Cooking with Friends

Usually I post about meals with recipes I’ve made at home for my family and friends. Today will be different. I did make meals. I will be cooking them for my family and friends in the future as well. The only catch is that I didn’t have to do mise en place for any of it!

Last night I and a group of work colleagues and friends met at Entree Vous for a little meal making craziness. This place is one of the many helpers to working families that has popped up over the last few years. The location close to my workplace opened up for business 4 weeks ago next to one of my favorite sushi restaurants. After trying out a meal I threw a party. I figured I should let everyone know about my great find.

Now you know how much I love to cook at home but some nights… well… the kitchen is simply closed. Got home too late, I’m sick as a dog, the holiday season is driving me crazy, or Crap! I don’t have the key ingredient for salmon mousse … all these have been excuses in my house. On top of that, I live about 20 minutes from any dining experience. So until now when the excuses start flying the alternatives have been tuna sandwiches or canned soup. Not now though!

I ordered 6 different meals from Entree Vous for my party. In no particular order, they were:

• Chicken Wellington
• Beef and Gorgonzola Roulade
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Chicken Puttanesca
• Parmesan and Sage Pork Chops
• Beef Burgundy

In the span of one quick hour I had all the meals assembled and packaged for freezing and later preparation at home. While there, Mark and Chantal plied us with tasty appetizers of selections that are orderable - French Onion Salisbury Steak and Buffalo Chicken. I do have to admit I brought a bottle of wine to ease the end of the work day as well.

The Salisbury Steak was amazing. Mark prepared it in little bitty meatball size patties and served it with blue cheese on top of crostini. Superb! The Buffalo Chicken was also quite tasty. I could see this for a Super Bowl (oops can I say that without infringing on some copyright?) Party in the future with a big keg of beer.

When I got home my hubby had baked the last two Wellingtons from my last purchase. After a quick steam of some green beans and another glass of wine, dinner was served. Tasty goodness all the way.

All in all, not bad for a Wednesday!