There were threats of a storm, but there wasn't a drop on this Marcum parade. Our house was bursting at the seams as 27 Marcums gathered for family dinner yesterday. Although most of us try to get together at least once a month for dinner, this dinner was special because Chris's brother, Jared, and his family are moving to Hawaii for work this week. So it was our last hurrah with them.
There wasn't a place for everyone to sit. I had visions of doing a picnic-style party, with everyone sitting outside on blankets--but the threatening forecast (what a tease!) forced me to re-think things at the last minute. And by re-think, I mean not worry about it. Some people sat at the dining room table. Some spread into the living room and trickled down in the family room. There were even kids that wanted to eat in the basement. I think they thought it was cool to eat in a haunted house...because, frankly, this room makes me LOSE my appetite (note: all of the boxes and junk are cleared out of this room now) :
A lot of the evening was spent swapping stories and laughing and gawking at cute babies.
And eating. Which was the main event. Chris delivered an amazing menu.
Homemade pitas with homemade roasted red pepper hummus for an appetizer:
The main course had the whole neighborhood salivating. The pork cooked for 15 hours in a smoker outside. Chris lovingly fed the smoker wood chips every hour through the night and the labor of love paid off.
It was juicy, flavorful and it melted in your mouth. There were rolls (the only thing store bought on the whole menu) to stack the meat on, but most agreed, the meat was perfect on its own, or topped with some of Chris's homemade sauces. He whipped up a mustard-based Carolina BBQ sauce and a more traditional BBQ sauce that really complimented the meat.
The sides included: an apple-horseradish slaw that was tasty on its own, or piled on the pork.
A light and refreshing salad consisting of grilled corn, tomatoes, green onions and cucumbers drizzled with lime.
And hot black beans with onions and peppers.
I am still kicking myself for not snapping a picture of dessert--grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream. It was all so tasty. Blog worthy for sure.
We loved having everyone in our home and missed the few that couldn't make it. We'll have to have a repeat performance soon. Another excuse for smoked meat? Yes, please!
Was the recipe for the pork ever posted? My husband would love to try this!
Hi Bethany! You know, I haven't posted my smoked pork shoulder recipe yet, mostly because I assume the majority of our readers don't have a smoker. But I'm thinking I may post it in the Spring. It's been far too long since I used my smoker. :)
My mouth dropped (and drooled) as I scrolled through that impressive menu! Holy cow! Well done Chris! That's like..a real smoker, like from Winger's. How cool! I wish I wish I wish I could make food like that, more cooking tutorials please!
Julia,
Thanks again for having us all over. The food was YUMMY!!!! Your house is beautiful and you're doing an amazing job with it!! Thanks again! Love ya!
Thanks Meags! Hopefully Chris will dish out all the recipes soon!
Couldn't agree more, Jess.
I. AM. DYING OVER HEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! All those dishes look divine!!!!! Recipes please???
What a fun gathering! I wish we had more gatherings like that with my family, but then again, our max number right now is only 11....we are small. LOVE family gatherings!! The house looks amazing too!
Oh wow. You two really went the extra mile. If I lived in good ole' SF, I would invite myself over for dinner a few times a week. Everything looks amazing!
The more Marcums...the better :)