Along for the ride:

Monday, June 3, 2013

The Party


The party is behind us.  A happy crowd of forty guests all found seating around three big tables and chowed down on a whole salmon; wrapped in foil with lemon slices, fennel, pastis, green onions, ginger, garlic, thyme and bay leaves; ensconced in the wood-fired BBQ for close to an hour; with occasional additions of fresh, fragrant rosemary to enhance the smokey aromas.
We had 15 lbs of succulent, tender beef, turned into the best Boeuf Bourgignon and 20 lbs of Gratin potatoes, which I'd started peeling at 6am. Dish after dish of Provencale tomatoes; topped with toasted goat cheese from a farm on the nearby coast, and oodles of parsley and garlic; green salad, cheese and two birthday cakes fed carnivores, omnivores and vegetarians alike, with plenty of wine and bubbly available to wash it all down.
It was a huge success, to the point that I turned on the sprinklers at the end, to dislodge the family members who tend to encrust themselves, without regard to the hour or the fact that they are the final stragglers and their alcohol-clouded political opinions are not anything I want to hear. There's a broken sprinkler head in the lawn (thank you tree trimmers) that squirts right onto the patio.
"Somehow", or "As Usual" the Birthday Boy was surrounded by a phalanx of female guests. They were first to be offered our magic potion, or Secret Sauce, as some have dubbed it. The big airtight jar contains cherries, kumquats, apricots and any other fruit we buy in season. Topped off with cognac, ginger liqueur, rum and brown sugar, the mixture sits quietly in the dark of the cupboard, waiting to be shared on special occasions. My brave equestriennes are not afraid of a drink or two and respectfully sipped at their glasses. Eyes widened and brows went straight up upon biting into the surprisingly lethal fruit of the tipsy cherries. The jar has been refilled now and will bide its time until the Christmas Party season. Thank goodness birthdays are only once a year!





39 comments:

  1. It looks and sounds fabulous...and that tip about the sprinkler will come in handy....

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    1. Helen, there's a creative solution to most problems:)

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  2. While I can't partake of the fermented, the party sounds like a joyous one--as all birthdays should be. Best to you.

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    1. e, I was too busy to "partake" but still felt hung over the next day from the sheer effort we put in. It was worth it though.

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  3. My invitation must have gotten lost in the mail -- because that sounds like my kind of party. The food.....YUM!

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    1. Annette, as I said over at your place, "Next Time"...You're much better at taking photos of your food though.

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  4. I'd have been proud to have put on such a wonderful spread dear lady. It sounds perfect.

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    1. Chef, you understand the glow of satisfaction from orchestrating such festivities.

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    1. Martin, only four candles to "blow out". 78 would have melted the cake.

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  6. "to the point that I turned on the sprinklers at the end, to dislodge the family members who tend to encrust themselves"

    Hahahahahha! I need to remember that for the guests that never want to leave the lake - even when I'm standing at the door saying, I'll walk you out. Looks like a grand party - and I so want the food!

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    1. MRT, I'm cringing in case this blog has family followers I don't know about:)

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  21. What a fine French eat up, sounds super!

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    1. Trudi, French, it was, but the guests were of so many nationalities I don't think I can name them all. I love that.

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  22. This post should carry a warning :
    "Whatever You Are Eating For Supper Tonight Will Seem Meagre And Lackluster In Comparison"
    I could have omnivored my way through your feast with gusto !
    Meanwhile , a very Happy Birthday to your husband ... and an excellent year to come .

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  23. S&S, I love your sense of humour. Sorry if I spoiled your appetite:)

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  24. Invitation next year please.....I peel potatoes and ...well... anything for a party like that.

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  25. As they say, it looks as if a good time was had by all. Actually, it sounds delicious.

    By the way, I love the "sprinkler solution." *lol*

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  26. Jean, I'm never going to make it to heaven, so this is just one more infraction on the list:)

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  27. It sounds simply glorious, but then, I'd never expect less from you. <3
    I hope the trails are gentle on your Left Coast.
    Bisouxxx from Côtes d'Armour
    Kitty

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    1. Kitty ,how great to see you around here. Hope all is well with you and yours xxx

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  28. It all sounds incredibly delicious :) Glad you had such fantastic time even if slightly extended ;)

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  29. I SO admire you. Whenever I plan parties, they just end up sucking. And neither Bing nor I particularly enjoy cooking, so we have to have them catered and it sort of takes some joy out of it, you know?

    The best parties I've had were small (under ten people) where we all ended up at my place, drinking wine and eating something simple like ham sandwiches/chips and oreos.

    I would dearly love to try your magic juice, too....

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