Cooking for friends during COVID-19

What a crazy year it has been for many reasons. Summer has brought some relief to people being able to socialize in small group with family and friends on front lawns or back yards with lawn chairs spaced socially distanced apart.

As fall draws near there is anxiety building about what life will look like? Will we step back into March mode? Or maybe it will be something completely different all together. One thing we know for sure is that in many areas of the country, sitting outside on a lawn chair with friends will not be happening except for the hardiest individuals.

For those of us who like to cook, entertaining family and friends indoors just seems too risky. This is a time we can still be creative and I’m suggesting that we consider cooking for friends, especially seniors, and dropping a warm fully prepared meal off at their home. It’s not the same as having those you care about to your house for dinner, but it is safer, fills your internal need to cook for someone, and will be greatly appreciated by the person receiving the gift of your cooking.

In this video I’m cooking a few favorite dishes for close friends of ours and dropping off a warm packaged dinner that should be great for a couple of evening meals. When we can’t be with someone in person, we can still be with them at heart.

Tonight’s menu includes, Crispy Chicken Wings, Saluted Prawns and Scallops in a “garlic/cilantro/lime/butter, garlic mashed potatoes, and garden steamed vegetables. I hope you enjoy this easy to follow recipe.

Recipe (Seafood):

• 1-pound raw prawns
• 1-pound raw scallops
• Juice and zest of two limes
• 1 head garlic chopped
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup clarified butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Recipe (Garlic Mash)

• 2 pounds of potatoes
• 1 head garlic chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup parsley chopped
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

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