Sunday Dinner

OK, so be prepared that most Sunday's we have a full dinner with no shortcuts.  We try to leave Sunday evening for quiet and we love to end our weekend with a nice dinner.  We try to invite close friends to dinner too.  People who we really care about and can relax with!  Tonight we had my brother-in law and one of our cycling friends. 

We had chicken cacciatore over sweet potatoes with roasted asparagus.  I used a combination of chicken breast tenders and bone-in skinless chicken thighs.  I thought the dark meat would add a richness.  I used bell peppers (red & green), mushrooms (button & cremini), and diced tomatoes.  For additional flavor I used a Oregon Pinot Grigio, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh thyme, and a bay leaf.  I liked the sweetness of the wine but next time I think I will omit the thyme.  I think the smashed sweet potatoes were a great base.
 

Now dessert...I made Ina Garten's Old Fashioned Gingerbread.  This is a must make recipe.  It is really great.  I like it because it is not super sweet, it reminds me of being home and warm by a fire.   It has some surprising twists like rum infused raisins and crystalized ginger.   There has been some criticism since the recipe doesn't include eggs or sugar but I am unable to find any fault with it.

Have a great week!