What a fun weekend! My mother-in-law bought my brother-in-law cooking lessons for his birthday…from ME! With my BIL Adam, comes the sweetest soon-to-be SIL, Sarah. Confused yet? Adam and Sarah are engaged to be married this coming November. We couldn’t be happier for them. So instead of pre-marital counseling, we’re offering pre-marital cooking.

Adam had wanted to learn how to change up his menu from chicken on his George Foreman grill. Adam and Sarah came over Friday afternoon and the cooking began. In the course of about 18 hours we made Cool Whip Peanut Butter Pie, Cherry and Ricotta Crostini, Mushroom Risotto, Baked Pork Chops, Roasted Broccoli, Blueberry Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce, bacon, scrambled eggs, Cheesecake Strawberries, and Texas Sheet Cake. Phew! By the time we finished breakfast on Saturday, we were pooped!

In planning the menu, I asked them if there was anything in particular they wanted to learn. Adam said pork chops. Beyond that, they were up for anything. I tried to combine quick, easy items with a few more difficult techniques or something they might not try on their own. Also, I wanted to give them some very familiar flavors but also try some a bit more unique. We also worked on timing. Everything came out together. Miracle! We even had fun aprons. Andy (my hubby) was the photographer and Detroit Lions logo creator. He cut this by hand. Pretty impressive, huh?

We started with the Cool Whip Peanut Butter Pie so it could get in the freezer in time for dessert. While Sarah was working on the pie, Adam started the appetizer – Cherry and Ricotta Crostini. Adam pitted cherries and zested a lemon. Two new skills! We ate the crostini then got started on the entree. Sarah worked on the risotto (she now has a super strong right arm) and Adam prepared the pork chops and broccoli. Freshly chopped broccoli.

Seasoning the pork chops.

Breading the pork chops.

Starting the risotto.

Look at their beautiful work!

Saturday morning. We were a bit tired and forgot to take pictures. Here’s the aftermath.

After breakfast, Adam had had his fill of cooking. Adam and Andy went off to play video games. They came in handy for bowl and beater licking and taste testing. Meanwhile, Sarah and I finished the baking. We had a family party later that afternoon so we made a few treats. Cheesecake Strawberries and Texas Sheet Cake. Texas Sheet Cake is perfect for a crowd plus you get to frost it while it’s hot. For some reason, I love the fact you don’t have to wait for the cake to cool. The Cheesecake Strawberries are so quick and easy but look so elegant. Look at Sarah’s beautiful piping job!

A successful two days. Adam and Sarah passed (we should know…we’ve been married for a whole 9 months) and are now ready to marry! Congrats you two. We love you!