Friday, January 02, 2009

New Year's Day with one Flemish Family.

We gathered together at Gert's parents place and began with snacks and champagne, before moving into the routine of courses that rotate on a roster each year.

Gert's brother made a stunning Thai soup that was a little too piquant for me but was clever in the way it kind of exploded inside your mouth. The ingredients were stunningly delicious too ... lemon grass, shrimps, exotic mushrooms (writes the girl from Mosgiel), some herb root he made me taste and half the recommended amount of chilli.

His sister and her husband made this delicate little goat cheese and honey on lightly toasted bread dish, served with a salad and tiny tomatoes stuffed with the smallest of shrimps. Beautiful!

Next came this fish casserole that was loaded with the most delicious of fish and instantly became one of those, 'ohmygoodness, I must have this recipe' experiences. I can see it becoming a favourite comfort food on cold winter days.

Finally we reached the dessert ... by Gert and Di. The big pavlova (a new recipe) with ice cream, profiteroles, covered in Gert's real chocolate sauce and this ice cream cake-thing.

White wine accompanied us throughout the journey, with Sambuca and/or coffee to finish.

We rolled home late in the evening, labouring with a full belly of food and me, once again a victim (a happy victim) of my father-in-law's most generous hand with the alcohol.

It was a good day here in the flatlands.

10 comments:

Lydia said...

Sounds like a fine feast indeed. Great food from your descriptions (you'll post the recipe for the fish casserole?), and the best of company. Way to start a new year!

Di Mackey said...

Dear Lydia, I just wrote to Jan and asked him for the recipe. I will post it as soon as I have it :)
Thanks for reminding me.

Anonymous said...

The new pavlova recipe sounds interesting ;) :D

Di Mackey said...

Hmmmm, remind me, Meneer Manic and I'll blog the pavlova recipe too ;)

Next party for sure.

furiousBall said...

wow.

oops, i drooled a little on the keyboard :)

Di Mackey said...

Come visit, we'll cook for you Van :)

Anonymous said...

What a great start to a new year!
a.

Anonymous said...

Lovely

paris parfait said...

Sounds delicious and a good start to the new year. xo

Di Mackey said...

It was quite lovely, Andie - specially the food.

Indeed, Ms V and yes, Tara, I must let you know as soon as I know about this Middle East trip so we can plan your return to Antwerp. xo