boat farewell party food

Before I retired to my death (pregnancy-sickness) bed, we did host a party for the pontoon boat.  Brad had decided to sell it after about 10 years of enjoyment.  It also happened to be Kentucky Derby day but we leaned more towards cookout food as we would at the lake.  I will post party pics later but here is the food:

Spread of cornbread salad, fruit salad, baked beans, creamy cucumbers and plain ole French onion dip.

Baked beans.  Ok, I admit to never having done these from scratch.  I love Bush's (usually combine a few varieties).  Cover them with bacon and bake until hot.  Done and delicious!

Cornbread salad

This was uh mazing!  I made cornbread from scratch (see below for recipe), let it cool and crumbled in the bottom of a large, glass dish.  Cover that with pintos, corn, peppers and onions.  Sprinkle cheddar on top and then drizzle with the buttermilk ranch dressing.  Yummy!!

Creamy Cucumbers

Delish and oh-so-easy.  Just remember to make in advance.

Fruit Salad

Nothing super special here but I love this honey-lime dressing. 

Cornbread

I don't have exact measurements but here goes:

1.5 c of self-rising cornmeal

1 egg

As much oil as egg (usually 1/3 c)

Buttermilk until soupy (I mean REALLY soupy)

Mix all together and let sit for bubbles to form.  Put a few tablespoons of oil is a cast-iron skillet and heat in preheated oven. (400 degrees)  Once hot, pour the batter in.  It will sizzle which is what makes that beautiful crunchy exterior.  I don't like sweet cornbread so this is my favorite by far!

crawfish monica and roasted okra

This was delicious and I pretty much followed the recipe exactly:

 

Crawfish Monica

 

 

Sautéing onions

 

Adding flavor (pretty sure I just used Cajun seasoning; no time to make the Essence)

 

Adding the cream (I used FF half & half)

 

Final product

(I get my crawfish at Publix in the frozen seafood section)

 

Not a very pretty plate (ha) but this okra is to-die-for!!  I was very skeptical of roasted (and not fried) okra but, let me tell ya.  I tossed the okra in a bowl with all the ingredients, plus some cornmeal for crunch, and roasted these little suckers until tender.  I flipped often to ensure crispiness.  Yummers!!

poppy seed chicken

 

I am sure a lot of you have this recipe (but just in case)....

Poppy Seed Chicken

This is super easy and very good.  To lighten it up a bit, I omit the butter, use FF sour cream and reduced fat cream of chicken soup.  As always, I use my handy shredded chicken that I make via my KitchenAid and freeze in big batches.  Add a salad or roasted veggies and you have a great dinner!

Oh, I would add the poppy seeds to the chicken mixture, not right on top.  (they could burn).  Also, if your oven is finicky at all, cover this with foil until about 15-20 minutes left so the Ritz don't burn either.