Saturday, March 6, 2010

Spring is Coming!

The weather has been beautiful here today! I hope it was where you live. The great weather has gotten me started thinking about new recipes for the warmer weather. I am hosting a baby shower in May for my daughter who is expecting her first baby and my first grandchild. I'm thinking we will have a luncheon so I am trying to come up with some great ideas for it. I want really tasty but light food. You will find a recipe that I've included for a great pea salad that I will be serving at the shower that is packed with flavor and very light. We are going to have petits fours from my favorite bakery in Richmond, Westhampton Pastry Shop. If you have any great ideas for the shower, please send them to me. I would love to hear your ideas for food, decorations, games, etc. I want this shower to be very special for her and memorable!



I don't know how many of you that endure reading this blog know that my job/career is Food Service Director at a local church. My boss/administrator called me today letting me know that someone from the church had called him to tell him that the church kitchen was extremely dirty. He called me and in the discussion we figured out who was responsible. I explained to him that I left the kitchen spotless on Thursday afternoon. So, I went to the church kitchen myself and was absolutely appalled at the mess that was left behind by a certain group in the church that meets each Friday night. I was so disappointed and frankly, upset that adults would leave the kitchen in such disarray and leave behind such a mess. Now, on Monday, in addition to work I have already on my schedule, I have to add cleaning up this group's mess. It's so frustrating! I am really particular regarding cleanliness. I am trying to come up with checklists, signage, etc. that will help guide folks as they use the kitchen. I want it to be as simple as possible. Do you have any suggestions?



From time to time, you will hear about the perils of being a chuch food service director, mainly so I can vent, but, also, to get ideas and suggestions from others. I pray that you will not hesitate to give your opinions, suggestions, etc.



I want to share a recipe with you this week that reminds me of spring. It is great for a bridal or baby shower, ladies' tea or get together or a light luncheon. It is one of my favorites!

DILLED PEA SALAD
1-16 oz.package frozen English peas(In the south, we call these sweet peas or sugar peas.)
1/4 cup mayonnaise(I use only Duke's mayonnaise.)
1/4 cup light sour cream
1-1/2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried dill
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper(I use a little more.)

Cook English peas according to package directions; drain and cool.
Stir together mayonnaise and next 5 ingredients; pour over peas, stirring mixture gently. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Serving suggestions: place servings of peas in red cabbage leaves, serve in a beautiful cut glass bowl. Garnish with fresh dill springs, or a slice or two of red onion,