I miraculously was able to get on an airplane this week by myself and fly to Nashville to see my best friend from Los Angeles. A late birthday gift from my husband.... It's been 5 years since I've squeezed her. Since I've squeezed her family. Life happened. And what has felt like a lifetime of life... Babies, Jobs, Covid, Moving, Toddlers, Transitions and So... Much... More. I hate that about being a grownup. Responsibilities get in the way. And spontaneith is impossible. Adventures are harder to come by. Your circles become smaller. And you become distant to those friendships that once helped form you to be... well, you.
This is a special Play On Project Blog / Vlog this week. My bestie, her entire family and I partnered together to create what was an unforgettable night in the kitchen. A tasty dinner was made, Music was heard, Laughter and Dancing were had. My heart became so full.
I have added in the recipes below for the Full Meal Deal. Steak with a Chimichurri Sauce, Garden Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette dressing, French Fries and Blueberry Pie!!! WHAT IS HAPPENING??!!
Chimichurri Sauce
By Amie
1 Shallot, Finely Chopped
3-4 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tsp, Kosher Salt, Plus More
2 Cups finely Chopped Cilantro
3/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rib Eye Steaks
By: Austin
Kinder Steak Seasoning (Japanese BBQ and Garlic & Herb Mix)
3-4 Rib Eye Steaks
Rub Both Seasonings over the Steaks so both sides are covered. Place on Grill at 500-600 Degrees Fahrenheit. Flipping every 3 minutes until desired Temperature.
Garden Salad
Dressing Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Pure Maple Syrup
1 1/4 Tsp Diamond Crystal Salt
1/2 Tsp Freshly Ground Pepper
1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
Combine Oil, Vinegar, Mustard, Maple Syrup, Salt, Pepper, & Garlic Powder in a small glass jar or other container with a tight fitting lid. Screw on lid or cover tightly and shake until emulsified. Toss with Salad Greens, Radicchio, and any additional items you want throw into your Thanksgiving Salad.
Blueberry Pie
Please see the link above for instructions on how to make this incredible Blueberry Pie!!!!
Amie and Austin's kids inspired this weeks Play on Project Music Pairing. A preferred choice from their son, Roman.... jazz. We listened to a bit of jazz during this glorious night in our Nashville kitchen... and a little Christmas music too. And as I was able to dive deep in the jazz portion of this blog, I was inspired by the one and only, Tony Bennett. His rendition of the famous song, Favorite Things, from the musical, Sound of Music. This captures so much of what inspires me in the kitchen. Not just with food, but with the people that I share my kitchen adventures with. As the song says,
When the dog bites
When the bee Stings
When I'm feeling Sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Cooking in the kitchen with my bestie and her family is absolutely one of my favorite things. Thank you Tony Bennett.
Amie and I use to spend our crazy nights in Los Angeles cooking together. Making everything from sausage links with a real deal sausage maker (A brilliant gift from Austin), Pumpkin Ravioli, Burgers, Several Thanksgiving Feasts, and Lots and Lots of Salads. Because well, we love greens. Our meal turned out incredible that night. I ate my whole steak and several helpings of french fries and salad. A little wine, pie and wonderful conversation to follow. It was a Play On Project night to remember. Thank you to the AHL's... for having me to Nashville for my birthday. For allowing me to teach your children how to make a pie... and for making a really special memory in your kitchen. Love you all to pieces.
