9/2/08

Trading a Leg for a Leg!

Have you ever wanted to make someone feel special at a dinner party? Well, this last weekend we did just that.

After going to a local Cash n’ Carry store (groceries & restaurant supplies), we picked up this handy “reserved” sign. And we used it for a special guest who was coming over for dinner.


We decided to take a “not-so-great” situation (bum leg) and turn it into a fun night. We’ve yet to entertain with a wheelchair in our backyard, since we’ve lived in this home. So we rallied the troops (our kids) and we all pitched in to be available and cater to our guests.


It was an opportunity for creativity for my daughter, as she wrote out the menu and posted it in the center of the table, and “reserved” a special seat for our guest of honor (Mr. Wheelchair).

I always say, “HAVE A PLAN,” right? And of course you are all wondering what I served!


Appetizer
Friday night we were invited over to our friend’s house for dinner, and they sent the leftover Mexican dip home with us. So all I did was take that, and then add a fresh avocado!


Leg of Lamb
My plan consisted of cooking a leg of lamb (birthday gift for hubby, sent by our WI friends back in June, recipe, here), and used what fruits and veggies we had in our garden. My friend Hoppi, has always told me that mustard is the secret ingredient to cooking lamb. YUM!


Grilled Romaine Salad
We tried something new, too! We grilled romaine lettuce on the BBQ, topping off with a Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese and croutons.


We didn’t have a recipe to follow; we just sprayed the romaine with garlic oil, grilled, and then added the other ingredients. DELIGHTFUL.


Veggies
The veggies were freshly-dug out-of-the-ground potatoes, with chopped mint, lemon thyme, rosemary and freshly squeezed lime.


And who’s this crazy guy with swimming goggles on? It was my daughter’s idea to get goggles for her Dad, whose eyes were burning and crying over the potent onions! Maybe we should market these!

After dinner, we headed inside to a more relaxing environment (for Mr. Wheelchair) – that was our favorite part. Talking, sharing and loving our friendship with this special family. We’re so thankful for the recovery of our friend Jason, from his freak accident, and for the progress that he is making.

Trading a leg for a leg (bum leg for a leg of lamb) was just what the Doctor ordered!

And we were glad we made it happen. Cheers to great friends!


(Yes, our kids each had to try out the wheelchair! And what dessert did I serve? SIMPLE vanilla ice cream with strawberries on top, served with a warm Ghirardelli white chocolate sauce).

My friend Selena just wrote a beautiful post on Meals with Friends in her home. You can read about it, here.

19 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

What a great idea! And the food looks fab! :)

Christy said...

The food looks delicious!

What a great idea to use the "reserved" sign. Our family has a "You Are Special" plate that I bring out and use for birthdays, report cards, or just when someone might be having a bad day. I am going to see if i can fond one of those signs though-what fun!

Natalie Que said...

Your photography is so beautiful! You must be one organized woman, I would never have time to take pics of the food before the party started! By then the guests have already arrived {half hour ago or more} and I'm running around like a lost chicken. Like you though, I do love it and do it often.

Your blog is just delightful! Everything looks delicious.

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

So many good ideas, Sandy, thank you!

-Reserved sign
-mustard for lamb
-grilled romaine lettuce

The whole thing was brilliant!

Stephanie said...

I love the bread that you served with the corn salsa. That's brilliant! I would have used just plain tortilla chips but this is so much more special and unique.

Ms. Tee said...

That sounds so good! I've never heard of grilling lettuce, but now I will definitely have to try that. :)

Kirstin said...

What an awesome idea! I love lamb! That whole menu made me hungry!

~j~ said...

Another great patio dinner Sandy!
I am sure that Mr.Wheelchair and fam left feeling extremely loved and full. As always another inspirational post, you are the best.
love j
p.s. Loved the reserved sign, super fun idea.

Jen said...

What a great idea you are so thoughtful.....a great friend.

Susie said...

Everything looks beautiful and yummy! Can you believe I've never tried lamb? I guess in South Texas, if it's not beef or chicken...I need to change that.

Lovely ideas Sandy! Your husband looks like a cross between Sting and Bryan Adams in the onion picture. Very cool look!

duchess said...

You always amaze me and everything looked great & sounds delish. I'll have to try that grilled salad.

Rebekah said...

Beautiful food as usual. You are so inspiring!

Barb said...

Cute pic of your friends! Mr Paul looks like a secret service onion cutter! Did you have any especial issues getting the wheelchair around your place?

Unknown said...

what a sweet thing to do... you are indeed a blessing to others... :) not to mention your great menu too...

Betts said...

I just heard about your blog from Selena yesterday, and I'm hooked on your food photos. They make my mouth water, especially that potato/onion/mint dish. I've marked you as a favorite, and I'll be reading often.

Anonymous said...

Sandy,

You just make me smile. I love how God whispers these great ideas into your heart and you are willing to be faithful and reach out to others. I can only imagine how people feel when they leave your home after a night of great food and amazing conversations. You inspire us. Thanks for sharing.
I am going to try grilling the romaine. My husband just grilled pineapple this week after loving it in Brazil last week. Now he has a new project when he gets home (he is king of our grill :). Thanks.
Amanda

KATEE said...

those goggles are stinkin' awesome!!! how smart!!!
way to use the leftovers--- :)

Meghan said...

You are so creative
&
I think you hubs looks like Chef Ramsey with those glasses on!

CAC said...

just found your blog and am loving it!! my husband is from grants pass, so it's great to have found a blog of someone in the same general area! love the blog, love all the great pics, and your family is beautiful!