When Peepaw and I pay a visit to Patricia and Robert’s Michigan lake home, I can’t wait to raid the pantry and start cooking! Some people like to cook for guests…but I like to BE the guest…and COOK! SO on our recent visit, I whipped up these dishes to share with our hosts and with Grant, Peepaw’s brother who was also a guest.
For breakfast, we enjoyed delicious peach muffins…and I must admit I did NOT bake these. They were given to me by our dear neighbor, Olivia, before we left home. So instead of throwing those muffins into the freezer to enjoy later, I simply took them along to Michigan…and they were absolutely delicious when paired with a cup of Robert’s special morning coffee. (And the lake view wasn’t bad either!)
The best thing about spending time at the lake is the instant feeling of relaxation that hits me as soon as we turn into the driveway. It’s a comfortable place. A homey place. A place where I can kick off my shoes and relax. If I want to read a book I can, and if I want to take a nap, nobody cares! And one of my favorite things to do when I arrive? I cook for our hosts…and whoever else happens to show up. (Maybe that’s the reason we’re always invited back!)
Patricia and Robert were trying to use up many odds and ends in their refrigerator and pantry while we were there, since they were soon leaving for their Colorado home for a few weeks. So I took it as a challenge to see how much “stuff” I could use up for them while we were there.
I saw a basket with some red potatoes and an onion that I knew wouldn’t last until their return. I found a “dab” of mayo and some coarse brown mustard in the refrigerator. I had taken a bag of fresh parsley along from Iowa (who doesn’t travel with fresh parsley?) and Patricia had a basil plant outside her door…so I whipped up some fresh herb potato salad to go with grilled panini sandwiches…
And after one of my naps in our gorgeous guest wing of the house…it was time for a family tradition while we’re there…
Our Lake House Happy Hour!
(Uncle Robert makes a MEAN Gin & Tonic!)
One dinner at the lake was this “Summer On A Plate” meal…
Another day we switched gears for Lake House Happy Hour. This time it was Pinot Noir…
When the breeze began to blow our cocktail napkins toward the lake, we moved inside to the porch…
After sharing some family memories (and more than a few laughs) I moved on into the kitchen to begin cooking some “real” food…
I made my pasta with sausage, tomatoes and fresh asparagus. And Patricia helped to whip up a simple salad that we topped with a sprinkle of feta cheese and some olives I found languishing in the back of the frig.
Peepaw and I LOVE the time we spend time with family, and cooking at the lake is so much fun for me…and for our gracious hosts.
Yes…my cooking obsession seems to be a WIN-WIN for everyone…no matter what kitchen I’m in!
Our food does look fabulous–and tasted even better! And my new wine glasses photograph well. Thank you again, Patty, for being that perfect cooking guest–my own personal Mrs. Pattmore, borrowed from Downton Abby! I did try to be helper Daisy.
Actually spelled Patmore, but I must have put “tt” in your honor, as in your name!
As you should Patricia! Honor is a GOOD thing! 🙂
Thanks Patricia…You did your best…as Daisy always did! I only had to scold you seven or eight times as I recall! 🙂 Seriously, I have so much fun cooking with you, no matter what kitchen we’re in. And I am DETERMINED to teach you to chop veggies like a pro! Keep practicing! 🙂
want to try a couple of these thanks!!
Have fun Linda!
Thanks so much…and welcome to our Road Trip Adventures! So buckle up and come along for the ride. We’ll save a seat in our car and a seat at the table…wherever we are. And now we’re on the road again…this time headed WEST! 🙂