2/24/08

Go With the Flow!


"Go with the flow!"

These were words from my mom’s mouth, as she first taught me how to bake in the kitchen. In fact, I remember her showing me how to measure the vanilla in the cap of the bottle, and many other shortcuts when it came to cooking. I rarely saw my mom get in a tizzy as she moved her way through the kitchen. She had learned to go with the flow!

We had friends over for dinner last week and once again I delegated parts of the meal to our guests. It’s the only way to do it!

I went to the store to buy some last minute miscellaneous items, including asparagus, as I was going to bake it in olive oil, with seasonings, fresh garlic, and my favorite secret ingredient - saffron. And guess what? They were out of asparagus! So instead of thinking, what other vegetable side dish could I prepare, along with my prime rib? I decided that what I had would be adequate. Prime rib and freshly whipped sweet potatoes (made with a tad bit of orange juice, zest, butter, brown sugar and ½ and ½).

I had already planned on making a yummy green salad – how much food did we really need? Forget about the asparagus! I decided I would just “go with the flow.”

One of the couples ended up being late to our dinner, because of a broken down car on the freeway! Once again we were forced to “go with the flow” as we waited – and we ended up pushing our dinner out a bit.














Dinner was spectacular and our conversation was energetic and lively. We forgot about the missing dish and the late dinner, and ended the evening with a fabulous chocolate dessert (Sticky Chocolate Sponges - recipe too long for blogland!) cooked in my ramekins (individual portions cooked in small separate dishes) – which we all gave an A+!

It’s not worth being stuck in your kitchen - having to do things a certain way, with no freedom to budge! I definitely find more joy in entertaining when I’m not so hard on myself, and I’ve learned to “go with the flow.”

(For another helpful post, read Are you Free in Your Kitchen, here – and No, Not the Sprinklers, here.)

NEXT POST: Munchkins Part I (Planning Ahead and Laughter)

19 comments:

Nadine said...

Amen. Going with the flow is the one thing all entertainers should learn...it makes for a more enjoyable and stress free evening.

AnneMarie said...

love to go with the flow!!
saw Food Network make something the other day- asparagus bundles tied with a little onion!! yep, you know those little onions you eat as a crudete? yep, roasted them in the oven and then took the limp onions and "tied" them around little bundles of asparagus! yummo!

took out the silver and china today for morning b'fast... all the kids helped and we are making this our Sunday tradition like I grew up with... nice they are old enough to jump in like this.. one Sunday I will take a pic for you:)

babe is growing... go for sonogram this week :)

GiBee said...

Your asparagus sounds wonderful!!! I need to try that one day! Haven't had my mystery dinner yet... bumped it to March due to sickness in my home!

linda t said...

We have our Home Group (over 20 people) in our home every other Thursday night and I am learning to not stress about what to serve but "go with the flow".
I am always amazed at what I am able to throw together last minute and invariably when I think I may not have enough, someone walks in with the perfect snack that goes with what I have set out! Whew!

tammi said...

For a relatively relaxed person, I've never been very good at this. I'm getting better though! I definitely prefer the relaxed feeling and the sense of accomplishment afterwards when I realize that I actually managed to gracefully 'go with the flow!'

Jen said...

I have had to go with the flow several times. Just part of it. But your meal sounds as if it turned out wonderful. I dont normally eat asparagus but yours sounds divine.....

Donnetta said...

Life seems to be requiring that as my motto right now, "Go with the flow". I feel like I am needing to do that with more than dinner and entertaining!

Flowing along...

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

It's so boring when people are rigid and don't allow for going with the flow! And you never know... you just may find a really great way of doing things by being flexible. Plus, people like to be around a person who has a great, easy going, creative attitude!

Sounds like a wonderful evening spent with friends!

-Andrea

dawn klinge said...

Going with the flow is a good rule to follow. Your dinner sounds delicious.

Dee Light said...

Words to live by!!! Wouldn't we all be a little more relaxed if we learned to go with the flow, and not stress out about the small stuff.

kristen said...

What a beautiful blog !!

Kirstin said...

Do you have a link for your chocolate recipe because that is just torture because it looks so yummy! I love your idea of going with the flow. why get worked up over things.

Rhonda said...

Excellent advice!! Less pressure on ourselves is key! Now, for me to remember it. :)

Sounds like a great dinner. I like sharing the meal with guests too. They really don't mind and it helps the host to not be so exhausted that you don't have any energy socialize.

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

wonderful, wonderful advice Sandy!

I am enjoying your blog posts so much...very encouraging!

Tammy said...

I so need to go more with the flow than I do...I needed this!
(And the dinner sounds so yummy!!!) :)

LA said...

Great advice for many things. I find you need to let entertaining be somewhat organic or you (and your guests) won't ever have fun!

Cheers! LA

the said...

I like that, go with the flow. Isnt that the truth. We often need to remind ourselves that somethings in life arent worth stressing over!
Thanks for the great post !
Stephanie

Aubrey said...

Don't you want to post that yummy sounding sweet potato recipe? I have often thought (because you have so much time) you should make a separate blog just for some of the recipes you like. I sound rude and obnoxious, but really I am just hungry and that chocolate dish looked yummmmmmmyyyyyy

Jess said...

Hi Sandy! Thanks so much for visiting today. I'm reading your posts and love your passion for entertaining...something that our little family enjoys as well. I see a lot of inspiration here!

Blessings to you, and please pop in anytime. :)