My First Feast: An Easy Stew and Garlic Bread Salads for In-Laws
When you're starting your life with a new family, the first dinner can be both exciting and daunting. However, in my case, it was a delightful experience. My mother-in-law was an excellent cook, and after work, meals in her house were always ready and waiting for us. But the day I cooked our first dinner for our in-laws, it was a moment I would forever cherish.
Preparing the Ingredients
After we moved into our rented apartment, we invited our parents-in-law and sister-in-law over for a simple dinner. The rest of the family were away at work, so it was just us ready to embark on this culinary adventure. I knew I needed to pull something together quickly, so I decided on a simple and comforting stew with some side dishes to round it out.
The Stew: Easy and Flavorful
Borrowing some of the basics from a can of Campbell's Chicken Soup, I created a stew that was quick and easy to prepare. I opened four cans of chicken soup into a large bowl, added an equal amount of water, and stirred it well. Chopped a bunch of garlic finely and prepared some garlic butter, keeping some minced garlic aside for the stew.
The only fiddly part was ensuring there were no bits of shell in the seafood. I opened packs of ready-shelled prawns and crab meat, which made the process much smoother. The salad was quickly chopped and refrigerated with a lemon vinaigrette.
Cooking the Feast
Next, I sautéed the minced garlic in a deep pot and tossed in the prawns and crab meat. Once the prawns turned pink, I poured in the Campbell's soup mixture and stirred gently. While the stew simmered, I beat three eggs lightly. I poured the beaten eggs into the stew, stirring as I did so. This step gave the dish a rich and creamy texture.
I also prepared some garlic bread by spreading French loaves with garlic butter and wrapping them in foil. I placed them in the oven just as the doorbell rang, and the house filled with an amazing aroma as our guests arrived.
Serving and Receiving Praise
After serving cold drinks, I ladled the stew into bowls, garnished with chopped spring onions and a dash of pepper. The garlic bread was sliced and served hot, while the salad was tossed with the dressing and served cold. The meal was a hit! My father-in-law especially was touched because he had issues with crunchy food, so the finely sliced salad and soft garlic bread suited him perfectly. The stew and bread simmering together created a delightful dish.
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law were so encouraging and appreciative that I thought, "Yes, I can be a canned food expert!" Ha ha ha… This experience cemented my confidence in the kitchen and set a wonderful precedent for our new family dinners.
Conclusion: The first dinner with in-laws can be nerve-wracking, but with simple, comforting dishes like a stew and a garlic bread salad, it can be a memorable and delicious experience for both the host and the guests.