that they whipped up when time was tight, and Damian and Meg picked a few to try out. On the menu for the night:

• Socca (Garbanzo crepe, AKA farinata) (alternative recipe here)
• Roasted green beans with fried eggs
• Quinoa salad
• Baked chicken with tomatoes and pan sauce
• Maple berry parfait (original recipe calls for blueberries)

There were some gorgeous berries from the farmer's market that we'd use for dessert. They were to be cooked down slightly to use in the parfait.

We got some fresh cranberry beans on to boil - so good and good for you! We figured we'd put these in the quinoa salad.

Meg prepared some beautiful fresh green beans for roasting in some olive oil:

As I understood it, at least one bowl of these tomatoes came from the guys' own yard! UPDATE: I found out they were from Anne's and Rick's yard!! I'm so impressed! We'd use them for the chicken.

We finely diced some shallot and some summer squash:

And began cooking down some tomatoes for the pan sauce for the chicken. The herbs de provence in this mixture were so aromatic!

Kitty checks to see if anyone looks like they will be offering treats anytime soon...

While things got rolling in the kitchen, Rick knocked the rust off his child-rearing chops and held Sebastian for a while. Look! They have matching heads!

The green beans went from the oven to the red-light district. I mean the warming light below the range hood!

And of course everything is better with a shadow puppet! Thanks, Frank!

Jessica made the socca - it was different than what Shawn and Fernando typically do, as this was much thinner. More a chip-like consistency, better for snacking. The recipe that Shawn and Fernando really rely on at home is the one you can find here. It yields only one thick crepe, but when you cut it into wedges and serve it with a green salad, it makes a delightful light supper.

The first one came out of the oven and was sliced into thin pieces and passed around as an appetizer.

I'm fascinated with these three and their identical lines of vision! Here, they focus with laser-sharp crispness on something in the kitchen. Tee-hee!

Meanwhile, Shawn put random ingredient after random ingredient into the quinoa salad. I think it ended up being composed of the cranberry beans, raw summer squash, carrot, shallot, and lemon juice.

The guys take a load off. Fernando will say he was "babysitting" a sleeping Sebastian.

Here's the aforementioned sleeping Sebastian. And a monkey.

Our dishes were nearing completion, so the plating fun began. This is one breathtaking platter of roasted green beans topped with soft-fried Meg's eggs (with the exception of Fernando's de rigeur "chicharron de huevo" - can you identify it in the photo below?)...

Just look at this! Every time I see the photo I want this for dinner. Again.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Improvised Quinoa Salad.

Here's a closer look:

The table was set and the dinner bell was rung:

What a plate!

We glanced over our shoulders every once in a while - it felt as if someone were watching us.

Shawn exclaimed how impressed she was that we had controlled our portions so carefully, saying she felt the amount of food that we prepared and served was "just right" and expressing her happiness in not feeling stuffed to the gills. Then someone reminded her that we still had chicken to eat. Shawn's reply: "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

It was so tasty, however, that she (and everyone else!) risked the dreaded Overly-Distended Belly Syndrome.

Citing her need for extra protein for being responsible for two people's nutrition at once, Shawn even had seconds.

We all sighed contentedly and savored the flavors of dinner. Soon it would be dessert time. The berries had been cooked down with some maple syrup...

Damian had found some fresh local Greek yogurt at the farmer's market, and to its tasty (full-fat, natch!) tang we would add some amazing fancy maple syrup that Damian and Frank's friend had brought from Canada on a visit a few months prior. Then, we'd fold the whole tasty business into some freshly whipped cream! Yum!

Here, the berries pose alongside their supporting actor, candied ginger. We would layer these three ingredients into glasses to make parfaits!

Of course, I didn't specify which kind of glasses...But these worked just great, and guaranteed a hefty dessert serving for each Kisser. It tasted just like late summer--those bodacious berries with that autumnal kiss of candied ginger...It was so delicious!

Here' a peep over the top.

Again, the end result makes for easy dishes cleanup.

Sebastian still slept on...

We had a delightful discussion around the table as we digested. We touched upon politics, spirituality, community building, and our personal commitment to support any or all of these concepts in our lives. Then Sebastian woke up, and we all had fun watching him. Frank compared him to a lava lamp - he doesn't do a lot, but is very fun to watch! What a perfect description!

