Hello Hello!

What a weekend. I have so much to share! Let’s dive in.

My parents arrived in town Friday night. For supper, we went to Addie’s which is officially my new love.

We started with a bottle of wine and appetizers, to split among the 5 of us.

Pinot Noir

THE BEST bread. Like a raisin biscuit.

Grilled Prosciutto di Parma Wrapped Mozzarella Over Bruschetta with Balsamic-Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

This was incredible! When we cut through the prosciutto, the interior was filled with fresh, melty mozzarella. A serious flavor explosion.

Chef’s Charcuterie Tasting - Selection of House Cured Meats and Pate

My very favorite on there was a lavender salami. It sounded a bit odd, but it was so delicious. You could really taste the lavender!

Sautéed Soft Shell Crabs – Creamy Polenta, Spring Onion, Wood Ear Mushrooms, Toasted Hazelnuts, Brown Butter Champagne Vinaigrette

I was in heaven. This whole dish was full of so many wonderful textures and flavors that worked so well together. I could have licked the plate!

And finally dessert.

Warm Toffee Pecan Cake – Chocolate Sauce, Crème Anglaise, Toffee Pieces, & Vanilla Ice Cream

As the cake was warm, the ice cream melted over top making everything extra moist and soft. The cake was placed on top of a crispy bed of toffee for a surprise crunch. Delish!

Start to finish, a wonderful meal. And the perfect way to kick off our family weekend! I will be back .

Saturday was a chill day, beginning with the breakfast of champions at our NEW dining room table.

Butternut squash oats!

But the highlight of Saturday was dinner, which all began with a special gift from our good family friend Kate. She discovered her copy of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” the other day – which is from the first publication! – and she passed it on to me. I JUST finished reading “My Life in France” so this couldn’t have come at a better time! I love it .

We decided we had to make something from the book for dinner. My talented dad actually took on that responsibility since I had big plans for dessert. We had beef bourginon because what’s more Julia Child than that!?

Delicious!! Thank you Kate!! I look forward to many more meals from my lovely new book.

Oh, and dessert. I’m sad to say that one did not go so well. I’m trying to craft my own recipe for a contest I hope to enter. Let’s just say this one was an epic flop .

And then came Sunday - half marathon day!

I was up at 5 to get ready for the race. It was pitch black, freezing cold and pouring outside! It’s been so gorgeous out for days – such bad luck. But we pressed on and ran the race. It was very hard – as is to be expected. The real killer was a GIANT hill at the end that seemed to be never ending! I did have to stop and walk for a bit. The best part though was running through the tunnel during the last mile. As I came out my little cheering section were all standing right there and it was just what I needed to see! I got my last burst of energy to make it to the finish line. And just like that it was over!

After warm showers and dry clothes, we ate giant pancakes and spent the rest of the day passed out on the couch. I was in pain! But am feeling much better today .

Louisa’s boyfriend used his sweet camera to get some really hideous pictures of us. As soon as he passes them on I’ll put them up.

A great weekend of family, fun, food and running.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

- Beth