It was their parents’ 18th wedding anniversary and Jordan and C.J. wanted to make a special dinner to celebrate. We checked the fridge and the freezer to see what was available and settled on roast beef with garlic mashed potatoes and collard greens on the side.
The collards had been grown in my garden. I had picked, cleaned, and froze them the week before so they were just waiting to be used. We set them out to thaw and began prepping the carrots, onions, and herbs we would need to make the meal. Jordan became a master at chopping carrots and peeling potatoes. CJ was a bit surprised that “chopping onions really do make you cry!” They learned to season and sear a roast. They learned that garlic mashed potatoes required garlic, oil, and butter. They learned how to prepare collard greens in a slow cooker. Jordan and C.J. also learned that you could have fun in the kitchen and get the work done. They really got into smashing the potatoes with the old fashioned potato masher and thought picking fresh herbs was the best.
The meal turned out beautifully. The roast beef was tender and juicy, the collard greens flavorful, and the garlic mashed potatoes were amazing. As for the table setting, according to C.J. only “fine china” would do. For the centerpiece, we used the flowers that Dad had given Mom earlier that day. Their parents were completely surprised and equally delighted by the nicely set table, chilled lemonade, and scrumptious dinner. As for me…I enjoyed working in the kitchen with my grandchildren. I don’t get to see them as often as I like. They don’t live close by so I take advantage of every moment that I can to create memories.
