Family Cookout

Well... Ok the title is a bit misleading. We did cookout on the grill that morning but about an hour before there was a huge downpour so we set up inside but luckily it stopped and we could eat out side and the kids could play in the pool. But it was still a bummer because we had a lovely table planned out and anddddd all of decorations clashed with my Mom's hideous wallpaper. (no that is not an insult to her it came with the house she just hasn't gotten it covered up yet) Thenn I went to print out my neon menus and they printed some wacky colors no where near what I designed but they still worked out. It's all good we still had amazing food and so much fun... Until my Granny had to go to the emergency room at the end but that's another story and no worries she is fine. She just gave us a bit of a scare.

You can see more shots on my Instagram feed, 

How about roasted veggie kabobs? Yum!

And I didn't take a good shot but COCONUT RICE y'all!!! 

So goood!

We had several homemade salsas for the chicken, pork tenderloin and sausages.

Pineapple Mango

Creamy Tomatillo

Spicy Red (Restaurant Style Salsa)

and 

Lemon

The "drink bar" had Sweet Tea

with Blackberry Syrup,

Peach Mint Syrup

and

Lemon and Lavendar Syrup

 and

Watermelon Coconut Cooler

For dessert we made S'mores.

We set up a S'mores Bar that had so many options and was a hit with the kids and adults. 

Cookie options were:

Graham Crackers

Chocolate Chip (crispy and soft)

Pecan Sandies

and Butter Cake

Marshmallow options were:

Extra Large Plain

Strawberry

Keylime

Chocolate and Other Goodies options were:

Milk Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

White Chocolate

Mini Candy Bars

Lemon Curd

Toasted Coconut

Strawberries

(We were supposed to have a caramel sauce too but I forgot to get it out, oooppsss. Just pretend its there on the otherside of the lemon curd, okay? Thanks.)

We made a list of suggestions but some of the best ones were one of a kind creations!

My little monkey had Chocolate Chip cookie with milk chocolate, a strawberry marshmallow and fresh strawberries.

This one is chocolate chip cookies (soft batch) a plain marshmallow, a mini 3 Musketeers and toasted coconut.

The one on the right was the same as Caleb's first one but minus the strawberries.

On the left was butter cake, a huge marshmallow, Lemon curd and toasted coconut. No chocolate at all.

It was my favorite!

 My cousin, Keith, created this, it was an open face s'more with butter cake on the bottom, a lime marshmallow, lemon curd and toasted coconut. He may have also added a piece of pork tenderloin to it. Not for everybody but that sounds pretty good to me.

My Momma about to try to stuff all of that in her mouth. Her's was butter cake, plain marshmallow, lemon curd, coconut and strawberries.

I'm pretty sure the cake, lemon curd, coconut, strawberries and lime marshmallows were the surprise favorites among the options. I really think we may have to recreate this idea, sooner than later!

Chicken Tikka Masala

We have a few favorites around here that we eat at least once month if not more often, Chicken Tikka is one of them. It is easy and even though it takes a bit of time, it isn't constant, chopping, shredding, stirring, etc... I use the time to do my dishes, clean my counters, whip up a dessert, secretly dance around my kitchen to MC Hammer songs, or whatever my moods moves me to do.

Normally I make Quick Pickled Cucumbers or roasted broccoli and have Naan to go along with the rice. You'll definitely want Naan, pita or some sort of bread to soak up any last bit of sauce. I almost licked my plate tonight. But I am a lady, sort of, so I restrained myself.

For the Chicken Tikka Masala you will need:


1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
salt and pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast

Combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper in a gallon size freezer bag, add in chicken and toss. Let marinate for an hour or more.

2 tablespoons butter
2-3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
2-3 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 Serrano or Jalapeno pepper diced (remember to remove the seeds unless you like it HOT)
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoom garam masala
8-10 Roma tomatoes diced
1-1 1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper

In a skillet melt butter and add in ginger, garlic and the pepper. Saute until slightly golden approximately 3-4 minutes then add tomato paste. Cook until darkened just a bit add in paprika and garam masala, cook 2 minutes. Add in tomatoes and a cup of water. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Transfer to food processor and process until a smooth texture. Add back to skillet and simmer while you grill chicken add in the remaining half cup of water if needed. I used my griddle but you can sear it in a skillet or on a grill. Grill until just brown on the outside and add to the curry. Finish cooking for approximately 5 minutes, could be more or less depending on your stove and size of our breast. Once chicken is cooked through stir in cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve with white or brown rice.