Sanity Saver

 We were in charge of feeding the missionaries for their Zone Conference a few weeks ago.  30+ Elders, 2 Sisters, a couple of Senior Missionaries.  Pork roasts went on sale, so we decided to do my personal favorite: Cafe Rio meat with Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch dressings, rice, beans, and colorful marshmallow salad.  Was great fun!  We prepared and were set up and waited until their training meetings were over.  Sister Sorenson (the Mission President's wife) came to get us.  The missionaries all stood to sing their Cleveland, Ohio special song: Army of Helaman with special verses at the end as a thank you.  It was just incredible!!!  I held Emily (Mitchell was sleeping by the kitchen) and she pointed out to me all the missionaries that we know.  It was so great to serve!!!

 Fast forward to nighttime!!!!
 There was a special deal on a cooking class, so with a few hours notice, some friends and I signed up for an evening out!  We had to pick a class time that would work with three busy wives nad three busy husbands, but we finally found one!

 Heather, Marianne and I spent an evening in Jennifer's Kitchen sampling *and helping prep* the following recipes: Spinach Salad with Sautéed Mushrooms, Aged Gouda, and Walnut Balsamic Vinaigrette (my favorite part of the night - I learned how to better saute mushrooms *in duck fat!*)  The salad was completely delightful!!!

 Marianne playing with Mitchell while we chatted amongst ourselves during a tedious part of the evening.  He was the first baby our chef had ever had at a class (really?!?) in all her years of cheffing, and he was absolutely (mostly) perfect - including quietly falling asleep towards the end of the night!

 I helped knead the dough for Homemade Buttered Noodles.  Heather learned to cut them and use a nice sharp Hinkel...lucky!

 Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine and Rosemary - this was good, but not worth the time, although it did have chocolate in it!  Was very tender and tasty and I learned about making the celery/onion/carrot mixture that goes in most French dishes, although I don't have my recipes and notes right next to me to remind me of what it is called...

 And the crown of the evening: Julia Child’s Clafouti Aux Pommes   Yes, I made *watched someone make* a Julia Child recipe.  And, I'm pretty sure I could do it again - although I don't know that I would make this one.  It was good, but not quite in line with my taste buds.  Fabulous evening - we enjoyed Jennifer's Kitchen and would love to go back again!!!!  (Come on Living Social - do another deal!)