We are having our Easter dinner tonight with just a handful of loved ones.
I chose the "menu" the way I choose most days' eating plans: "What do I feel like eating? Would Gary (or guests) like it?"
So … the plan is charcuterie plus turkey.
Historically, I have set out my best or favourite appetizers and then the main course: turkey dinner. The usual main course isn't necessarily traditional and may include wild rice pilaf and corn pudding, but also familiar foods such as yams, turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes 'n gravy.
I love food and it's hard to limit what to make for others. One of my favourite things is a meal or evening of "hearty hors d'oerves". When I try to serve all of my inspired appetizers and side dishes and the turkey, I feel like I've force-fed everyone, and feel uncomfortable myself. 🤷🏼♀️
So I'm trying to rein myself in. I've already made pumpkin tarts today, and prepped a couple of other offerings.
Because I will be offering the turkey cold along with the charcuterie board, I am cooking it ahead of time in the instantpot.
And who cares that I had to cut the bird in half to stuff it into my biggest instantpot? Each half in the pot only takes 40 minutes; it's tender and seasoned … crispy skin be damned. I'll try almost anything. 😀👍
At this rate, I'll have the traditional turkey soup made by noon.
At the Pet Hostel now, we just have Carly, Festus, Maggie and Sunflower. As Carly ages, she seems unduly stressed by almost everything, even her loving owner says so. I have been worried about her this visit: we love each other.
Festus is senior, but quite laid back.
Maggie is friendly and composed.
Sunflower, an "emergency" intake who has adapted well.
Last night, I had the most realistic dream that, not only had I invited people to come for Easter dinner, I was also committed to "housesit" where a family had a large boisterous labradoodle.
I wouldn't have consented to such a job anyway, but in this dream, I was pushed and stressed… and away from home where I should have been cooking and tidying.
And … then the people came home early but wanted me to stay and watch the dog and help prepare their own dinner for company.
So, it was with relief that I realized when I awoke: there is/was no place else to be. It's an informal dinner with enough food and booze. If we don't have an item or ingredient, we'll just do without. We'll have enough.
Hope your day and weekend is special and that you have all you need.
Love, Ann
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