A Local Plate Dinner Party

Last Friday we had a few friends over for dinner. But not just any dinner. We made them come over and cook with us. You see, there is a new dinner idea in the Portland area and it's called Local Plate. If you like the idea of fresh, local food this concept is awesome. They offer a variety of dinner meal kits, and all of the ingredients come from our own local farms. All of the meat they use is antibiotic and hormone free, and everything comes pre-measured and the directions are easy to use. The food is fresh, simple, and delicious.

 I know I've often walked past the array of beautiful greens at farmer's markets but really had no creativity on how to prepare them together to create a meal. After cooking these recipes, I realize how easy it really is. We tried two of their current meals, Herb-Roasted Chicken, Potatoes and Chard, with Shallot Mint Vinaigrette and Flat Iron Steak Salad with Herbed Rice. We all jumped in and started rinsing, slicing, dicing, mincing, and mixing. The kids even got excited over greens and helped out. (They were in awe of how colorful the chard was!) We managed to get both recipes finished at the same time because it was so much easier having everything pre-measured. Of course it wouldn't be a dinner party without appetizers and wine, so I made fruit, cheese and cracker platters to nibble on while we put our guests to work!

We sat down and tasted the fruits of our not-so-hard work. Having two meals offered a good variety so that everyone would find something that would please their palate. We sat their catching up with friends, while the kids all played together. We finished the evening up with slices of apple pie.

Normally having people over for dinner is a little stressful to say the least. You have to cook extra, plan more, have extra shopping trips, and although I absolutely love doing it, this was a fun new twist on a dinner party. The best part is since everything at Local Plate is fresh, their selection of meal kits changes seasonally! I can't wait to see what new recipes come up next, and they offer delivery in the Portland area, or have the meals available for pick up also.

Have you ever had a dinner party where everyone chipped in and cooked the meal? I'd love to hear about it! And if you are local to the area, check out their site and tell them Melissa sent ya! ;)

Local Plate

~Melissa

Our dinner kits were c/o Local Plate in exchange for an article. All opinions are my own.