Galloping Along... Gourmet Style

A number of years ago, before I was associated with my current group of friends, said group used to hold a weekly (or so) Gourmet Night where a host would cook for the group. William tried to start this up again over a year ago, but after my chicken curry and BHL's Tex-Mex feasts, we didn't continue on with the gatherings.

Yes, it seems like we get together often enough for birthdays, sporting events and holidays. I think Gourmet Night was more like having family dinner, like my standing Friday Night dinner date with my parents. But with a new cook each time and possibly trying something new.

When I lived in DE, I used to get all kinds of recipes from my friend, Norma. She and her partner, Fran, are the source the Texas Caviar recipe (see sidelines for link) and Indian Curry. I used to test these recipes, along with ones I got from my mom and aunt, on friends here in MD. I get to test things out on Johnny now, but he doesn't eat too many veggies, so I mostly cook things I know he'd try (ribs, chicken).

I think I'm in a bit of a recipe rut at the moment. When we're down at the OBX, I normally cook a Beef Massaman Curry one of the nights. I switched to a pineapple/shrimp curry over the Labor Day weekend to mix it up a little. Someone hinted they wanted me to cook something other than beef curry for the upcoming trip. Maybe something not Thai at all? I like introducing people to Thai curries, as I'm rather new to cooking it. There's a fine line between cooking something that isn't blazing hot for those who can't eat anything spicy while keeping the integrity of the dish. So, I'm trying to come up with something new.

But in the mean time, since beef curry won't be joining us at the beach this year, I'm resurrecting Gourmet Tuesday and serving up... beef curry!!!

SIDE NOTE TO TALLI'S MOMMY: I don't have your e-mail address, but please come if you can!