We have tentative dates selected for November and December, thanks to Anne's being fast on the draw and very well-organized. Please hold these dates:

• November 11 (for biz-ness - at Joyce and Jessica's house)
• December 16 (for cookies - at Meg's house)

See you on Saturday, October 20 at Shawn and Fernando's house! Till then, Kissers! oxox

June KTC: Grillaxin' with Frank and Meg, plus, a surprise!

My oh my, another month has gone by! I can't be sure how you guys feel, but on my end, the last 4 weeks zoomed past at top speed.Last weekend has come and gone, and we're already at the end of this weekend, so I imagine I'll feel just as rushed (maybe more?) by the time we meet in July - Holy smoke!

As you know, we recently met in Frank and Damian's lovely home to enjoy their beautiful yard and get our grill on, a la Meg and Frank. Always gracious hosts, the guys had chilled some "green wine" (ha) and had put out some wine of other colors, as well...

We also enjoyed some marvelous snacks (why yes, those ARE local organic Rainier cherries! Thank you for noticing!)...

The day was decent, according to Seattle's standards, which meant it wasn't raining exactly, but the sun wasn't really making an appearance, either. Frank and Damian had set up a fabulous outdoor awning-type structure to cover the table and chairs so that we could dine al fresco - it looked so inviting!

Meg was definitely dressed for the occasion, and left absolutely no doubt as to exactly who was doing the day's "cheffing!"

Here's a close-up...

Which reminds me - Meg's friend Brooke created for us a logo, and I think I may have forgotten to send it out (boo, me, blame the hormones!). What do you think?

Back to our Grill-stravaganza...Aren't these carrots gorgeous? They would eventually be lightly blanched and part of a salad...

The colors are so much fun...

Shawn and Fernando had brought along a few goodies to grill, per Meg's instructions, and among them were these leek scapes. I'd never heard of leek scapes before, only garlic scapes, but the label says that you can grill them, soooo.....what the heck! And yes, that is a package of oh-so-grillable halloumi cheese next to those leek scapes - yum!

Lots of prep had already happened by the time we all arrived - Mushrooms awaited the grill...

Parmesan cheese had been grated...

Frank had fished out a lovely bottle of Muscat wine, and here he is with a rendition of the golden hit, "Muscat Love." Har, har...

Here, Fernando was incredulous that he hadn't been able to figure out how to open a particular bottle of wine...

Because so much had already been done, we could sort of hang out and chat a bit. Funny, though...Notice who's sitting and chatting?

Meanwhile, Meg and Anne worked in the kitchen. Yes, Anne DOES happen to be barefoot. However, Shawn is the only one who is in "a family way," so I think we're good on that stereotype...

An aromatic tomato sauce simmered cheerfully on the stove...

And we finished slicing up the remaining veggies to grill.

Meg looks ready to walk down the aisle with that heady bouquet! It looks good enough to eat!

Oh, wait, I didn't literally mean....Oh,  nevermind...

Anne and Shawn had forgotten to take their belly series photo last month, so we were sure to capture it this month. Here they are in all their glory - my goodness!

BONUS: Loving gaze photo! Awwwwww....

Grillmaster Frank got busy with the veggies. A little bird told me that Damian had cleaned the grill - it looks brand spankin'  new!!

You can tell from this photo - Frank's a total grilling pro.

Midway through the afternoon, Anne and Shawn had the brilliant idea of switching t-shirts - and not a single Kisser noticed! Here's Anne wearing Shawn's shirt (you look nice in purple, doll!), and chatting with Damian.

Meg took a load off and sipped her wine in the breeze - she looked so cute in her chef's duds!

Here she is with a marvelous version of "wistfully romantic daydreaming." Very nice!!!

Frank and Damian have a small nest tucked into part of the awning of their back porch. Fernando wouldn't let Shawn clamber up on a chair to get a peek, but Rick climbed up and snapped this photo so we could all see - Look! Eggs!

Fernando got serious when he realized he hadn't done a thing to help - and decided to show off his Caribbean experience and slice up some piña to grill. He did a marvelous job, but accidentally broke one of the pineapple rings. He determined that Jessica had earned the broken pineapple, since she was running late.

