🏠 House Party (for 2) 🎊

There is nothing wrong with going out to eat, but sometimes, it’s nice to take a special occasion, or just a simple date night at home for a “House Party” as country singer, Sam Hunt sings about…

A few different menu ideas for a House Party (for 2). Assorted items on hand like ham, Feta cheese, roasted red peppers, avocado. A ham sandwich on a French baguette served with fruit. Or a dinner of Grilled Red Snapper with fresh corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, Tabbouli and your favorite bread or toast 🍽️

Top, Tabbouli. Bottom grilling the Red Snapper and the Asparagus 🍽️

Photo from above of a dinner idea for a House Party (for 2), here the Grilled Red Snapper. You may have YOUR OWN favorite go to mean that’s delicious and easy with easy clean up so you can spend the rest of your time enjoying your company 🍽️

Top photo, my Michigan Toast from my book, It’s a Great Day To…Gather Around a Table. Bottom. Me, in my kitchen in Grand Blanc, Michigan 🍽️

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It’s been a good, yet busy month for us.  Being on the go can be fun but it can also be tiring and sometimes rather that a nice night out, staying in is more of what’s called for.  However, staying in does not have to be boring or too much effort, depending on how you look at it.  Going out requires getting ready, putting thought into attire, shoes, handbag, the drive there, parking, possibly waiting for a table and then the drive home.  On the other hand, a simple meal, drinks, YOUR choice of music, lighting, table  setting and menu, sounds pretty good to me.  Agree on TEAM clean up before hand and I predict you’ll have fun and you may even save a few bucks.

     A favorite meal of mine for a home date night is a simple happy hour with simple fruits/vegetables cheese and crackers, or any combination of.  Followed by a grilled meal of fish,  lamb chops or chicken (you could also pick up already assembled shish kabob at your local grocery store to grill) and a grilled vegetable like asparagus or zucchini.  Consider a simple salad like a Tabbouli or your favorite green salad and a baguette or Michigan Toast from my book.

     Select or pull up one of your favorite PLAYLISTS, dim the lights or light your favorite very lightly or non-scented candles.  Even if dinner is at home, I like to get out of my workout/everyday clothes for something a little more festive.

     And, it doesn’t have to be dinner.  If the kids are at grandma’s for the afternoon, a nice lunch for 2 might fit the bill.  A nice sandwich with fruit (or what you have on hand)and a beverage to wet your whistle.

     I’d recommend no phones at the table or phone use-except for music selection, say a nice blessing, sit across the table from your special person,  appreciate having an evening alone with them to hear what they’ve been up to.  I’ll be having dinner with the Hubby, but you could have a nice one on one evening with a child, grandchild or really anyone you are long over due getting together with.  Just remember, the food is ALWAYS secondary to the person sitting across from you…Sounds like a lovely way to wind down a Great Day:)

Grilled Red  Snapper

w/Lemon Herb Butter, Grilled Asparagus and Corn on the Cob

Serves 2 generously/leftover for an encore meal

Ingredients

  -1 lb. Red Snapper

  -2 lemons

  -1/4 cup olive oil

  -1/4 teaspoons sea salt

  -1/8 teaspoon ground Cayenne pepper

  -1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  -2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted

  -1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped fine

Instructions

-Either start the grill or warm oven to 425 degrees

-Place fish on a grilling pan if grilling or on a glass/Pyrex dish, after brushing either pan/dish  bottom of grilling pan with a little (additional) olive oil, so as not to stick.

-Season Snapper with (additional) sea salt and black pepper.  Just a tad.

-Grill/bake until done or bake in the oven for about 13 minutes  or until fish flakes easy.

-While fish is baking/grilling prepare herb butter.  Chop parsley, melt butter.  Blend melted butter, chopped parsley, and salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, by gently tossing with a fork.

-I like to cook asparagus on the grill along side of the cooking protein.

-Husk corn (I usually do this at the grocery story if they have a garbage can close by), bring a Dutch oven or stock pot to boil.  Add corn, cover and steam for about 8-10 minutes  then turn burner off, keep lid on until ready to serve.

-Slice bread or bake some Michigan Toast (or make your favorite garlic bread)

-Plate all food.  Spoon melted herb butter mixture either over or next to fish, depending on preference.

-Serve on a table adorned with your likings…A Great Day:)