I’m not sure if this week is an official Monday Night Dining experience, since our trio is not all in attendance, but I thought I would blog it anyway. Shawn had to go to church, to sing the All Souls service, so I am serving on my own tonight. Never one to shy away from a challenge, we decided on some items that we had not made before. Not being a complete fools, we also made sure that most of the meal could be prepped ahead of time.
In thinking of guests, Steph realized that our friend Jennifer had to submit a proposal by 5:00. This would mean she would be free for dinner at 5:30, and probably in need of succour and sustenance. The guest’s timing was impeccable, as they arrived within a minute of each other. I had a lovely bottle of Featherstone Merlot decanted, so we started with a bit of an unwind, over a glass and Jennifer told us the tale of having just submitted the proposal, then having her laptop die, never to boot up again. For a techy like me, this was scarier than Friday’s ghost stories
Shortly after, we started in on the Velvety Pumpkin Soup.
This soup has Moroccan origins, and is flavoured with cinnamon. Shawn changed it up, by roasting the pumpkin first, for a toasty carmelized flavour. To make sure it came out smooth, Shawn put it through the ricer, then pureed it with the immersion blender at the end. This was served, with cooked rice in the centre. One taste and I knew why it is called “velvety.”
For the main, I was worried about getting everything done, at the same time, and not delaying the meal, so out came the slow cooker with an old favorite – Boeuf Bourguignon with buttered noodles. We had found some nice baby vegetables and wanted to roast them, since it is fall after all. I was worried about the timing, so I roasted them ahead and gave them a quick saute, to warm them through.
As I was heating the kettle, for tea, I realized that I forgot the dessert. I sensed disappointment, but I had not forgotten to make it, just to bring it in for plating. We had pumpkin left over and Shawn does love caramel, so we had Sticky-Toffee Pecan-Pumpkin Tartlets.
When I was making them, I thought the small size of tart pans was a bit small, so I went one size up. When I served them, I was told that these were not “tartlets” but just small pies. 2 of us did bravely finished ours….
It turns out I was worried about the timing of dinner a little too much, because we had a few minutes to relax and chat, before we had to head off to rehearsal. It’s still more fun cooking when Shawn is there, to lend a hand and tell me that even the most difficult dishes are a breeze, but in a pinch, I can manage. Once dinner was over, I also realized “hey… we’re on vacation!!!” Time for the dance of joy!!!
We are well into our rehearsals for Pax Christi Chorale’s Christmas concert Winter Nights. Singing Bach, I have realized that I am not German… Not even a little. I am however enjoying learning, every week. And singing Martin’s Winter Nights, I have realized that she really, really likes 7/8 time signature…. I’m just sayin’. BUT singing a piece with the composer, gives a unique insight into the interpretation, that you would not otherwise get. I have also learned that when singing with a large group, timing may not be everything, but it is very important.
Is anything more comforting than a nice hot Boeuf Bourguignon on a chilly November evening? Now that “Winter nights enlarge the number of their hours” we’re in for dark and cold for a while Dave – so bring on the beef stews please!
Great food and company- both warm the heart and soul.