Tomorrow is my 30th birthday. Now, with it just 24 hours away, the reality of it is sinking in. If “30” were a person, it is politely sitting across the table from me, having quietly introduced itself, and is staring at me knowingly and expectantly, delivering the message, “It’s just a matter of time until we know each other intimately.” Thirty is in my house, and though I may be baffled by how it got here, it’s patiently awaiting my hospitality. So I might as well welcome it in. Funny things is, I didn’t even see The Twenties sneaking out the back door. So here we are, me and my new B.F.F, Thirty. Might as well celebrate. Which I began doing on Saturday and will continue to do throughout the week.
On Saturday, Joey and I went to
my parents farm to enjoy a few of my most favorite foods and people. The group was small – my parents, my older sister and her husband, James. And of course,
The Chronometer was also present (there will be an update on its condition soon).
The evening started as our gatherings usually do – acknowledging that, although we had not talked to each other before hand and got ready in homes 25 miles apart, my sister and I showed up wearing the exact same thing. It’s an oddity that Erin and I have experienced for years. Clearly we have very similar taste in clothing and our minds must gravitate to certain outfits at the same time. On this night, our minds had selected jeans and a black ribbed turtleneck sweater.
Here we are. Sorry – the strap from the camera is making a cameo right in front of Erin’s face. The only difference in our outfit was the locket I was wearing, and it was a gift from Erin. Needless to say, my sister and I are pretty similar creatures and I absolutely adore her.
Then it was time to eat! My mom made my all-time favorite food, her homemade potstickers. It’s basically a wonton wrapper filled with chicken, cabbage, garlic and ginger that’s pan fried for a bit of crispness and then steamed. My dad whips up a few dynamite dipping sauces to accompany them. I contribute by seeing how many I can eat in a single sitting.
The potstickers were accompanied by Erin and James’ famous cheese fondue, made with Jarlsberg and Gruyere cheese, a bit of flour and a generous splash of quality Sauternes wine. Crusty French bread and crisp apples served as the vehicles to get the cheesy goodness into our mouths. My love of cheese is so great that I would’ve happily gone at it with just a spoon.
Joey and I brought our signature salad – mixed baby greens and spinach with honey-roasted almonds, Gorgonzola cheese, Craisens and some balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
The meal ended with my favorite chocolate cake that my mom has been making for my sister and I since we were little. It’s indescribable. And of course, there was ‘Happy Birthday’ singing…
…the making of a secret wish and the blowing out of the flames on the “3” and “0” candles.
And no, these photos are not a sneaky way to advertise Breyers Vanilla Bean ice cream, it’s just one of those food products that are always on hand at our family get-togethers. Talk to my dad about it.
The following night, Joey and I headed to his parents house, which is much like my parent’s in that it’s an old farm. Jinny, who is the most loving mother-in-law a girl could want, prepared a special meal that I requested. We were so hungry and so excited to eat it, the camera was completely forgotten about. She cut an entire free-range chicken in half, marinated it in a delicious and flavorful concoction for hours and then grilled it (on a 14 degree, January evening). She served it with perfectly roasted Fingerling potatoes with garlic, fresh thyme, onions and sweet yellow peppers, steamed and buttered sugar snap peas and a loaf of still-warm-from-the-oven homemade bread. Dessert, which was accompanied by more singing and candles, was a moist and dense apple spice cake with cream cheese frosting, vanilla ice cream and big tall glasses of ice cold milk. From the first bite to the last, it was outstanding. Thank god we have leftovers.
It was a wonderful weekend, filled with wonderful food and even more wonderful people. Maybe what makes me feel okay about turning 30 is knowing I have the love of such great people-my family-to see me through it. Thanks you guys – for everything. It is deeply appreciated. And I don’t just mean by my stomach.
And no, these photos are not a sneaky way to advertise Breyers Vanilla Bean ice cream, it’s just one of those food products that are always on hand at our family get-togethers. Talk to my dad about it.
Happy Birthday!
btw – I share your love of cheese.
Hm… seems like something is missing… Oh, yeah, that would be a RECIPE! That looks amazing and has my mouth watering.
Happy Birthday!
Ethan and WhyS? – Thanks for the birthday wishes! And it’s nice to hear that someone out there understand my total adoration of cheese.
Shane and Casey – I know, I know – a recipe is needed. Unfortunately, they don’t exist for the potstickers or the fondue. It’s a classic example of cooks just throwing stuff in until it looks and tastes right. Believe me, I hate that my mom and sister are the only ones who know how to make those amazing dishes. Thanks for the comment!
It sounds like you had a great birthday!! 30’s are awesome:-) Welcome!