
“Bravehearts”
Our workshop pioneers left here last night after a final celebratory supper of aubergines slices with walnut & garlic spread*, followed by penne and farfalle with rosemary and balsamic vinegar*.
Meredith’s surprise dessert (surprising in that it surprised her how good it was)–a crumble of peach, pear and apple.
“Bravehearts” I called them in the dedication I wrote in each copy of Delicious Dishes for Diabetics they took away with them.
And Bravehearts they were–everyone.
Chopping and slicing for four days on the trot with a willingness, enthusiasm and good humour that amazed me.

At the work face…
Clare and Jean–sisters from Ireland.
Meg and Emilie--friends from Philadelphia.
Chris–an Englishman from Lyons.
Hedvika from Tallahassee, Florida.
Mary from Maryland.
This was our international team at the work-top!
I asked them which they preferred to be: hands-off observers or hands-on workers?
The response was immediate, loud and overwhelmingly CLEAR: WORKERS!

Our friend Simone was essential back-up, keeping the work-top free of clutter, recycling the cooking tools as soon as their function finished, soon making them ready to use again.

We were blessed by early autumn sunshine and a location of heart-stopping beauty.
Dominique–hostess and creator of the La Terrasse, the B&B/small hotel in the centre of Lautrec–made our lives easier with the warmth of her welcome and her care.

This lunchtime we found ourselves talking about a possible early May repeat!
Well–good heavens we only finished last night–maybe it’s a bit premature!
The enduring memory of this my first cooking workshop will be the joyful enthusiasm of the pioneers–
seven BRAVEHEARTS who took a risk and turned up….

Here’s to them!
(*recipes to be found in Delicious Dishes for Diabetics.)
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