There are many things that make me happy in this life: dark chocolate, Cary Grant movies, and cousins. Especially cousins. I have heaps of cousins and I love them to bits. We are scattered across Canada, the US and Europe, but whenever we get together there is much hilarity, great story telling, and that feeling of connectedness that transcends friendship. I feel very lucky to have such great rellies.
Last night I got to drive to the beach and spend the evening with my cousin Cindy, her hubby Lee, and their two hilarious kids, Hayley and Ben. I love these guys because I can totally be myself with them. They make me laugh so hard and I always feel comfortable and welcome.
And boy oh boy can Lee ever cook!!
I arrived as he was hustling back and forth between the oven and the grill, carrying trays laden with all sorts of fabulous things like grilled lemon slices layered with sweet onion.
…salmon cooked beautifully with dill, cream and more sweet onions.
From the oven he brought out these delectable cheese-filled mushrooms…
…and to-die-for twice baked potatoes filled and topped with cheeses.
Then he followed all that deliciousness with a gorgeous Greek salad of cherry tomatoes, brightly colored peppers, red onion, and loads of feta cheese. Absolutely fantastic!!
Their 2-year-old Ben watched with interest as I photographed each dish in the waning evening light, and promptly insisted that his own food be photographed. So here for your viewing pleasure is Ben’s bowl.
After dinner we eased back in our chairs and talked, catching up on the years we lived apart. When the kids were tucked in bed Cindy and I pulled on sweaters and headed down to the beach. We found comfy perches atop a large piece of driftwood and talked for ages as we watched the sunset, not budging until our backsides were numb and our limbs shivering. It was wonderful.
It’s been a good week and I have much to anticipate this weekend: Classic Movie night with my cooking group, a jolly picnic with friends, and Brit murder mysteries with my folks.
What are you looking forward to this weekend?
Those mushrooms look amazing! And the salmon too… yum!
This weekend we’re going to my favorite restaurant for my Mom’s borthday. I can’t wait… paella here I come!
Simply delightful meal, especially if you are able to enjoy them with your closet friends and families, while watching the gorgeous sunset :
The mushrooms were so good, Katie – and I don’t even like mushrooms! 🙂
Ohhh, paella with your Mom is a GREAT thing to look forward to. 🙂
Thank you, dear Elra. 🙂 It really was such a marvy evening with wonderful folks. 🙂
I think Ben had the right idea :-). Everything looks wonderful and sings of summer. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings…Mary
OMG these images are so big and delicious, makes me want to dive right in and eat them!!! Nice to see Ben knew what he wanted,a possible art director in the future.
Sharing a wonderful meal with friends is what it is all about..especially if they cook:D
That salmon looks like the most delicious, savory, oniony (my fav!) piece of fish i’ve ever seen. Yum!
What gorgeous food! You are lucky to have such a great relationship with your cousins/family.
Cheers,
Rosa
Ben is such a cutie, Mary. I was happy to oblige him. 🙂
Thank you, Cate! I quite agree about Ben. He’s a character in the making. 🙂
I quite agree, Val! 🙂 They make my life so beautiful. 🙂
So glad you like it, Jade! It made my tummy happy, that’s for darn sure. 🙂
Thank you, Rosa! I feel very, very lucky to have such a dear family. 🙂
your salmon looks outrageous! and your images are beautiful!! I actually thought at first you were mixing salmon with mashed potatoes and thought that looked good too!!
thanks for sharing such a great post!
Wow I didn’t realize how much I was craving salmon AND family time until I read this! you have a way of bringing out the best in me 😛
Have an awesome weekend girl!
YUMMERS. love the meal you made!!
have a lovely weekend!
Jen
Oh my. YUM.
I love my cousins too! And you’re right on about that special bond that transcends friendships. Lovely post- sounds and looks like it was a very memorable evening.
My mouth is watering just reading about that meal! The salmon looks especially delicious. As for my weekend, the kids were gone, yeah! So I had a nice relaxing weekend with my husband. Just wonderful!
I loves our visit with you!! Thanks for sharing my Hubbies cooking!! He is an amazing cook!!
The salmon looks yummy!
I want a little bit of everything. Your photos may even make the food better than it is. They are magnificent.
The quiche is at the top of my list.
I simply love this place. Keep going.