And here she is now! Jessica arrived shortly afterwards, fashionably late but looking fab, fresh from a long bike ride that morning. She didn't seem to at all mind Fernando's grave pronouncement that she would end up with the broken pineapple.

It would seem that the cat, on the other hand, didn't much appreciate the news. What a face!

Fortunately, this one didn't mind so much. What's more, she stayed here and "conversed" with Fernando for at least 5 minutes - it was so funny to watch them "talk" back and forth!

Then, suddenly, there wasn't much to do except wait for the grill to work its magic. We hung out around the table...

...and shot the breeze...

We discussed the vile "vinagrillo" - a horrid Mexican insect that scares its enemies by looking horrific and spraying them with a vinegar-scented substance. Blech.

We discussed Rick's upcoming trip to Monaco (!!!), and the tourist dress code there...

We even discussed the pros and cons of the first "Who Needs a Boyfriend" showers, and how they've evolved since.

It was a really relaxing afternoon, and such a treat to get to spend some quality time with everyone. Everyone but Joyce, that is, who was in Zambia. We missed you, Joyce!

Shawn got artistic with the beverage colors...

And Fernando wrangled the camera away to snap pictures of the "important stuff." Don't these look tasty?

Then he sneaked in a couple of shots of Shawn, who was having a thoroughly enjoyable time chit-chatting.

Then, it was time to begin! Meg and Frank had borrowed heavily from Tamara Murphy's cookbook, Tender. Our first course would be a strawberry and herb "soup." Isn't it pretty?

What colors! It was served chilled, and just before serving, a surprise:

A little champagne over the top and gently stirred in! So festive!

Isn't it neat looking?

Chef Meg stirred and we served up the "soup."

Very tasty, and such a wonderful use of fresh fruit! We would have minced the herbs more finely the next time, but this was a very fun summertime dish.

At some moment when I wasn't paying attention and while Frank was sweating over the grill, Meg had tackled the intimidating task of blanching the carrots. And, she NAILED it - they were absolutely perfect! Look at what a pretty salad they made!

Here's the close-up. This was Fernando's favorite of the afternoon.

And speaking of Fernando, he took over the photo responsibilities for a while to capture the animal-product magic happening on the grill. Wow! Flank steak, chicken breast, Halloumi cheese, oh my!

The cheese was ready first, and would be the perfect treat for moving from lighter appetizer-type fare into the meatier aspects of our meal. I could eat a whole pound of this cheese myself - isn't it spectacular?

Finally, everything was ready to put on the table and serve. First up, a semi-homemade aioli creation of Frank's that was more delicious than anything I'd eaten all month - it would accompany his homemade lamb sliders - so yummy! Also, a chimichurri-type herb sauce, to be served with the flank steak.

The roasted veggies...

The aforementioned sliders...

And the flank steak...

Some chicken and an incredibly savory sausage - after the lamb sliders, it was my favorite!

We fixed our plates and settled in to enjoy. Doesn't that look like a perfect summertime grill meal?

And OMG did I mention that the slider was my hands-down favorite? Look at that thing! It was sooooo delish...

We sat and ate and chatted and nibbled some more and drank and sat and snacked. It was a glorious afternoon. Pretty soon, it was time to put the pineapple on to grill. Lamentably, however, something had happened, and the grill wasn't working properly. Not even this fine collection of smarty-pants  cocos could solve the problem. Very Sad Face. Our pineapple plans headed inside to Plan B: Broiling in the oven.

Shawn was the last one to feel chilled, which makes sense, considering that she hauls around a whole other person that helps keep her core warm these days. Finally, though, she got cold and caved (Thanks, Seattle June-uary!!). It was a good thing, though--This sweater has never been filled out quite like this before!

Meanwhile, inside, the pineapple got broiled in the oven, and was part of an extraordinary dessert creation (that sadly didn't come out very well in the photos). Meg and Frank had prepared a citrusy olive oil cake (I think also from Tender, is that right guys?) ,which was served on top of the still-warm-from-the-oven pineapple, with fresh fruit and creme fraiche spiked with Gran Marnier. YUM YUM YUMMY YUM.

