Miguel's Birthday and Superbowl (with recipes)

Our weekend began with dinner at Cantina (we're obsessed) and then a big outing at Sams Club.  You'll see why in a few pictures.

 

Saturday morning I did Flywheel and went to the Teeter for a big event later that day!

 

We hosted a dinner party for our friend Miguel's birthday.  His name is actually Michael but we've called him Miguel since we all went to Mexico back in 2009 for Wendy and Josh's wedding.  This is our Avenue group from when we lived at our condos.

 

Gigi's Cupcakes were essential.

 

So were chicken and waffles for an appetizer.  I just cut each waffle in quarters.  The best part about this appetizer was that I cooked the chicken nuggets and waffles that morning then crisped them up in the oven right before everyone arrived.  EASY!

 

Cocktail hour requires a cheese platter.

 

Jennifer made this amazing bruscetta dip.  This recipe is pretty darn close to what she used, I think.  Jenn, correct me if I'm wrong!  She added feta and basil after it was baked.  YUM!

 

Pioneer Woman's Potatoes Au Gratin.  This turned out good but I always feel like her recipes don't show enough cooking time in her directions.  So of course some of the potatoes weren't done when I served it.  Embrarrassing!  I put it back in for an extra 15 minutes and it was better.

 

Steaks via my friend Ashley.  Their family makes the best steaks ever and this was her recipe.  Get your filets from Sams Club and you won't regret it!

1.    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.    Pat the filets dry and season with kosher salt and pepper on both sides.

3.    Place the filets in a cast iron skillet.  Heat some canola oil and when hot, cook filets for 4 minutes on each side.  Then immediately put in the oven for 5 minutes.  They will be medium rare/rare.  Cook longer in the oven if you prefer more done.

4.    Once they are out, put them immediately onto a plate so they don’t continue to cook. 

5.    Place a thin sliver of butter on each filet.  This will really enhance the flavor. 

 

 

We served it with PW's Oven Roasted Asparagus. 

 

And sung to the birthday boy after dinner!

 

And toasted him to many more! 

 

We cut the cupcakes into quarters so everyone could taste multiple kinds.

 

 

 

These boys always do this crazy pose. 

 

Melt my heart, right?! 

 

 

Then we gave Miguel his gift from the three couples...a Nordstrom gift card!

 

We had a great time celebrating him and it was good to hang with our Avenue crowd again!

 

Sunday was spent regrouping and watching Mills watch the Puppy Bowl.  TOO cute!

 

I wore Seattle Seahawks colors in honor of my NC State boys that play for them. 

 

We went to Kevin's parents for a feast and to watch the game! 

 

I made the 7-layer dip in the pie dish on the left of the picture.  Bottom to top layer: Refried beans, 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1/2 taco seasoning packet, 1.5 avocados with fresh lime juice, cheddar jack cheese, tomatoes, sliced olives and cilantro. 

 

Let the week commence!