05 Oct Favourite Recipe Round-Up: Eleven Years In
Eleven years ago today, I was extremely busy. When I wasn’t kissing the man behind the hat, I was getting my photos taken, greeting guests and exchanging vows. Today I spent an embarrassing amount of time poking about the archives of my computer. I was looking for this photo. Years ago, I had renamed it “hatkiss” so I could find it easily – whenever I wanted. It seemed a logical move at the time. Modern me disagrees and suggests that perhaps, just perhaps, I should rename it “wedding hat kiss” so I have a hope in a hard drive next time.
Having finally located this one file, I proceeded to stare at my monitor, trying to think up ways to celebrate more than a decade of marriage without a) resorting to cheap rhymes using “heaven” or b) repeating myself.
I promise not to rhyme “eleven” with “heaven” (or even “seven”) but repeating myself is actually my game plan. I’ve decided to mark the occasion with a round-up of Andrew’s favourite recipes.
Before we were married, if I had asked him for his favourite dishes, he’d have said steak, or roast turkey with scalloped potatoes. Dessert would have been apple pie. Today? His answer surprised me. The list included one meat, two vegetables, a salad dressing and a couple of non-apple-pie desserts. Best. Anniversary Gift. Ever.
Andrew’s Favourite Recipes
No Butter Chicken: This is my husband’s go-to dinner. When he tore his quad tendon and was confined to bed for several weeks, he asked for this so often I nearly said no. But I could deny him nothing.
Homemade Ranch Dressing: This recipe nearly ended our marriage. When I refused to buy commercial salad dressing and Someone complained. Loudly. Often. So, I created this. Someone liked it. A lot. No arguments. Marriage saved.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Cilantro Dressing: When I first met Andrew he was decidedly anti-cauliflower. Monica Bhide introduced me to roasted cauliflower and knowing my husband’s weakness for spice, I created a spicy version with a cilantro dip. I had him at cilantro.
Basil and Walnut Green Beans: One of the first recipes I ever posted, this remains a standby when we are out of ideas or time. It’s endlessly versatile if you switch up the herb, nuts and oil. Only the beans remain constant.
Forty Creek Whisky Pecan Pie: For this recipe I combined two of my husband’s favourite things. Forty Creek Canadian Whisky and Pecan Pie. Canadian whisky gets a Southern makeover. Everybody wins.
Double Ginger Cookies: It’s not Christmas without these. What more can I say other than they should come with warning labels. Or track pants. Or both.
Have you influenced your mates food choice? Or visa versa? If so, how?
Emily @ Life on Food
Posted at 12:37h, 06 OctoberHappy Anniversary!! what a cute photo. i am glad you were able to find it.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 15:45h, 06 OctoberThanks, Emily. Our wedding photos were taken long before digital became the norm so I filed them away before I knew what I was doing. As long as I can find my husband, I’ll be okay with the standard level of chaos we call life.
A Canadian Foodie
Posted at 14:08h, 07 OctoberAnther lovely little moment in commen, Charmian. I married Vanja October 17 – 11 years ago, as well. Sad to say that he will be in Europe this year for our anniversary on “our” holiday, visiting his parents, while I am here… but, hopefully – we will celebrate if life ever returns to normal. He is definitely the light of my life. Lucky us, eh?
And a great tribute!
🙂
V
Jill Silverman Hough
Posted at 23:10h, 07 October<3 it.
Our anniversary is Thursday. 🙂
Charmian Christie
Posted at 10:59h, 08 OctoberHappy anniversary! Hope you and your husband have a lovely celebration.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 11:02h, 08 OctoberReally? Just two weeks apart? What an amazing coincidence. I’m sorry you won’t be able to celebrate together. Sometimes life gets in the way of our plans. A happy marriage is a daily celebration, so yes, we are very lucky indeed. Here’s to many more anniversaries!
Carolyn T
Posted at 14:13h, 09 OctoberHappy Anniversary, Charmian. What a cute post. The picture is adorable! Loved reviewing all the recipes. After reading your post, I turned to my husband of 30+ years and asked him about his favorites that I’ve made and make – it made for an interesting conversation. I think I’ll create a post about it.
Charmian Christie
Posted at 08:36h, 12 OctoberThanks, Carolyn. It’s one of my favourite photos, even though you can’t see our faces. We were just goofing around and the photographer caught the moment.
I’d love to know what your husband’s answers were. I often find the dishes I put the most effort into aren’t the ones people remember, but rather the simpler dishes they ask for again and again. Please send me a link when you post about it. I’d love to read it.
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Posted at 05:41h, 03 November[…] week I was reading Charmian Christie’s blog about her and her husband’s 11th wedding anniversary, and she told a cute story about discussing […]