A wee flash back

I make a point of writing a last blog before year's end- but when you read what I have been up to in my kitchen you will understand why I was stuck for time.

But first- how was your Christmas? Did you eat in, out, have guests, a quiet dinner for two or did the day pass by without any specific upheaval?

Christmas is not the same for everyone, I realise that. For me it is being with family and if that isn't possible, then with the closest friends you want to surround yourself with. Providing of course they want to spend that time with you ( wink wink).

Listening to and looking at the various weather reports, not many countries had, what one might call, the traditional weather pattern expected at the time of year. We certainly didn't.

Funnily enough it was too warm- and not into temperatures as in Australia where one of my sons lives but, we generally have something close to a white Christmas- at least nothing much above 5 degrees. We had 14. And that feels weird.

Our guests were dear friends who otherwise would have spent Christmas within their own homes- not a bad thing, but gathered together we had a great time. Nine of us graced our table and I have to say,  " worth repeating!"

Seeing we knew each other pretty well, I was also aware of likes and dislikes. I stayed clear of fish dishes and had plenty of vegetable choices and in various forms prepared. I had a silky parsnip puree, jellied beetroot and carrot juice, shoe string sweet potato fries and an absolutely yum vegetable terrine. These accompaniments to go with the 5 and 1/2 kg turkey. The cranberry compote had a lovely tawny port added which lifted it to another dimension. Sooo delicious.

I prepared a 6 course meal.... with much love and dedication and I have to say " a proud moment" when the reactions and compliments were freely dancing around the room.

Our guests arrived approx 4 pm and we closed the door after the last guest left at 11:30pm. Guess you could say that we had a great evening.

Christmas, a time of sharing, of merriment and a taste of the holiday spirit. For me, I think of families in a special way. It is a birthday we are commemorating. In this time of refugees and unrest, I think about Mary and her being far away from home, being a 'displaced person' as many mothers now also are. But it is also a time of joy. New life, a promise of things to come.

Last year we moved into our new home on Christmas Eve and believe me, I had NO intention ( or energy) to have a Christmas dinner here. This year I reclaimed the festivities and made them my own once again. Wonderful.

Another few days and the tree and all the trimmings will disappear into storage once again and I can look back on a great festive season. I hope you can too!