There is something special about Christmas time. It's a time of celebration of the birth of Christ, a reminder of God's grace and mercy, a time where food is in abundance and friends and families can get together to just enjoy a much needed rest from a busy year.
This year has been a very positive and active one for me, a lot of cooking and experimenting, a lot of exercise and lots of new and old friends to be thankful for. Reflecting on the year, i know yet again that i've been so blessed every step of the way with all the support and love through this physically and emotionally draining year.
Each challenge came with its highs and lows, with the standouts being:
i) Marathon training: with it's frustrating injuries and long training regime but very satisfying finish after 5 months of training and a final 4hr25min run and $2300 raised for Starlight Children's Foundation.
ii) Working with children with cancer: seeing them through the ups and downs, setbacks and recoveries and being able to play a very small part in that, even occasionally bringing a smile to their face! But, also having to come to terms with a few very sweet children that passed away wasn't easy.
iii) Working out what an independent, Christ-centred life looked like, staying busy and working out what my gifts are and how to use them to serve others...
It's been an intense year full of new experiences, and i couldn't have accomplished what i did without those around me. This dinner was just a small way to say thanks through a cheerful Christmas meal for some of the people i love the most! Thanks girls for just being there :)
The Menu
Starters:
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| Cold platter of home-made Baba ghanoush, Smoked salmon with dill mayo Prosciutto, rockmelon and boccocini skewers (by Claudia and Char) |
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| Parmesan Truffle Mix Mushrooms on toasted baguette |
Mains:
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| Roast leg of lamb |
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| Home-made jus with all the leftover lamb fat goodness! |
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| Potato and leek gratin |
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| Chicken Caesar Salad with home-made dressing |
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| Polenta and pomegranate salad |
Dessert:
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| Pistachio semifreddo with fresh fruit Lemon and vanilla bean eclairs (made by Paul!) |
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| The finishing touches: icing sugar dusting, dessert wine from Mudgee and the dessert chef delivering the goods! |
All the lovely people around the dinner table:
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| And of course, the person i am most thankful for, the most wonderful sous chef boyfriend ever :) |
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