The Morning After

I can’t help singing that old song…

There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on looking for the light…

And well, that’s how we have to view my challenge dinner. Pink peppercorn challenge was delivered to my mom and dad, and John’s sister and family. It was Kellan’s 10th birthday and I had made the leap (mistake) of getting her a pet guinea pig for her birthday. Needless to say it was a hectic day of fun and celebration. And while dinner was fantastic, I forgot to take pictures.

So the next morning, I went to the fridge and took out the leftovers for you to see. Here is the leftover line up:

Main Course. Ribs. Smoked to perfection by my husband John, on his Kamodo smoker. I used a rub that we use often called Cajun Ragin'. But I halved the white pepper and black pepper and used ground pink peppercorn in its place. The peppers were mixed with celery salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme and sage. I was a little worried that the pink peppercorn would not break through all the bold spices, but it really did. Proving its interesting and powerful flavor. The ribs were great. And yes, even the morning after - cold.

Side:#1: Coleslaw with pink peppercorn. I used my favorite recipe which includes cabbage, green onion, minced garlic, and a little salt. The sauce is made with just a bit of mayo, white vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar. I added pink peppercorn, and what a difference it made to the flavor. It really was good. Good enough that I have been eating it for lunch for three days straight.

Side #2: Corn on the cob with pink peppercorn and tarragon butter. I softened the butter, added in whole pink peppercorns, and fresh tarragon. Molded it and put it in the fridge until dinner. This is one I will make again. Can’t wait to use it on fish!

And then…the dessert. Pink peppercorn ice cream: Here is a picture of where I found the pink peppercorn ice cream leftovers…the garbage. Yuck. Both the texture and the flavor were just weird. That is all I can say. I used a recipe that included cream cheese. I don’t know, that probably should have turned me off, but the picture was so pretty. Lesson learned.

Overall, both for dinner and leftovers, pink peppercorn really came through in each of my dishes. My guests all gave me high scores…but they are family…and not to be trusted.

So with that I leave you with that beautiful and lasting ending to the Maureen McGovern song. (Remember get softer and slower with each line.)

There's got to be a morning after

(There's got to be a morning after)

There's got to be a morning after

(There's got to be a morning after)

There's got to be a morning after

(There's got to be a morning after)

There's got to be a morning after

(There's got to be a morning after)

(repeat and fade out)