Christmas Party Time

Rusty and I love hosting small dinner parties and cooking for our friends.  Friday evening we entertained our close friends from the dinner group.  Unfortunately, Kathie and Wayne were unable to make it, but we kept them with us in thought (and prayer).

I enjoy setting a pretty table with seasonal dishes. Christmas napkins are a handmade gift from my Mom.

I even decorated the chairs.

All is ready in the kitchen.

We had spiked hot cider and snacks before dinner.

Conversation flows easily before dinner with this group.

Lorvey tries out the Go-Pro.

Nearly all of our guests want to make a trip to the shop to see what's happening.  Shown here is the strongback and the center form for our cedar strip canoe.

Rusty poached the salmon in white wine and then finished it off in a blackened skillet.

Mixed wild rice and fresh green beans accented by slivered almonds and dried cranberries accompanied the herb-crusted salmon.  Yummy!

Dessert was very simple: fresh berries on shortbread with a squirt of Creme fraiche, topped with Grand Marnier.

How much Grand Marnier should we pour over this?

After coffee was served and the table cleared, we had some Christmas fun decorating gingerbread cookies.

Greg squeezes the frosting onto the cookie.

Lorvey contemplates color choices.

Peggy forces the frosting into the bag.

Such concentration!

Oh no!  It's Mr. Bill!

(from Greg's computer) Di and Rusty join in the fun.

We missed you, Papes!  Hope you'll be able to join us next time.

On Saturday morning I emptied and reloaded the dishwasher.  Then I made a strong cup of coffee and  sat down to relax and revel in the good fun from the previous evening.  I stared at my recently decorated gingerbread cookie.  I decided to eat just the feet.  I dipped one foot into the hot coffee and it was warm and spicy.  Then the next foot; it took me back to my childhood.  I stared at the gingerbread cookie and decided I could just eat the hands, but no more.  First one hand into the hot coffee, releasing the soft cookie into my mouth.  Then the other hand, even more delicious.  Before long, even the body was gone, leaving only the head.  Who can leave a head all by itself?  Not me.  I ATE THE WHOLE THING!!!!