Comments on: because it’s not about that (chicken with tomatoes and simple salad)

By: Shannalee

Shannalee — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:31:20 +0000

Sue, Indeed. Wish you could have been here with us!

JessieV, I love all the confessions this post has provoked. You are among friends as a last-minute type, that’s for sure.

Jennifer, That is such a sweet story. I completely relate to the idea of cooking of wishing you were out with your guests, and I think it’s wonderful your friends are the type to notice.

Traca, That made me laugh! Love the fetal position image; it makes me feel a little better, actually. And glad to know you liked the cookbook, too – isn’t it gorgeous? The pictures!

By: Traca @ Seattle Tall Poppy

Traca @ Seattle Tall Poppy — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:41:19 +0000

I’m with you…even though I know better, I’m always preparing things at the last minute. Heck, I’ve been known to still be perusing recipe options hours before folks are expected!

The writers of “Forking Fantastic” have a great comment about resisting that urge to curl up on the floor in a fetal state, wondering why you ever invite people over! Yeah, I’ve been there too.

Love the “Falling Cloudberry” book. The chickpea salad is fantastic! And those doughnuts dripping in a sauce of honey and cinnamon are wickedly delicious.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:24:05 +0000

Oh, I can relate…No matter how much I prep, I’m always cooking when the guests arrive. I recently hosted a dinner for 12 of my closest friends. I made risotto—can you imagine a more anti-social dish to make while folks are chatting away with each other? Just as I was wishing I could join them all on the other side, my ladies took turns standing beside me in the kitchen. They just knew. It does help to have the “right” friends with you in (or near) the kitchen. Happy 2010!

By: jessiev

jessiev — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:42:11 +0000

yum. you’ve got the best recipes!! and for the table? i am one of those who throw it together at the last minute!

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:02:51 +0000

How fun: friends & food do go well together! Sounds delicious, too!

By: Shannalee

Shannalee — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:32:10 +0000

Jessica, I wanted to hate/envy you when I read about your mad prep skills (what is your secret?), but now that I know you get flustered too, we can still be blog friends. Close one for a sec there.

Cate, It is the people that matter, indeed. Yes!

Nastassia, Well said. If the end result is community and friendship and enjoyment, what is the problem?

Niki, I laughed when I read Stepford perfection, ha! And you’re so right that it “always will with friends.” That is beautiful and so true.

Kate, Me too. And the chicken is a must-try!

Sues, In the end, it really did. And you know, it’s nice to know we are all learning, growing as hostesses—and guests, I suppose.

TJ, Warmth rather than formality – amen. If there’s something I’d want, that’s it in a nutshell.

Hannah, You are so right. I like cooking by myself, and I like cooking with friends; they’re totally different experiences, but both good.