Favourite Thing Friday

I'm linking up with Shay at Quilting in my Pyjamas today for Favourite Thing Friday. 

My favourite thing this Friday is my job.  My occasional job.  I consider my full-time job to be a wife and mother, but occasionally I get the chance to work as a personal chef.

Two weeks ago I was able to provide food for a college graduation lunch.  The graduates finished their rehearsal and then attended the lunch with their families.  I was asked to provide enough food for 175.  It went really, really well!

I had the bonus of preparing and storing the food at my in-laws house and freezing a lot of the prep food, so my work was spread over a two-week period.  I was able to make and freeze all of the desserts the week before, so that was a huge help!

The week of the event was a busy one here.  In between preparing for a huge job, our son was recovering from a pretty major injury.  So, that week, in between cooking copious amounts of food, we had a pediatric neurology appointment, MRI, orthopedic appointment, surgery, soccer practice, and a tractor trailer load of mulch delivered to our driveway.  It was quite the week.  seriously.  I think I'm finally recovered.

Anyway - I managed to take a few pictures before the first bus load of graduates arrived.  The food was a hit!

We were able to set up three identical serving stations. On the menu: chicken salad croissant sandwiches, mini crab melts, sticky bun ham and cheese sandwiches, pasta salad, cheese ball with crackers, veggie tray with pimiento dip, and fresh fruit

The sticky bun ham and cheese sandwiches were to die for. Trust me when I tell you that you need these in your life. I'll share the recipe at a later date. 


The desserts were fairly straightforward. I made white chocolate lemon truffles, dark chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, and molasses cookies. The plan was for me to also make chocolate brownies with peanut butter chips, but when we found out that Josh would need surgery to repair his wrist, I copped out and went store bought with the cream puffs. 

The great news is that there were leftovers!  It's virtually impossible to predict who will eat what and how much!  I made 180 crab melts, 160 chicken salad croissants, 160 ham and cheese, and 150 of each truffle.  It was plenty - but my biggest fear is not having enough!  So, it all worked out - the leftovers went to some of the staff, and my in-laws shared the rest with the family! 

I think I love my occasional job because it's just that - occasional!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend and be sure to thank someone who's served!