Night #1  Team Dad and Brother-in-law S.  Secret Ingredient:  Beets.

Green salad with blanched beets and a homemade citrus dressing.

BBQ chicken.

Grilled beets in orange juice.

 Presentation:  Blasting “Chariots of Fire,” on the home stereo, they served the entire meal in slow motion. 

Night #2  Me and Brother in-law C.  Secret Ingredient:  Crab

Corn and crab bisque

Pasta salad (crab optional)

Crab tacos with grilled peppers and homemade cucumber-lime salsa.

Presentation:  Since all the veggies were purchased at the local farmer’s market, we decided on a Jersey theme.  Blasting Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” we rolled up our sleeves, put on shades and did a victory lap around the room.  We presented our food in thick Jersey accents and berated our patrons throughout the meal, in keeping with our character development.   So far, so good.  But today it’s pouring rain for the second day in a row, and as the walls close in no one feels much like cooking anymore.

 I’ll try to keep you updated on the progress of Gourmet Grrl Family Top Chef Challenge 2007.