When the Good Stuff Happens with Roasted Salmon & Succotash
This Roasted Salmon & Succotash is an easy, one-pot meal using summer corn and green beans. Easy entertaining!
A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.–Elbert Hubbard
I was feeling a bit overwhelmed in the kitchen, about 20 minutes before our guests were to arrive, and I did the thing I hate the most. I had a “Mimi meltdown,” as my family will say. I got very short and demanding with my family. OUCH. Do you ever do that when you’re under stress?
I seriously thought I’d learned my lessons, and I’ve promised my family when we entertain, this won’t happen again. But stress .. the pressure of the clock, things aren’t done the way I think they should be, I’m falling behind …
I did have a melt-down, although it only lasted about 2 minutes … I caught myself. I realized I was relying on myself to accomplish everything, in my own power. Big mistake. When I do things in my own strength, I always mess up.
Love. Faith. Hope.
Hospitality is about making others feel warm and welcome in our home, so it’s not just hosting a party. I put a meal on the table based on love, faith, and hope.
Love: Loving people. That’s easy to do.
Faith: I have no idea what’s ahead or what will unfold, how the food will turn out, but I have faith that it will go the way it’s supposed to go.
Hope: I have hope that my failures or kitchen mishaps (or bad attitude) will turn to glorious success!
Forgiveness.
I quickly apologized to my son and husband, I admitted I was wrong, I asked for forgiveness, and I moved on. Whew!
My daughter had witnessed my little “episode,” so when she walked in the door, I had to apologize to her as well.
What happened is, I had these thoughts going through my head: I can do this, I don’t need to ask for help, It doesn’t all need to be perfect.
But time got away from me. My pride and insecurities rise to the top and then I freak out!
Seriously, friends, stupid little things like: The water isn’t in the glasses yet. I haven’t even made the salad yet. I forgot to clean the guest bathroom. Where are the steak knives? Look at this disgusting window – where’s the WINDEX? (My entertaining best friend:)) I’ve got to move that GIANT stack of papers …
Good Stuff Happens.
Each time I entertain now I pray for wisdom, try to get myself organized and stay on task, keep calm, and catch myself as soon as I can to AVOID all this apology stuff. I’m learning more about grace, discernment, being productive in the ways that really count. It’s never about creating, cooking, doing or being something that is perfect— that is for sure.
My hands may fail, my mouth may get in the way, but guess what? God uses it anyway … we move on, the doorbell rings, the guests are ever-present, the food gets set on the table, we hold hands to give thanks, and then the good stuff happens.
All things come together and work beautifully.
And, I’m really glad that I have a forgiving family.
Roasted Salmon & Succotash.
Here’s a ONE-PAN easy recipe for company if you love salmon like we do.
With fresh green beans (from my friend, Joan’s garden) and corn (cut right off the cob), and our garden tomatoes. Add the salmon fillet. Your favorite seasoning.
Bake and serve!
What do you do to avoid meltdowns before company arrives?
Get the Recipe:
Roasted Salmon & Succotash
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 ears corn, kernels cut from the cob
- 6 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pound salmon fillet
- Favorite seasoning, Old Bay is a good option
- 1/4 cup sour cream, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the green beans, corn and tomatoes with the oil. Arrange in a single layer. Place the salmon in the center; season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning.
- Roast until the vegetables are tender and browned in spots and the salmon is just opaque in the center, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the sour cream and 1 tablespoon thyme; season.
- Sprinkle the salmon with the remaining 1 tablespoon thyme. Serve warm or at room temperature with the sauce (sauce is optional).
Are you following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest? If you’d like to subscribe to Reluctant Entertainer, to have each post delivered straight to your e-mail box, then please add your email, here. It’s really easy! Thanks for being here today!
I’m a one pot meal kind of gal! Definitely saving this one!
I relate so well, I could have written your story about the meltdown.Been there done that..more than once. But I also appreciate the reminder to keep going and not give up on entertaining. I sure do enjoy your messages!
I love reading your posts! You keep it real and that is sorely needed in this world.
I have those moments far too often then I’d like to admit! Thanks for your constant encouragement to keep going and not give up on entertaining. Our last guests showed up 30 minutes early (YIKES!) and I was already feeling behind. But, of course, it ended up being a fantastic night and it didn’t matter that the bathroom wasn’t spotless. (Although still was difficult for me that it wasn’t!) I served roasted salmon that night but love that this one incorporates the veggies with it. One less dish to make!
Thank goodness none of us are perfect and thank goodness that we having a loving Father in Heaven who forgives us, along with a loving family! Glad to know I’m not the only one who has a “moment!”
Yummy! I really try to keep my expectations at a minimum, but sometimes I have to take a really deep breath, but I also know how easily distracted I can get so I try and make sure I get as much as possible done way before