Mom's night out...AKA....Multitasking

I was one of the last in my group of friends to get married and have children. In fact, three short years ago I was just about the only one in our group who didn't have kids....We refer to that era as the good old days....Brad and I lived in an ocean front condo. We had a boat and kayaks thirty yards from our front door. We went on vacations and slept in on the weekends. We could have sex whenever we wanted and for as long as we wanted because there was no fear that someone would wake up crying or turn up at the side of the bed looking to cuddle. Back then, I cooked wonderful meals and if I didn't feel like cooking we ordered takeout or ate at one of the many restaurants in the seaside town that we lived in.

I'm pretty sure if one of my "mommy" friends had told me that they were getting together with other mommies to make meals that they could take home and freeze, I would have rolled my eyes and thought, "Wow, how can you possibly control your excitement...that sounds about as much fun as a root canal..."

Fast forward three years....can you guess who organized a cooking gathering and has been looking forward to it for weeks? Yup, that would be Moi! You know why I did it? Another friend organized one a few weeks ago and I didn't register in time to get food. Even though I couldn't make anything, I STILL WENT just to get out of my house. I watched ten women make meals....just for fun. The food looked so amazing that I went home and reserved a night for my friends and I had no trouble getting eight women together to join me for a night of cooking bliss.

I know that there are chains that are similar to what I did last night...but this isn't a chain and I'm not sure that there is anything out there that can rival the quality and variety that is offered. The owner Karen, is a chef and a mom who understands how difficult it can be to make healthy and delicious meals for your family. All of the ingredients are organic. When possible, vegetables and fruits are purchased from local organic farms. All of the meat and poultry are grain fed and hormone free. She does not use farm raised fish. Best of all, all the prep work is done and the menu is gourmet! Last night I "made"

Herb Rubbed Steak with Olive Provencal, served with Orzo

Curried Potato, Spinach and Lentil Stew, served with pitas and cucumber raita

Glazed Stuffed Roast Loin of Pork (stuffed with apples, cranberries herbs and spices)

Athenian Orzo with Shrimp, served with Foccacia

Maple Thyme Roasted Chicken

and for comfort, Chicken Pot Pie

Three years ago, I wouldn't have been interested in this and wouldn't have believed that it could be fun....but it was. It was great to spend time with the girls and without our kids. I can't remember the last time that I cooked without someone yanking on my leg. I can't remember the last time that I enjoyed a glass of wine while cooking (let me be clear, I drink all of the time while I cook....emphasis was meant to be on the word enjoy....) Best of all, there are twelve meals in my freezer just waiting for me to put in the oven. After we eat them, all I'll have to do is put our dishes in the dishwasher, 'cause Karen already cleaned up the mess.