Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Little Hands and Weddings and Chicken and Carrots


Little hands. That's all I thought about for a week before the wedding - those little hands in mine. Holding hands as we navigated parking lots, streets - or just because.

And bike rides in the woods - the two of us singing as loudly as we could - to keep the bears away.

The flood of memories and how we got from Point A to here. And now I have another son. And was able to watch how warmly she has been welcomed into her husband's family and to know how happy we are to have him as part of ours.


I was so proud of myself. I held it together for the ceremony (officiated by a friend who sang at my wedding almost 28 years ago - how wonderful is that?). I held it together for the toasts. I even held it together when Devon and Kirsten had their first dance - all smiles and sweetness.

But then Paul and Kirsten danced to "I Saw Her First" and the floodgates opened.


And more mascara needed to be applied.

I had cousins in from NYC and the night before the wedding they were able to visit with Kirsten and Matthew. I served Chicken Marbella because it could be prepared ahead of time, is healthy (the rich foods were coming) and it is perfect for a crowd. It's Sam's recipe from My Carolina Kitchen. I have used it for many occasions and it always pleases. No leftovers!

Find the recipe here. It's an old Silver Palate recipe from the 70's and I promise you that you will use it again and again. And because it was the night before the wedding, I forgot to add the wine and brown sugar before cooking. And nobody knew. Chicken and olives and prunes... who needs sugar?

And served up some more healthy treats: Roasted Carrots from Stacey Snacks.


Find the recipe here. And because it was the night before my daughter's wedding, I forgot the avocado - and didn't tell anyone. Fresh carrots, chives, parsley and creme fraiche - who needs the avocado?

For the next two days we were tourists in our own city - reconnecting with my cousins and showing them around. I doubt they ever toured in a pick-up truck before!

Sunday eve, cousins are at airport (miss them), sister is at home and Paul and I are downstairs with sleeping cats watching Cosmos. Normal life. Sweet life.


A blessed life.

16 comments:

Velva said...

What a beautiful time for your family. There would be no way that I could have held it together…I have so enjoyed your photos.

Your menu for the family looks delightful.

Velva

Catherine said...

Congratulations!! There are so many emotions and beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Catherine

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Claudia - I was following you on FB while you were posting photos and messages and was so happy for you and your family. Your daughter looks beautiful! and I loved the photo of you and your husband - what a joyous time for all of you. Bask in it for a long time.

Angie's Recipes said...

Congratulations, Claudia!!
I love those delicious yet light and healthy foods you have prepared for the family.
Have a beautiful day!
Angie

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a wonderful wedding. I enjoyed all of the pictures you posted on Facebook. Your daughter, who looks just like you, is so beautiful and her husband is handsome. I would have lost it too at the exact moment you did, or truthfully, long before.

Your menu sounds fabulous and I'm so pleased everyone liked the Chicken Marbella. Stacy's carrots were the perfect accompaniment and added lots of color. I will remember to recommend them when I'm asked what goes well with the Marbella.

Bask in these moments and hold them close. Life doesn't get any better than this.
Sam

Stacey Snacks said...

Claudia,
Congrats! I saw all your beautiful photos on facebook.
Glad the carrots were good w/ the chicken Marbella, I will now serve them with that favorite Silver Palate recipe.

Best,
Stacey

Chiara said...

Congratulations Claudia,what a lovely moment for your family !All the best !

Kitchen Riffs said...

What a happy time for everyone in your life! I wish the newlyweds all the best. Sounds like everyone had a great time. And thanks for reminding me of Chicken Marbella. I've made this before, ages ago, but had totally forgotten about it. Fun post. And glad you included a kitty picture!

Kitchen Riffs said...

What a happy time for everyone in your life! I wish the newlyweds all the best. Sounds like everyone had a great time. And thanks for reminding me of Chicken Marbella. I've made this before, ages ago, but had totally forgotten about it. Fun post. And glad you included a kitty picture!

Gloria Baker said...

these are really beautiful pictures Claudia a really lovely time:)

WokandSpoon said...

What lovely photos and a lovely post! Waterproof mascara is my best friend! :-)

Frank said...

Congratulations, Claudia. Sounds like a glorious and joyful moment.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Congratulations! A wonderful couple.

Lovely dishes. The carrots look so pretty.

Cheers,

Rosa

Beth said...

And a lovely post. I've enjoyed seeing photos from the wedding on Facebook. I'm so happy to hear that it was such a wonderful occasion.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I guess we have been amiss visiting each other's blog lately! So sorry I missed this post! Your daughter was so beautiful at her wedding and I know the happiness you felt to see her marry the love of her life!

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...


Very special, moments in time to cherish forever... xo