I’m very happy to say that today went great, or as good as it could possibly go. Of course we were all thinking about my brother but we managed to stay busy and have the best time possible. John wouldn’t want us sulking around and we did our best to honor him.
Here we are!
The accident, in a way, has made my entire family much closer. My dad and I will always share that (sad) bond of being the ones with John as he breathed his last breath. Was that not even two months ago? I feel like I’ve aged about 15 years in the past 50 days.
Anyways, I had my parents over to MY house for a change tonight and they welcomed it! We made really fun strawberry martinis and I cooked a fabulous dinner. The cocktails were my mom’s idea and all you really do is “marinate” strawberries with powdered sugar and then puree the mixture in the blender. Mix with a shot of vodka and top with club soda and a basil leaf. SO unbelievably tasty!
I had two of these because these glasses were so teeny-tiny. Each martini glass only held about 1/4-1/3 cup of cocktail!
Yummy!
And for dinner, I made one of our favorites— caramelized scallops with smoked chili cream sauce from The Black Dog Summer on the Vineyard cookbook (one of my favorites!).
My mom and dad got potato pancakes but I chose a sweet potato instead. This is the easiest recipe ever but so tasty! Pretty healthy, too, since I used only a bit of olive oil to caramelize these suckers and reduced fat sour cream in the sauce. I wasn’t stuffed afterwards, which is a good sign of a balanced healthy meal!
I SO wished I would have had time to make a fun Father’s Day dessert but since I didn’t, we each had a little ice cream instead 
This is the last of the So Delicious mocha almond fudge coconut milk “ice cream” and, to be honest, I’m glad its gone! This still is like crack to me and I was constantly in the freezer for “just one little spoonful”. Very dangerous to keep on hand 
TOMORROW:
The Easy Weeknight Dinner E-Cookbook will be going on sale!!!!!!!!!!!! The price will be $10 and like last time, just donate the money into my Team in Training account and then email me at HelpJennaRun@gmail.com to just real quickly let me know you made the donation. In the response to the email you send, I will attach the e-cookbook. Trust me guys, this one is even BETTER than the dessert one—-its about 100 pages!! I definitely have my work cut out for me tonight (it might be a late one) but its so worth it. I do hope you all will make an effort to pitch forward the $10 and purchase one. Its for such a great cause and I don’t know anywhere else you can find 100 awesome dinner recipes for only $10. Really, now.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
Can’t wait:)
So excited!
I know it’s going to be a good one.
HelpMeghanRun.com
Those cocktails sound awesome! What were the proportions you used?
Michaela,
Honestly there was no real “recipe”…..my mom just blended up the stawberries and then for each person she poured some strawberry “slush” in, topped with a shot of vodka and a bit of club soda!
Oh wow I so can’t wait to get my paws on that cookbook!!
Is it too late to submit an entry??
Now I know where yuo got your beautiful eyes- your dad!
Angela,
Send away! Just sometime tonight would be great!
Heather,
You have until October!!
Hi Jenna,
How long can we buy the cookbook until. Payday is the 30th, and I’d really still like to buy one on that date?
Heather:)
The ice cream looks amazing
Can’t wait to see the wonderful recipes in the e-book!
Love scallops and sweet potatoes. That dish looks so yumm! The ice cream looks as good as you say it is
. Glad to hear that you had a great Father’s Day!
Have you ever had the coconut milk mini ice cream bars? So good–and better than the soy ice cream, I think!
FABULOUS daddy’s day dinner! I just made my donation- good luck reaching your goal
wow what a great meal, I am sure your dad loved it!
What a wonderful Father’s Day! Congrats to you and your family for celebrating a happy day!
Happy Father’s Day to your dad! I’m glad that you were able to enjoy it, I’m sure John was smiling down on you all
That martini sounds delicious. I may have to see if a virgin version would taste good.
YAY!!!!!!! I’m so totally buying one!
I’m so glad to hear that you had a great day with your dad!
That martini sounds so good and perfect for a summer drink. And awesome job on dinner!!! Your parents will be coming over more often!
That’s wonderful you had a great Father’s Day.
The strawberry martini looks fabulous! And your dinner looks better than anything you can get in the fanciest restaurants!
The dinner and cocktail look scrumptious! I will have to try that martini
I’m excited about the e-cookbook….thanks for doing all the work, you rock!!
What a thoughtful dinner, Jenna. I’m glad that everything turned out so well. It’s been forever since I’ve had potato pancakes. (I may just have to make them now.)
Have an awesome week!
I’m proud of you for getting through the last 50 days with such grace!
Glad you could enjoy father’s day, I can’t wait for the cookbook!
those cocktails look delish, thanks for sharing the recipe/idea!
I’m most def going to have to try that martini YUM! And your dinner looks amazing too.
Can’t wait to get my hands on the cookbook tomorrow. YAY!
Good luck with the e-cookbook! I can’t wait to see it!
The conference sounds awesome! I have lived in Boston and I can tell you is is an amazing city! Lots of history, character, and pride
Okay, I just have to say this.
Your dad looks exactly like a slightly older Chris Cornel (of Soundgarden and Audioslave), and Ryan bears a striking resemblance to Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails).
Believe me, those are hardcore complements.
Okay, I’m gonna go to bed and stop bein’ creepy now.
Goodnight!
You are so sweet to make such an incredible meal for your dad!
I am glad you had such a wonderful time with your dad.
I can’t wait for the e-cookbook!
such a wonderful day with your family! exactly how these holidays should be.
everything – food and cocktails included – looks delicious! i can’t wait to be able to cook for my parents.
Love the martinis! I like the idea of smaller glasses, feels like you’re drinking more
Can’t wait for the cookbook! Hope you weren’t up to late!
Silly Q: Do I need a coupon for the amazing grass?
Can’t wait to get the cookbook! And btw those scallops look AMAZING!
Yum! The cocktails and food look great!
~Justine
The dinner looks wonderful!