Mark Twain Museum to hold “Grilling in the Garden Program” September 10

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum would like to present, Ken Norman. Norman, a Hannibal native will be preparing and executing a 5 course meal in the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Garden on September 10 at 6 p.m. As a new twist, each course will be prepared on a grill. Food is something Norman is familiar with, having operated several successful restaurants throughout the years including: Park Place in Columbia, as well as Eugene’s right here in Hannibal.   

The menu takes the taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget. This meal is unique in that it is comprised of dishes prepared on the grill.  

“Grilling is not just for meat, you can grill anything you eat,” says Norman. “When I was asked to do a demonstration meal at the Museum and looked at the garden facility, I knew I wanted to grill. Grilling is my choice for most dinners and I do so all year round.  

The diner will begin with French onion soup, which when presented, is silver. The following appetizer is roasted pepper boats filled with 2 kinds of cheese and herbs. The diner will be surprised to learn that the 3rd course is salad and it to, is grilled!  

“People don’t understand the salad,” said Norman. “The outside of the lettuce is grilled and requires attention. When finished you slice it down and serve with a grilled tomato and red Bermuda onions. The diner gets the grilled flavors yet still has a garden fresh salad.” 

The entrée of the evening is a marinated flat iron steak paired with roasted Yukon gold potatoes and roasted squash and zucchini.  

“The flat iron steak is not well known,” says Norman. “It is a great grilling item that is wonderfully marbled and takes to marinades well. I think the crowd will be pleased.” 

The evening will close with grilled pineapple served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherry and whipped cream. 

“The pineapple is great, such a wonderful texture,” says Norman. “Folks will be happy to know the ice cream is the only thing not made on the grill. The pineapple will be flavored with a honey and raw sugar glaze.” 

Norman likes for his guests to feel full at he close of the meal, but not burdened. 

Preparation directions and recipes will be available to the participants upon request.   

In addition to the cuisine, Music-Music-Music will accompany the sweet aromas of garden grilling with the sounds of smooth jazz. MMM is musical excitement that reminisces with the sounds of times past.  

The band features the musical expertise of a combined 200 years and includes Glenn Cornelius on vocal and lead guitar; Glenn’s brother, Bill Cornelius on bass guitar and vocal; the saxophone thrills and humor of Tommy Williams and band leader and drummer/vocalist, Brother Ronn Pashia. A combination of jazz, swing, Latin, old rock and country, this performance is one that can’t be missed.  

Also featured at Grilling in the Garden will be the Main Street Wine Stoppe of Hannibal. The winery is located at 303 Main Street in downtown, historic Hannibal and features a wide variety of wine and other spirits. Owner, Paul Lewellen will be offering wine and beer by the bottle and glass.  

The cost of the evening is $15 for Museum members and $20 for non-members. Reservations are needed, as space is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 573.221.9010 ext. 401. Payment secures your reservation. For more information, please visit our web site at www.marktwainmuseum.org.

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail