If you have followed me for a while you know that
we spend a lot of our time at Lake Powell, about
a six hour drive from where we live.
Our "Mingo" was new last year from Sam's Club,
and we just love her for lounging and visiting after
water sports, or any time of day. The best is when
someone brings us a treat from the back of the
houseboat while we are lounging.
A couple of years ago I decided to post some of our
menu items for Lake Powell, which would work
for any summer activity where you have a full
kitchen - mind you, this isn't camping or backpacking!
No, this is take it to the max entertaining on the lake, but
many menu items can be done easily.
This year, Annette, down in the right hand corner
of the collage, decided to do Cuba Day - starting
with a Cuban playlist all day long, Cuban lunch,
and dinner. She even provided dresses for the
ladies and hats for the men. You could look up
Cuban food online. It was a really fun theme.
We have a kitchen on the open air middle deck of the
houseboat where we usually serve and eat dinner.
Cuban Pasta Salad
One night was Mozzarella and Poblano Crepes. The
crepes were filled with Mozzarella cheese and topped with
a tasty poblano pepper sauce (flavorful, not spicy) and
corn and Mexican Crema.
One lunch was Cafe Rio Salad or Tacos. We let whoever is in
charge decide the table decor, using real plates or paper plates,
whatever they want.
I love how creative people get. The first two years I did all the
cooking, and by then I was ready to be done with the boat.
We became wiser, and now for over 25 years of houseboating
at Lake Powell we have had everyone help with meals.
We try new things and get lots of great ideas.
This seemed to be a year of internationally themed dinners, and
so one night was Italian with Caprese Salad Skewers - simply layering
fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes and basil and topping with
Balsamic Glace. These were so wonderful and fresh.
She bought darling slates that were used as serving plates for
the crusty bread and Caprese Skewers, and the dinner was
Spinach and Cheese Calzones.
One lunch was homemade French Dip Beef on
rolls. We each make a lunch and a dinner, and people
bring what they want to eat for breakfast as it ranges
from protein shakes to eggs or cereal.
But we usually always help cook and clean up together,
while the men manage the boats.
After a day in the sun and water we often don't want to eat
dessert, so we decided to make it and serve it as an
afternoon snack. These were Molten Lava cakes
purchased at Chilis Restaurant, frozen and brought
to the lake. We bring ice cream in a cooler with dry ice
down to the boat and promptly put it in the freezer.
It is really wonderful to have ice cream out on the lake,
and sometimes we make homemade ice cream there too.
This Cuban dessert with fresh peaches and cream
on pound cake was filled with caramel,
and we chose to have it for an afternoon snack too,
and I served it to the ladies out in "Mingo"!
Our dinner was Indian themed.
It turned out to be a little unusual, as we were
traveling back to the marina while dinner was
served (we had to get home earlier than usual as
one of the husbands had planned a surprise birthday
party for his wife Saturday night.) We had the
boat services captain us in to the marina, taking about
an hour and a half ride. They were to show up at 2:00,
but didn't show up until 6:00, so dinner was being
served as we traveled. Everyone thought that was quite
a treat.
We started with a Coconut, Mango, Peach and Strawberry
smoothie to refresh their palates. They were small so
they didn't fill you up.
Dinner was Chicken Tika Masala and Chicken Coconut Kurma
with Garlic Naan and basmati rice and a little Mango Chutney.
We brought down the chargers and stainless steel bowls
for a fun presentation.
Everyone said they would love to always have a traveling
dinner on the lake, but as you can't really plan the timing
of the hired captain (the marina requires a professional to
pull you into the slip - reduces damages!) I don't know that it
would happen again, but we sure enjoyed it.
We also enjoy a game of Bingo once during the week,
where everyone brings a prize and hubby wears the pants
my oldest son made him for a sewing project in junior high.
We figured they are over 20 years old now.
Hope this inspires you for a lake house dinner, or even
a summer dinner in the back yard.
It all sounds so fun!! There is nothing better than dining on or near the water! That Mingo is awesome! I know you are having a wonderful summer Jacqueline!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Oh what a wonderful way to spend time with dear friends! Love the Mingo, looks like so much fun. Like the way you share the cooking and all the food looks delicious. Love how you are always having fun............
ReplyDeleteMingo looks like so much fun!!! It's always fun to share the meal planning when there is a crowd - and this crowd certainly knows how to entertain!!! What a great way to spend time with friends - the lake looks gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteMingo looks like. Blast! Love the hot pink color and how big it is. You all have the best times on the lake. I think it is fabulous how you take turns fixing meals, especially with a theme. That makes it a lot easier on you and everyone can get their creative juices going. The menus look wonderful. Fun in the sun with exotic food.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time! I love Mingo!
ReplyDelete