Dessert was down the hatch in about three seconds flat - so tasty!

It would seem that the evening would be nearly over - after all, we'd eaten dinner, we'd had our share of wine, we'd had dessert, we'd had lovely conversation... But, our Kissers weren't done yet. First, talk turned to business. Who would host our next event? On what day would we have it? How would we plan the upcoming months?

We decided that Joyce and Jessica would host July's event at their home, and that we'd bump the date up a week. For August, we discussed Rick being a host since he's due back from a tuna trip, and we can all (yes, even Shawn by then!!) enjoy sashimi if things go well. Shawn had made a fancy spreadsheet for who had already hosted with whom, and offered its use. We discussed how to proceed.

The group decided that we'd keep the third-Saturday format, and that Shawn should just assign folks who hadn't planned and hosted together yet, and if there were changes to be made, we'd just make them on the fly. Here's the first stab at that schedule:

Have a look and let me know if anything looks particularly off. My brainpower hasn't been what it usually is for the past several weeks, so it's possible I got things way wrong! I stopped at October because we probably should have an initial conversation about November and December, since the holidays are so busy and since our plans for those months will be a bit different this year. Let's discuss, Kissers! Here's what we have so far, though:

• Friday, July 13: Jessica hosts
• Sunday, August 19: Rick hosts
• Saturday, September 15: Meg and Damian host
• Saturday, October 20: Fernando and Joyce host

OK so that's our scheduling business. The discussion at the table wasn't over, however. Jessica brought up "additional business" that we all needed to discuss. After a few minutes of "Who's on first?"-flavored dialogue in which Shawn and Fernando clearly demonstrated how surprised they were about to be, the group announced that they had fibbed a bit regarding the official theme of our meeting.

Meg explained that she had actually written and sent out TWO separate KTC emails: one which included Shawn and Fernando, to throw us off the track of the other "real" plan, and one describing the "real" plan of the group.

Turns out, as I understand it (and I may not have it exactly right, remember the pesky aforementioned low brainpower issue), that the "real" plan was to have a low-key, relaxing time mostly hanging out because the other Kissers had already done a boatload of work unrelated to our dinner that evening.

Remember that photo up above of a tangy tomato-based pasta sauce? And all that glorious grated Parmesan cheese? You probably didn't even realize that neither made an appearance during our dinner photos. That's because they weren't destined for dinner at all--Our amazing family of Kissers had put their heads together and cooked for Shawn and Fernando's freezer for when the baby comes.

"What's that?" you might be thinking. "You mean they planned together to fill up your freezer so you had easy access to quick, nutritious, and tasty meals even as you wrangle a new schedule filled with frazzled feedings, radioactive poop, inconsolable wails, and inconveniently-timed spit-up?"

Yes, my friends, that's exactly what they did.

It took a few minutes for the news to penetrate the pregnancy-brain fog, but I have to say that both Fernando and I were both totally blown away. Tomato sauce, and pasta; lentil soup; smoked salmon; fresh pesto; even pumpkin bread now grace our freezer, all packaged up and waiting patiently in the freezer (well, in ours and in Meg's freezer).

What extraordinary thoughtfulness, and what incredible generosity! We cannot express to you all how significant a gesture this is to us both, or the amount of gratitude it fills us with. I had pretty much given up on doing any cooking ahead of Sebastian's fast-approaching arrival, and I can't describe how your actions felt like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. While the other Kissers were organizing the cooler (yes, the cooler!!!) in the kitchen, I sneaked off to the living room to have teensy crybaby moment to myself. How very fortunate we are!

All I can say is, truly, thank you. We are so very grateful to have serendipitously fallen into such a warm and welcoming group. You all have taken us under your KTC wings with such grace and in such an authentic way, and we feel blessed to count you all among our dear friends. We are thrilled to know that you all will be the examples that our son observes as he grows up, and look forward to smiling together over the valuable life lessons that he will learn from you. We couldn't ask for more from our own blood family - indeed, we wouldn't have as noble an example in the bunch of them. Thank you so much - we'll hold your kindness forever in our hearts!

I'll leave this post on that note - We love you all, dear Kissers - Thank you again so, so much, and see you in July - with our newest member of the group! oxox