Cook-out Catch-up

Yes, we are still here! We've been at the beach this past week, so this post is serving as a bit of a catch up. Before we left, we had our small group over to our house for a cook-out. Here are some pictures from the evening. I just love fresh flowers and the hydrangeas were in full bloom, so  I snipped a few from my neighbor's yard and used them to brighten up our home.

We did a BYOM or bring your own meat to break in the new grill. Each couple also brought a yummy side-dish/appetizer/dessert. I made a broccoli and ramen noodle salad. It is one of my favorite summertime dishes, so I hope you will give it a try.

Broccoli Ramen Noodle Salad

• 1 (16 ounce) package broccoli coleslaw mix
• 2 (3 ounce) packages chicken flavored ramen noodles
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar

Directions: 

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the slaw, broken uncooked noodles and green onions. 

2. Whisk together the sugar, oil, vinegar and 1 ramen seasoning packet. Pour over salad and toss to evenly coat. Refrigerate until chilled; top with almonds and sunflower seeds before serving. 

*This is great to make the day before and let it marinate over night. If you do this, don't add the ramen noodles until a couple hours before serving, so they don't get mushy.

This is a very special group of people that we have been so blessed to share life with over the past two and a half years. While our time as meeting together as an "official group" may be over, the friendships we've made are not (collective aww...) I can't wait to continue to catch up with you all over the months and years ahead.

Our group minus Beth and baby Sara (we missed you both!)