Well, after two weeks, have finally found the time to update the Christmas dinner blog with the results of our days work. Or, rather, I finally pulled my finger out after doing very little for the last two weeks except watching the first season of House and the first two and a bit seasons of Quantum Leap, the most awesome of early 1990s shows (what, Fresh Prince I hear you say?).
"It'll be lonely this Christmas..."
Dinner itself was a qualified success. On mature reflection, considering it was the first attempt by either of us on this culinary standard bearer, it was an absolute success. Anyway, it is my opinion, none of you were there. The starters/nibbles were the hit of the evening, especially the Christmas club canapés with guacamole. The centrepiece, the duck itself, was less well done, in the sense that it was too well done. A bit tough, and not a lot of meat on the bone, but nonetheless a bloody good roast duck and citrus gravy. The sweet potato was just that, too sweet. The stuffing was delicious, but one wonders would it have been a tad less bitter had we the opportunity to use fresh rather than dried.
As to for the desserts, unfortunately the panna cotta failed to set, but this did not prevent us from eating it straight out of the moulds. It was great, and I will definitely try it again. Only better. The mousse was good too, but too much and mine wasn’t eaten for another two days. And then there was nothing left, except several days of stuffing sandwiches and dinners.
Canapés attendent
Cranberry, guacamole and whatever you are having yourself
Sweet and honey
Crispy crisps
And now for something completely different....no, wait, it's the beginning of dinner
It is probably done at this stage. Let's leave it in for a little bit longer though
All hail the conquering hero
And because I am such a good sport, and because I know you are dying to follow my lead in this culinary extravaganda, here are the recipes of which i could find the links.
STARTERS:
Pecorino, parma ham and rosemary snaps
MAINS:
DESSERTS:
Chocolate mousse and ginger shortbread
"And now, the end is near..."
Why is there a wire sticking out of your head?
It’s something from the windows i think, nothing to worry about