family dinner.

Oh man, Happy Friday everyone!  There is something about a Friday that makes it hard to focus... maybe it's the thought of weekend bliss :)

Or maybe it's because I'm reminded of how sweet wine tastes on my lips after a long work day.  Last night, I gotta say, I indulged!

"Family Dinner" as we call it, is when we have our dear friends, Chris and Lizzy, over for dinner.  This used to be a weekly ritual but over time it kind of fell off.  So, last night, we decided it had been long enough!  Time for Family Dinner!

We made some bean burgers (YUM!) and some seasoned fries... so amazing.

The pugs indulged as well... they walked into the kitchen looking all wet.  We were all asking each other who spilled something on them.  Come to find out, they found their way to the grease pan under the barbecue and had a little field day.  Little rascals!

Look at Potato!  He is licking the grease off of Peanut's head... gross and cute all at the same time.

Thankfully it is Friday, I just finished the dishes from last night and am now ready to enjoy my evening.  TGIF!

poker night.

On Friday night, the west coast part of the family came over for dinner.  I was super excited to have everyone at our house and wanted to make sure it was a special night.  Jams and I worked hard to get everything tidied up and prepared an amazing menu for our very important guests!

Whenever you know you're having people over, there is always that big question... what should we make for dinner?  Not all of my family is veg so I definitely think about what I can make for them, that they will luv, that is not made from animals.  I am not one to sit here and push my beliefs on anyone else, but if I can make them a vegan meal and have them enjoy it, than I have made them aware of healthier choices.  We decided to go with some black bean burgers to match the theme... poker night in the saloon.  I found an amazing vegan recipe on Daily Garnish and we went to work!

It is always nice to have a helper in the kitchen!  I am very grateful to have Jams by my side.  He does all the stirring for me and in this particular case, he molded all the burgers into perfect little circles!

I prepared everything the night before so that things would run a bit smoother when it got close to crunch time.  As a side, we choose to make roasted potatoes with rosemary, thyme and sage as well as crispy roast asparagus.  Both were very easy to make and came out really yummy.

\

Everything was coming together... but where were our guests!?  Oops, looks like they're running late!  Better open up some wine and give Jams a beer while we wait :)

Everyone arrived, and we had a great time!  Food was great too :) and to make the night EVEN better... Jams won at Poker!  I'm not sure my Dad or brother liked that too much, but we got to all spend time together and that was all I wanted.

 

Sometimes I take for granted the fact that my family lives so close.  I try and make an effort to go see them but it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.  Words from the wise... try and see the ones you luv as much as possible because, unfortunately, tomorrow is never promised to any of us. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  Happy Monday!