One way I have of showing my love is through my cooking. I've mentioned before that I plan to go to culinary school, but I want that basic college degree first. I think about college being about all these different "meal courses" and culinary school as being the "dessert" waiting for me at the end.
Matty said he wanted me to show you the menu I prepared last night, so if you'll allow me this little bit of bragging, here's what I made:
Your basic simple tossed salad.
French onion soup.
Pineapple and Soy-Glazed Salmon.
Ricotta mashed potatoes
Green beans with cherry tomatoes.
Sweet baby carrots.
Chocolate covered strawberries.
Pineapple and Soy-Glazed Salmon.
Ricotta mashed potatoes
Green beans with cherry tomatoes.
Sweet baby carrots.
Chocolate covered strawberries.
Everybody said they thought it turned out well, but for me the best part was the planning, the cooking, and then seeing everybody enjoy it. I had some candles on the table, the lighting was dimmed and we had some really nice, relaxing music in the background.
The conversation we had was also very special. Mark and John caught us up on how things are going with them and we also did some joking around about how we want to be the first to know when they set a wedding date. I think that sorta made them blush since they've only been dating since Thanksgiving. Matty did make them promise that both of us could be their Best Men if it ever happened.
Stay tuned for news about the special celebration Matty has planned for the two of us. We both wanted to share Valentine's Day with our two friends, but Matty asked me out this weekend for something really, really special. Just the two of us. All I can say right now is that it involves a red tie and a red rose. I'll probably post about it tomorrow. Hope everyone had a nice day yesterday.
Omg, I think I just drooled on my keyboard. That menu sounds absolutely delicious. When can I come over to get some of that cooking of yours, Brad? :)
ReplyDeleteMy Valentine's Day was bleeeeeh. Had to work and then spent the day alone at home studying. Sucks, I know *sigh*
Hey Kerstin! Drop by anytime! I love cooking for friends. -- Make sure you cleaned that drool off your keyboard :) ☮ and ♥
DeleteTalk about cliff-hangers!! :D
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you guys enjoyed the day! I am so impressed with your menu, Brad! Plus you pushed my mind into gutter a bit when I saw that you had prepared chocolate covered strawberries. LOL!
Oh yeah. Strawberries and chocolate are so decacently delicious!! ☮ and ♥
DeleteHey you! "Strawberries and chocolate are so decacently delicious!!" Just like you.
DeleteI think it was so nice that you and Matt wanted to share your Valentine's celebration with Mark and John. I'm sure that made them feel really special. Shows what great friends you are to them.
ReplyDeleteYour menu sounds awesome! I bet you will make a great chef, but I think your plan to get your degree first is a wise decision, too.
Hope you and Brad have a wonderful celebration this weekend. :)
Thanks Lisa! ☮ and ♥
DeleteMeant to say hope you and Matt have a wonderful celebration. Sometimes what I'm thinking and typing don't match up. :D Also, I need to try your salmon recipe. I make it every few weeks but I have run out of new ideas.
DeleteWell done, :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Iv. ☮ and ♥
DeleteSooo nice that you're looking after Mark and John and being as supportive as you are. A home-cooked meal on Valentine's Day is the perfect way to spread the love. (I would've been happy just sitting in a corner with a bowl of that French onion soup!)
ReplyDeleteY'know, every time I hear about young gay men who've had rocky lives, I want to adopt them. I'm definitely not the only "mature" (*ahem*) straight female who feels that way. It both angers me and breaks my heart to think of the lack of acceptance that still exists . . . and especially of someone having to deal with an abusive lover in the wake of parental rejection. I wish Mark and John all the happiness in the world.
Re. your celebration with Matty: I think a bow tie would be cutest. ;-)
Hello, K.Z.
DeleteI bet Mark and John would have loved what I'm sure you have to offer. I know when we spend time with them, I always want to wrap them up in lots of love. They so much deserve a better life than they had. ☮ and ♥
Oh.... Hmmmmmm... a bow tie, huh? You just gave me an idea!!
K.Z. I was just sitting here thinking the exact same thing. The Mom in me just want to hug Mark and John and tell them it will all be ok and there are lots of loving and accepting people in the world *tear*.
DeleteI was JUST going to say that K.Z.'s comment sounded just like you Debbie! :)
DeleteGlad you had a great time with your friends and no doubt they loved your dinner considering the menu you had planned and the love you put in the preparation of this fabulous dinner for them.
ReplyDeleteAs I had predicted, my hubby arrived at home empty-handed. *sigh* But he wished me a Happy Valentine's Day with a kiss and told me he wanted to bring me a rose but he didn't find time.
Cannot wait to know what you have planned for your special celebration!
What is it with certain men? I might need to run some kind of class giving step-by-step instructions on basic love. ;) ☮ and ♥
DeleteAnd I didn't say I didn't want a gift this time, you know, like I did for Christmas (yeah, I got nothing either). The worst is that he fell asleep before I got the chance to climb into our bed. Talk about a love celebration.
DeleteHope he won't forget my birthday at least!
So yeah, some lessons would be appreciated! :)
Brad, how wonderful for you to show your friends how much you love and care for them by cooking them such a wonderful meal and making their first Valentines Day so special. You and Matt are most likely a beacon for them, especially given the lack of support they get from their families.
