Dinner by the Lake

 

When we were working on our house, Ryan’s uncle came several times to help with some of the projects. We couldn’t have finished the place in the time we did without his assistance, and we are so grateful. We have been wanting to have him (and Ryan's aunt!) over for dinner to thank them, but their schedules and ours have not coordinated until this weekend. (Edit: I had first called Aunt Becky "his wife" - but I see how that can make it look like she's not really Ryan's aunt, and she is! So I edited.) :) 

            We were finally able to have our dinner by the lake, and we had the most perfect night for it! (We will sure miss eating outside when it gets too cold.)

            I thought I’d share our menu with you in case you’re looking for some new things to try. We thought everything turned out quite yummy.

            Ryan requested raspberry cordial, which is an Anne of Green Gables specialty that we had just a few weeks ago at a party with our small group. It’s not that hard to make and we think it’s pretty delicious! 

I used this recipe I found on Pinterest, and we used frozen raspberries to make it. Fun fact: we realized on Saturday morning that we no longer have a pitcher, because I broke it by accident several weeks ago, while putting it back in the refrigerator. Ryan found this little carafe at a local thrift shop for $1.00, and it was perfect.

            Several months ago, Ryan found a marinade recipe that we both loved, so we used it again on some chicken thighs, which he grilled. We purchased a bag of frozen chicken thighs, and he mixed up the marinade the night before and just poured it into the bag with the meat. By the time he grilled it for dinner, it was perfectly seasoned!

            As sort of a last minute plan, Ryan decided he also wanted to cook some mushrooms and onions on the grill (in the cast iron skillet), and they were so good. I know mushrooms aren’t everyone’s thing, but we love them, and they were all gone at the end of the night.

            I tried this recipe using a mix of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes. I used a bag of frozen cubed sweet potatoes and then cut up some small potatoes to go with it. I dumped them in a baggie with the broth and seasonings. I thought they turned out really yummy!

            I also made my trusty baked asparagus that I’ve made many times before.

            For dessert, we made pumpkin spice rolls with maple cream cheese frosting. (This is from our freshly milled flour adventures.) WHOA. Best thing we’ve made yet.

            Everything was so good, and when dinner was over, we moved around the fire and talked over coffee until long after the sun set.

            It was a joy to get to show them the final product of the home he helped put together. And it’s always a joy to get to spend time with his aunt and uncle! We appreciate and love them so much!