If you know Jim, you know he excels at many things. He's an awesome teacher, web designer, photographer, and dad to name a few. Plus he's pretty good at providing entertainment in just about any situation. What you might not know about my multi-talented man is that he is an excellent cook! When he has the time and he puts his mind to it, he can make the most amazing meals...no exaggeration. Sure he can whip up some yummy toasted roast beef sandwiches and is our designated scrambled eggs maker, but what I'm referring to is more along the lines of gourmet meals that can knock your socks off. Last night he treated me a day-early-birthday dinner that would definitely qualify as gourmet and my socks were nowhere to be found!

The night's special was southwestern tenderloin steaks with chipotle mashed potatoes. He put together a compound butter for the steaks and a lime cream topping for the potatoes. One word - FABULOUS. My JD found a direct path to my heart...right through my stomach! I ate every last morsel and can't even begin to count how many times I said, "Wow!" I must say, beef prepared with a southern twist, made especially for a southern girl living way far north was a very strategic choice. Plus this recipe had all my favorite things piled on top of each other. Did I mention the blistered grape tomatoes and wilted spinach? Or the fact that we dined right after both the Squirts went to bed? That alone earned him major brownie points. Factor in the meal itself, and well...let's just say...I was happy. Oh, so very happy. Blissful.

Thank you, JD for exposing me to a another impressive layer of your culinary skills and making my b-day extra special! Much love...me*