First “post-launch” post–we’ve been busy!
Twenty-two friends (many of whom, in one way or another, had helped with the book) sat down for lunch on Friday at tables set end on end under the trees–
–nicely protected from the sun but rain could be a problem and it has been uncharacteristically wet this year.
The skies were scoured for signs, forecasts checked hourly and finally a prayer went up to the heavens.
We were blessed–not a drop fell the entire afternoon.
A friendly sounding hum rose early from the throng–Ma’s Gazpacho was hitting the spot; as was the mellow Tuscan red poured from a 3 litre magnum–a gift from our friends Keith and Helen.
It–“the book”–was launched.
Hope James–the book’s illustrator–was there and I read this out from our friend Eva Marie’s email, received that morning:–
“Her beautiful sketches brought me right back to your cozy home and the French countryside. I am suddenly missing you and Meredith!”
That’s what they do–they bring the book to life.
Chicken was next, with unfamiliar spices–sumac and za’atar–[see part two–tomorrow– for the recipe]
An Ottolenghi special that lends itself well to large parties.
Marinaded overnight on Wednesday, cooked in three batches Thursday afternoon and gently reheated–stacked in its juices–an hour before we ate it.
Served with plain green beans, a garlicky yogurt sauce and toasted Moroccan bread.
Then followed two lovely surprises–for me.
Fellow Poldark actor Donald Douglas [his chilled cucumber soup features in the book] tapping a glass and rising during the cheese course, meant only one thing–he was going to speak.
He not only spoke–he sang!
“There is nothing like a Dame” from South Pacific–adapted for the occasion.
“He played Ross the brave and bold
Now here he is grey haired and old”.
Now another surprise.
My old friend George–one of three distinguished judges present–touched me and everyone with his words on long lasting friendship.
What a day!
[A second helping promised for tomorrow…!]
Meredith & Robin lovely testment from true freinds, I have heard it said that they are the hardest to achive, but are the warmest and most lasting.
I rise my glass to you all. Elaine
….. With so many friends helping, celebrating with you and wishing you good luck, the book already is a success……
It brought you all together on a special day, and it made you remember and feel the love and friendship.
The meaning of life.
You are blessed.
Awwww….Sounds like a wonderful day, Robin!
Now what to do with all the leftovers…? 🙂
Cheers & hugs!
Wow! Lucky You. Congratulations on the book. I’m going to look into purchasing a copy. I don’t have diabetes but am supposedly at risk and can use any help I can find to work on eating a healthy diet. I just listened to a radio program about fermented foods and how very beneficial they are to the digestion, enhancing assimilation of nutrients etc. They gave a website-wildfermentation.com–Maybe this is of interest to you. Thanks again for the zucchini recipes, perhaps I’ll add mine to the blog sometime.
I have my copy, it’s sat on the coffee table, waiting, with my reading glasses on top for me to be able to savour the reading of it later when I sit down with a coffee after feeding the animals.
Well done on the launch and how lovely to have so many of your friends around you for what looked like a wondeful afternoon.
Sue xx
Thanks–it was a good day!
Friends, food & wine ,sounds perfection