ReplyDeleteAnd that menu! My 18 y/o son can barely manage pop tarts. I promise to watch your Food Network TV show and buy your cookbooks in the future ;). And I wasn't kidding about the wedding cake idea! You could totes do it
And....teasing the new couple about wedding dates? LOL They should tell you that they will set theirs when you set yours :D.
Oh goodie. I've already got my first customer for a cookbook, and a viewer for that TV cooking show! As soon as I get out of all my schooling, I'll send out a special invitation to my restaurant, too!! -- Well, I can dream, can't I? ☮ and ♥
DeleteI had to comment on this. After reading through your blog I can honestly say I have no doubt that someday you will have your own restaurant and it will be a huge success! With the love and support and dedication you both have for each other, your dream will be a reality before you know it!
DeleteHi angel. WOW, thank you for that vote of confidence. It's a dream right now to own my own restaurant, but I keep getting told that you have to have the dream first, then you do all the hard work to get there. And, yes, having Matty's love and support makes the journey all the more special.
DeleteThat menu sounds abosolutely delicious and I have never even tried Salmon lol And chocolate covered strawberries are the best,not to mention all the fun you can have with it! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. It's nice that your two friends have you both for love and support, everyone needs someone they can trust to accept them for who they are.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about the special celebration Matt has planned for you both, I am sure it will be fantastic in every way possible!
What?? Never tried salmon? Okay, now I'm gonna have to come up with a special recipe just for you. I'll call it, Salmon with Lemon Angel Flower. How's that sound? ;)
DeleteWow, I'm honored, thats awesome! You would be the only one to convinice me to try it too lol
DeleteHi Angel. Believe me, whatever he makes is worth it. ;)
DeleteThanks, sweetie. Hurry home tonight! ;)
Deleteawwwwwwwww, see thats what I mean, you two are just so supportive and sweet to each other!
DeleteHow lovely and special it all sounded. So kind of you both to share this special day with friends. Don't laugh but hubby and I actually stayed in and made dinner (lamb) for our son and daughter in law. We will have our own private celebration on thursday. Bradley I want to do two things one day. Be an investor in your first restaurant. And be a part of your opening night. Can't you see us there? All clapping and cheering as you, the head chef makes his appearance? I want to be there in a front row seat please!
ReplyDeleteOh Sammy! Now you got me all excited! ;) Whether you're an investor or not, I just put you on the Opening Night Guest List! ♥
DeleteAnd you and hubby get a table up front with flowers. I'll make you and hubby something extra special that night! ♥ ♥
Wow, it sounds wonderful. And so nice that you guys have some much love overflowing between the two of you that you plenty left over to share with your friends! Glad you had a great night!
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda in a sappy romantic mood right now, but what you said made me think about how when you give out love, you sometimes get back more than you give out. It really was a nice evening.
DeleteI totally agree. And you guys clearly have plenty and are so good about sharing!
Delete~Snuggles Brad~ Oi, I want my little brother's cooking so bad now. ~Pouts~ Yall's talk about food and all is making me so hungry LOL!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great night for yall. By the way when you get your restaurant Lil Bro I am so there! As long as I don't have to dress in frills and frilly things I'll be A-Okay to be there ~Dusts Brad with Peace and Love dust~ There now the head chef is ready to keep his dreams and kick butt at college then Culinary school. ~Kisses your cheek and runs off to find something to munch on~
Hey, Lucy/Kat. You don't have to wear anything frilly if you don't want to. Just have a good time. ;)
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a great night all around. And, that menu sounds delicious. (Okay, now I'm hungry...LOL.) I'll definitely come to your restaurant whenever you open. And, I know you can achieve all you set your mind to.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Hey Amanda! I'll send you an invitation to the restaurant (probably in about 10 or 15 years!). LOL. Thanks for your confidence in me! ♥
DeleteBrad: So after all the cooking and clean up, did you have some snuggle time with your Matty afterwards to do . . . what couples do on Valentine's Day?
ReplyDeleteJerry, Jerry, Jerry. You silly man. Asking a silly question like that! LOL. ;)
DeleteYes, we had so much "snuggle time," then a break, then more, uh, "snuggle time," then another break, then more.... well, you get the picture. We took a few very brief cat naps, then more Cupid play. We almost didn't make it to school today, and we're hitting that worn out Love Bed early tonight. I think we worked off all the calories from the meal, to say the least! ;)
Oh wow! All of your food sounded wonderful! I have no doubt you will have your own restaurant some day!!
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet of you guys to share your Valentine's Day with your friends. You and Matty are very special. ;)
Thank CherBella!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. And your menu sounds gorgeous! All the best with your dream :)
ReplyDeleteHi Orannia. Thanks for you wishes about my dream! ♥
DeleteThat must have been a wonderful day. I love everything on your menu, delicious!
ReplyDeleteNice to have friends like you :)
Hi Sylvia... Thank you! ♥
DeleteChef Bradley, you are awesome. I'm craving some French onion soup right now! :) Lots of love to Mark and John too :)
ReplyDeleteHi Thorny! Hey, I'd love making you and J. some French onion soup anytime! Open invitation! ;)
Delete