I am becoming the polymerization catalyst of social networks on my road. The housewarming, introducing people who have been neighbours for 15 years, was just the start. Excellent dinner last night with K and the lovely neighbours D and C. I hope this was the first of many, one or two each month.
Menu: melon/mango starter, chicken/mushroom/cream/garlic pasta main, chocolate pots for dessert. All modified recipes, I think in positive directions. The chocolate pots were richer than ever before (200g 70% Lindt, 200 ml double cream, some butter, two eggs, tablespoon caster sugar), and were fabulous, but I need smaller ramekins before I do them again. Montana Riesling with the fruit, a Chardonnay with the chicken, and a Shiraz with the chocolate. The Quarter Cask Laphroaig continues to go down very nicely (thanks, M), and I finally opened the miniature of Zoco, a spanish liqueur which has been sitting at the back of the drinks shelf for years. Based on the sip I had it was really rather good: aniseed and something fruity, possibly sloes. Vaguely pernod-and-black, but better. Next time I'm in a big off-license I might seek out a larger bottle.
The gossip was good, too. And I was up far too late, given that I had an Important Meeting over coffee this morning (amicable, as befits).
Now: balcony, hot sunshine, and a bottomless vat of tea. Children after school, for 49 hours.
Menu: melon/mango starter, chicken/mushroom/cream/garlic pasta main, chocolate pots for dessert. All modified recipes, I think in positive directions. The chocolate pots were richer than ever before (200g 70% Lindt, 200 ml double cream, some butter, two eggs, tablespoon caster sugar), and were fabulous, but I need smaller ramekins before I do them again. Montana Riesling with the fruit, a Chardonnay with the chicken, and a Shiraz with the chocolate. The Quarter Cask Laphroaig continues to go down very nicely (thanks, M), and I finally opened the miniature of Zoco, a spanish liqueur which has been sitting at the back of the drinks shelf for years. Based on the sip I had it was really rather good: aniseed and something fruity, possibly sloes. Vaguely pernod-and-black, but better. Next time I'm in a big off-license I might seek out a larger bottle.
The gossip was good, too. And I was up far too late, given that I had an Important Meeting over coffee this morning (amicable, as befits).
Now: balcony, hot sunshine, and a bottomless vat of tea. Children after school, for 49 hours.