Because who wouldn’t want to read a post with that title?? Sorry, I’ve been searching my whole life for my creative bone and I don’t have one. This post is literally about a dinner party, my trip to the dentist, and a macaroni salad recipe.
Please. Please, hold the applause.
The past few weeks I’ve fallen off the healthy wagon at least…well, too many times to count. Normally, I would resist the temptation, but I’ve been allowing myself to give in to a few notsohealthy cravings. Like sugary cereals (Cap’n Crunch and Reeses Puffs), golden Oreos, and pumpkin pie.
I made a pie for dessert when I had friends over for dinner one evening, but the few pieces leftover simply weren’t enough. I have since devoured an entire pie on my own. And there is another one, freshly baked last night, in the fridge.
Go on. Judge me.
Speaking of the other night when I had friends over for dinner, it was awesome but a fresh reminder of how much I miss my kitchen helper (and I’m not referring to Elle). The kitchen was a disaster. A royal one.
Believe it when I tell you that this was taken pre-mess. This was taken when I thought I had it all together and was super prepared to make this dinner for four. But I was so wrong. I somehow wound up with a chickpea in my hair.
Don’t ask.
Fortunately, I got my act together before everyone showed up. I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful it was to actually set the table and for more than one person!
I felt so domesticated and un-domesticated all at the same time. (I’m telling you that somehow, that’s possible.)
I’m celebrating the end of my rough day at the dentist with a social gathering at a friend’s house tonight. I had to get three more fillings that they, you know, missed. Because not catching cavities and plaque build up in my “extra deeply grooved” teeth the first time is totally common. Argh. I told my dentist that it wasn’t anything against her, she seemed like a really nice person, but I hoped to never see her again in a dental clinic. She agreed. (I think she probably gets that a lot.)
It’s a BBQ to celebrate the kick-off of Säubrennerkirmes, also known as Pig Fest. It was the first festival we attended in Germany and I actually have a funny story about that night a year ago that I failed to share with you at the time. Stay tuned for that.
I offered to bring a side dish to the cookout. My decision of what to bring was made for me this afternoon when I realized it was already Friday and I forgot to plan ahead and go to the store. So, I made do with what I had.
What’s a BBQ without macaroni salad, anyway?
That was a rhetorical question, but in case you’re wondering, a BBQ without macaroni salad is not a BBQ. Obviously.
I’ll skip the formalities of how amazing this turned out because I have to get freshened up to go to the BBQ. But just so you know, it turned out so awesome and was so quick and easy to make that I’m sharing it with you BEFORE I even take it to the BBQ. Oh, you’re so very welcome, friends. 🙂
Macaroni Salad
<– this currently isn’t working but I’ll try to remember to tweek it later
- 6 oz uncooked elbows (I used Dreamfield’s low-carb pasta)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2.5 oz chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (I used Spectrum Organic Mayo)
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
- dash garlic powder
- 1-1/2 tsp oregano
- salt and pepper
I prefer Vegenaise, but I can’t get that here. This is the next best thing, in my opinion. |
I’m off the the BBQ and Pig Fest now…in hopes that they might possibly have alcohol free beer by the bottle. It’s more common that you might think in Germany. Prost!
ENJOY!
If you’re not a regular follower, please check out my sister-in-law Shelby’s blog. She’s just starting a new adventure and we are so excited to have her in Europe for the next year!