6913. Make pizza on the grill

 I've always wanted to make pizza on the grill. When the girls decided we should do pizza on the grill for our monthly get together, I was game. Danielle had a new grill. I said I would bring the crust. Turns out I ended up bring the sauce and cheese too. We had plenty of cheese to share.

Not quite sure how to make pizza on the grill, I resorted to Google. Google informed me to put the crust on the grill grates for a few minutes and flip it over. Then add the sauce and toppings. This way the crust gets done on both sides. It also suggested to pre-cook any meat since the pizza will take only a few more minutes once the sauce and toppings are on.

I made the curst at home. Instead of splitting it into 2 balls, I split it in 4 balls. Then I flattened out the dough between parchment with my hands. We transferred the dough to the grill, flipped it upside down on the grill, and removed the parchment paper. It worked really well. I was a bit concerned about the transfer process but it worked better than expected.

When the crust was done, we flipped it over and added the topping. Piled with cheese and other toppings, we cooked it for a few minutes. If we wanted the cheese extra bubbly and the toppings done more, we moved it to the top rack of the grill. 

The pizzas turned out really well. I would totally make them again. Just make sure your grill racks are clean. The hubby thinks we could do it on a pizza stone but you don't get the grill marks of a grilled pizza. We shall see if the hubby ever decided we will make them at home or not. 

4955. Sit in the swings at Beanie’s in Port Washington

 When I saw that Beanie's Mexican Restaurant in Port installed swings at the bar, I wanted to sit in them. Sitting in a a swing at restaurant is always an adventure. The only other time I did it was when I was in Costa Rica at work.

Because it made sense to stay over in Saukville the night before cookie baking weekend, Kris and I decided we needed some girl time. We decided to grab an after work drink. Initially she suggested margaritas at Tellos. I suggested since we were having margaritas, let's go to Beanies. 

When I got there, she already snagged a table and I asked if we could sit in the swings at the bar instead. She agreed and we hopped on the swings and had ourselves a margarita while catching up.

Beanie's has a wide range of margaritas. There were several that looked good. I opted for prickly pear and Kris went with Sunburnt Senorita, which also sounded good. They also have a margarita flight -- 4 margaritas (original, strawberry, blended, and prickly pear). One margarita is enough for me. Not sure I could do a flight.

Now before you chastise me for getting a drink at a bar during a pandemic, I just got over it and Kris (and her husband) was comfortable with meeting me for a drink. When we arrived, there was no one else in the bar area. We both were masked except while actively eating or drinking. When another couple came and  sat at the bar, they left a swing between us. Even the swings kept distance between Kris and I probably more so than sitting at a table.  The bartender did not hover behind the bar while we were seated. We probably were in there an hour and felt very safe. 

I would definitely go back and try another margarita. The swings are a definite must do. No I didn't fall off but after another one, sitting in a swing could probably prove difficult. 

722. Go to a Toga Party

When Danielle and I were figuring out the Ultimate Bucket List year, I jokingly said you go have a toga party and I can come. She was like okay which is how I ended up going to a toga party.

Unlike a college toga party where everyone got drunk and made out in corners, or that's the perception, this was a more relaxed, adult toga party. We dressed up in togas, sat around sipping wine, nibbled off a charcuterie platter, and enjoyed each other's company. What 20+ years will do to people.

Honestly since I'm not one to chug beer at a frat house, this was more my kind of toga party. A few good friends getting together and catching up.... we just happened to be wearing togas. Sometimes it's good to have a ladies' night in.

How to Throw an Adult Toga Party
1. Invite a few close friends over for dinner. Instruct them to wear togas and bring a dish to pass
2. Open a few bottles of wine and/or other alcoholic beverages of choice
3. Sit around talking while eating appetizers and dinner.
4. Pose for a group picture
5. Enjoy everyone's company.

Our menu
Watermelon
Fresh Veggies
Charcuterie platter with a Creamy Feta Dip
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Vegetables
Mint Brownies

The creamy feta dip was amazing on the toast along with some cucumbers, kohlrabi, and cheese. Or even as a dip for the veggies. The kohlrabi made an excellent base to spread the feta dip on and add other veggies and cheese.

If you want to spice things up you can add lawn games, board games, or even a bonfire on to your evening. We opted to roast marshmallows.

Everyone is much more relaxed and there is probably no horrible hangover in the morning.