It may seem that I rival Paula Deen when it comes to fat and sugar content in some of my recipes. I must admit that my tastes tend to veer toward the rich and decadent, though I do bring balance to my epicurean world with the occasional healthier offering. This blog isn't going there. I'm staying to the right of the dessert highway by sharing last night's sweet ending with you.
We took (we being six O'Farrell siblings) our brother Michael out for his 61st birthday celebration. This tradition started when my mother was still alive, and she loved nothing more than eating out with her family. When she passed away in 2002, we continued this birthday tradition more in memory of her than anything else, and it is something we have grown to love ourselves, for ourselves. Five times a year, seven siblings get together to honor each others' birthdays. Because there are two sets of joint birthdays (mine with Steven's, Ginny's with Anne's) we are able to accomplish this in just five dinners out, not that we wouldn't love any excuse to do this more often.
We always go to either Red Lobster or The Outback Steakhouse. Before you judge us too harshly, know that we are not food snobs on this night, and we go for the easy time spent with each other more than for the standard fare. Last night found us at the Outback in Clifton Park, New York, a fine representation of the Outback chain. The staff is friendly and charming, and our server, Randy, had a lot of fun waiting on us. He even asked us to ask for him if we ever come back!
After dinner and before dessert, Michael opened his gifts. He's a movie aficionado and a book lover, so most of his gifts were geared that way. I have the most fun picking out border-line (if not) inappropriate cards. It's a lot of fun to watch a sibling open a card, read it, attempt to muffle a laugh at the message, and then laugh out loud! The card is then passed around the table where the rest of us act offended but then become a hysterical group, laughing until tears run down our faces. You wouldn't want to be seated near us on a birthday night.
My dessert choice was Outback's Sinful Sydney Sundae, a ball of vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted coconut, sitting on a pool of hot fudge, and crowned with whipped cream, all surrounded by slices of strawberries. It is heavenly, so much so that I have successfully duplicated this one at home. You can do this too by toasting your own flaked coconut for a few minutes in the oven, watching carefully so it doesn't burn. Just a few minutes spread out on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees until it begins to brown and smells wonderful. Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Then do what Outback does and enjoy!
We took (we being six O'Farrell siblings) our brother Michael out for his 61st birthday celebration. This tradition started when my mother was still alive, and she loved nothing more than eating out with her family. When she passed away in 2002, we continued this birthday tradition more in memory of her than anything else, and it is something we have grown to love ourselves, for ourselves. Five times a year, seven siblings get together to honor each others' birthdays. Because there are two sets of joint birthdays (mine with Steven's, Ginny's with Anne's) we are able to accomplish this in just five dinners out, not that we wouldn't love any excuse to do this more often.
We always go to either Red Lobster or The Outback Steakhouse. Before you judge us too harshly, know that we are not food snobs on this night, and we go for the easy time spent with each other more than for the standard fare. Last night found us at the Outback in Clifton Park, New York, a fine representation of the Outback chain. The staff is friendly and charming, and our server, Randy, had a lot of fun waiting on us. He even asked us to ask for him if we ever come back!
After dinner and before dessert, Michael opened his gifts. He's a movie aficionado and a book lover, so most of his gifts were geared that way. I have the most fun picking out border-line (if not) inappropriate cards. It's a lot of fun to watch a sibling open a card, read it, attempt to muffle a laugh at the message, and then laugh out loud! The card is then passed around the table where the rest of us act offended but then become a hysterical group, laughing until tears run down our faces. You wouldn't want to be seated near us on a birthday night.
My dessert choice was Outback's Sinful Sydney Sundae, a ball of vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted coconut, sitting on a pool of hot fudge, and crowned with whipped cream, all surrounded by slices of strawberries. It is heavenly, so much so that I have successfully duplicated this one at home. You can do this too by toasting your own flaked coconut for a few minutes in the oven, watching carefully so it doesn't burn. Just a few minutes spread out on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees until it begins to brown and smells wonderful. Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Then do what Outback does and enjoy!
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