Being Invited

MD's Thai Pineapple and Prawn Salad

Being invited to lunch or dinner is always an honour. A joy too for someone like me who lives to eat. But most of all it's the chance to eat en tête-à-tête with a few friends that is welcomed, for there's nothing like a few intimate hours together to allow us to know each other (even) better.

I had a lovely Thai Prawn and Pineapple Salad at MD's the other day when I went to her place to learn how to knit. I am going to try making this salad myself soon - it was absolutely delicious! And I had the opportunity to appreciate MD even more, for she is one shy talented lady who needs a bit of time to draw out. Lunch or no lunch, I hope to see her more in the weeks to come.

Then CB invited us to dinner a few evenings ago. We all know for a long time that she is an excellent baker - but she outdid herself this time even with her savoury dishes, from gougères to baked red onion tartlets...and a most amazing Duck with Orange Sauce. We started dinner relatively early - but still ended the evening late, so pleasant was the company that we lost track of time. At the other end of the dinner table, alot of damage was done to a few wine cellars. Some men have bottomless stomachs when it comes to good wine.

Duck with Orange Sauce

Very very sinful cake with toffee sauce...

Finally, we had a Syrian lunch feast in LY's lovely flat on Sunday...We were received with her best silver and ate so much I could barely walk after that. I wish I were slim and burn fat fast - because I could eat a few more slices of that gorgeous chocolate swissroll. But as it was, I already had a few servings each of the cheese tart and the chicken pilaf, and Hub complained that I ate more than him. He's not one of those husbands who tells his wife that he'll love her even if she's fat. He always gives me the impression that he'll abandon me if I gain another kilo - so I make sure that he puts on more weight than me.

Kibbeh with raw beef, salad...

Cheese Tart

Spiced Rice with Chicken

Chocolate Swiss Roll

Syrian dessert served with syrup, fleur de lait...

During this moment when I feel fortunate to have friends with such good culinary skills, I also remember those who have left Modena and with whom I've enjoyed good food and company in the last few years. You all know who you are. Grazie.