We were seven for Christmas dinner for our long slow barbecue that I
planned and wrote about earlier.
The weather looked doubtful. I had a quiet word to my friend up above
and at noon we sat outside on the deck. Sparkling wine flowed. When
the last of our guests arrived, we started cooking.
3kg of steamed mussels, cooked in butter, shallots, a generous splurge
of white wine and a dash of water. Tipped on a platter with fresh
bread and wedges of lemon. (1kg left over)
3 large crayfish tails, cut into sections and served cold with pepper,
salt and lemons for those who wished.
two racks of lamb, barbecued to pink with herb crust.
marinated chicken thighs, cut into pieces and cooked on skewers.
(The wind got up and we moved indoors to the previously prepared
dining table)
1kg of lightly seared fresh scallops (400g left over)
1.6kg of marinated Thai tiger prawns (1.2kg left over!!)
sides of mixed green salad, potato salad, tomato salad.
We were pooped. Uncooked sat buffalo wings and beef kebabs. We decided
not to serve them as people were struggling to eat the last dish and
it was already 5pm, from a start time of 1pm for eating.
Desserts were trifle, pavlova, mixed berry fruit and a lemon baked
cheesecake, and icecream and whipped cream.
I was zonked. Everyone was full. I felt I never wanted to see another
meal again.....
BUT
Boxing day today we had leftovers to get through. Another barbecue and
better weather. We sat outside till 8.30pm, eating beef kebabs, more
prawns, more scallops and buffalo wings.
Tomorrow should see the leftovers finished. Phew.
Next year I will cook less food. Next year I will cook less food. Next
year I will cook less food. Next year I will cook less food. Next year
I will cook less food. Next year I will cook less food. Next year I
will cook less food. Next year I will cook less food.
Kathy in NZ