Beach Retreat: the Food

We ate wonderful food while we were on the beach retreat!  Warning: do not read this post while hungry!

Before the highchair arrived, Vera sat in a big chair and looked so sweet! How adorable are those cheeks?

A highlight of the week was the Golden Spoon Competition – a “Chopped”-style cooking competition with mystery ingredients and courses. It was so fun!

First course… mystery ingredients: shrimp, baby bok choy, and lemons.  Dish: Shrimp & Baby Bok Choy Lemon Risotto in Lemon Cups!

Second course (the one I was a part of making)… mystery ingredients: top sirloin beef roast, basmati rice, and spaghetti squash. Dish: Coffee Encrusted Beef Roast served with a Coffee Reduction alongside Potatoes and Carrots; Basmati Rice Sauteed with Peppers & Onion; and Spaghetti Squash Tossed with Garlic Roasted Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, and Fresh Basil!

Third course… mystery ingredients: granny smith apples, pie pumpkins, and cocoa powder. Dish: Chocolate Sauce; Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip; Gingersnaps; and Granny Smith Apple Slices.

We were judged based on taste, presentation, and creativity.  The Golden Spoon Award this year went to the dessert team!

For lunch one day we all helped make pizza.  It turned out sooo delicious!

margherita pizza

veggie lovers pizza

shrimp & bacon pizza

Angela, Stephanie, and I made dinner one night and served Garlic Bread, Italian Tossed Salad, Parmesan Chicken, Pasta & Tomato Basil Sauce, Cranberry Spritzer (not wine, though it looks like it in the picture, lol), and Chocolate Trifle.

As you can tell, we did not go hungry that week!