We had a lie in - a real treat for Partner-who-loves-tea - and then she and I played a word game before Son-who-cooks joined us for the present opening ceremony. The cats were quite delighted though Annabelle disappeared after jumping into the bag of discarded wrapping paper and frightening herself.... Mac took a far more dignified approach to the process, wondering all the time which parcel was going to contain food.
My presents included a lot of books (surprise, surprise), a beautiful calendar, a jigsaw puzzle, sweets, mugs, a laptop case, a mouse, a Paperblank notebook and diary, sketching charcoals, a lovely wooden dove ornament (now on the window but next year it will go on the tree), and a super Rosina Wachtmeister cat called the Devourer of Books.
The Queen's speech about inspiration was well worth listening to (not something I always feel though Partner-who-loves-tea watches it avidly every year). And then it was time for Christmas Dinner which as usual was made by Son-who-cooks and was delicious.
For those who want to know what was on that plate there was -
chicken, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, broccoli, sprouts (hiding), carrots, carrot and swede, roast garlic, sage and onion stuffing, gravy and a speciality of our chef - a mix of sprouts, pancetta, garlic and some secret ingredients.
Thank you Chef.
The drink is blackcurrant prosecco with which we toasted both Christmas and the arrival of Toby and Katie in October.
Then p-w-l-t and I watched 'Strictly Len Goodman' which we recorded a few days ago, and it was off to bed. The Christmas 'Strictly Come Dancing' show was recorded for Boxing Day.
Your son is quite a chef, the meal looks delicious. Know you're anxious to get into your new books.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like such a lovely day! That feast would have been fit even for the Queen's table. May your Boxing Day be just as festive.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet old fashioned Christmas. That food makes my tummy growl early this morning. So glad you have such a lovely holiday time. My link to this blog is not working on blog rolls of others...but I will persevere.
ReplyDeleteHope the link works again soon. I rely on my blog roll for visiting folk.
DeleteI watched the Len Goodman show. It was lovely. We (friends I had for Christmas Day and I) watched Strictly last night. I hope that you enjoy it today.
ReplyDeleteThat first pic with your sweet cat and son is adorable! Our Chubbs hates the sound of paper and will run and hide even when we bring groceries in and he hears the plastic bags! The food looks super yummy. I was glad you mentioned what was on the menu and now I'm craving some stuffing and gravy. I don't know what swede is though. Anyway, you made a lovely haul of gifts my friend! But we know the best gifts are the family and friends we share this holiday with. Have a wonderful New Year! Can't believe 2016 is almost over!
ReplyDeleteSwede is a root vegetable. It is large and round and yellowish. On its own its flavour is a bit strong but we often use it mashed together with mashed carrots. At one time swede was a staple in the UK because it was fairly easily grown on even the poorest ground. Then it became food considered only fit for pigs. Now it's quite popular again.
DeleteThank you for the commentary on your day, John/Clive. We were at our son/daughter-in-law's along with our daughter and son-in-law and their combined 4-granddaughters-under-four. We all dined and drank well and slept over together until today. Home now, winding down. Greetings to you, Jo and the family. Linda and Ray
ReplyDeleteThat sounds the ideal Christmas. Thanks for the newsletter with your card. All the best, CJ
DeleteYou should not show us food like this, especially before my dinner!
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful!!
Wonderful meal, hats off to your chef-in-residence!
ReplyDeleteO.K. and I watched our equivalent of the Queen's speeach - the speech Germany's Bundespräsident (the parting Joachim Gauck) gives each year at Christmas. You could tell he used to be a man of the church.