Bert and Nick come to NJ

My Godfather, Bert and his partner of 27 years, Nick, came for a visit from IL. We haven’t seen them since August 2004. It was a lovely afternoon gathering of the Hinnen family. Ben came a little later and Brenda had to work. TJ bravely picked up the three little nieces and drove them over. She also did some grocery shopping and came over the night before to help me cook.

It was so great to spend an afternoon with Bert and Nick and catch up on their lives. Chris and I are looking forward to a road trip this summer to Illinois.

Chris’ college friend, Christian, was also visiting so we had a full house (14 plus the twins). There was also plenty of food! We created quite a spread and it was entirely vegetarian. I didn’t get to take pictures of the meal but this was the menu:

• Honey Glazed Figs with Yogurt Dip (from the Tassajara Recipe Book)
• Sliced Oranges
• Tomato Cashew Soup (from the Tassajara Recipe Book)
• “Hoboken” Sandwiches
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Hoboken Bread (brushed with marinade from peppers)

Fresh Mutz from Hoboken (Some sandwiches were made with regular and some with smoked)

Arugula Mix

Marinated Roasted Red Peppers (marinated in olive oil, garlic, white balsamic)

• Quinoa Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Dressing (from Vegetarian Times)
• Terra Chips
  

• Cream Cheese Cookies with Lemon Glaze (from the Tassajara Recipe Book)
• Dark chocolate peppermint truffles
• Raspberry Iced Tea infused with Mango Nectar
• Coffee (from my dad’s trip to Costa Rica).