Lunch With Guests...

Where in the world did today go?  I got up, again, before the alarm went off.  This morning I had to get up anyway by 6am to put a pork shoulder in the oven since we were having company for lunch today.  So, the 5:50am internal alarm only got me up a few minutes early.  Sadly, there was no morning walk with the illustrator today. I am surprised how much I love that time. It's probably the company...I love our morning talks! I did my 30 minutes of boot camp and 30 minutes of muscle toning (mostly worked the booty and triceps today) after putting the food in the oven and the day was going!

This is going to shock you, but I made a double batch of waffles first thing for the boys. Everybody is enjoying the waffles lately. I figured while I was in the kitchen, I may as well make it a double so I could freeze some for easy breakfasts/snacks/sandwiches.

We had a great lunch today. I normally do salad for lunch, but today I had green beans and mashed potatoes. I figured I would just do my salad tonight. I didn't have any protein for me at lunch, which I was bummed about, but I will make up for it tonight. Maybe some hemp fudge topping for my oats...yum! Everybody seemed to thoroughly enjoy the oven roasted pork. This is so easy and it always seems to please people.  Ladies, if your men eat pork, make this for them...they will love you more for it! Besides, it makes perfect leftovers!

While I was in the kitchen waiting for our guests to arrive, I threw together some more bread since the boys asked for more.  This one had more wheat flour in it and I actually lost track of what I was doing so I am not sure what I did in the end. I hate being distracted (read not concentrating on one thing) when I am working on recipes.  I always lose track of what I am doing. It still turned out well even though I am not sure what I did. I do know that it was not loaded with high fructose corn syrup and other unrecognizable ingredients, so that is a bonus. I guess I will have to make it again and try to focus on what I am doing.

Then, when our company left, the boys asked for a treat. After being in the kitchen all morning cooking and then cleaning, I really wanted to do something simple. I decided to make my flourless peanut butter cookies. They are so simple and bake in no time.

I used to make these with a different sweetener, but this time I made them with dark brown sugar. Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all ingredients. Using a medium cookie scoop, drop cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes on pan and then place on a cooling rack. Makes about 18 cookies depending on the size scoop you use.

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with the illustrator today. I LOVE cooking with him. When people come over to eat, they always think it is all me, but we always cook together when we cook for guests. Do you like cooking with people or do you prefer to be alone in the kitchen?

I can't wait for FRIDAY!!!