Sunday lunch (the 3rd January 2010) was at home, with my dad, youngest sis and in-laws - an advanced celebration of my wife's and my 18th wedding anniversary.
My brother and his wife just got back from the Tokyo winter, so were not feeling well enough to join; so we were 19 in all including one of my wife's aunts and the nephews and nieces.
Clockwise from bottom-left: My sis, dad, wife, mom-in-law, an aunt, father-in-law and sis-in-law
My brothers-in-law
My HK-based bilas (i.e., the husband of my wife's sis - there is no equivalent English term) between calls on the patio.
My youngest son's dachshund was wondering what all the fuss was about - he did ask.
My wife decided to serve her version of Cocido Madrileño ("cocido") for the lunch - one of my dad's favorite/comfort dishes.
Basically, the version of cocido my wife serves is, as may be seen above, a 3-part meal: (1) the broth in which the meats and vegetables were long-simmered (noodles added in after the meats were done); (2) the vegetables (cabbage, green beans, chick peas, potatoes, a sort of bok choy locally called "pechay", etc.); and, (3) the meats themselves (beef brisket, pork belly, chicken, chorizo, etc.).
Cocido (there is a thick, moderately-spiced, tomato based sauce served with the meats)
The Vegetables
The Meats
Naturally, my wife had prepared a few other courses:
To start: Our Usual House Salad which our friends are all very familiar with by now (butter lettuce, arugula, tarragon leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan, Parma ham and a honey-mustard-vinegar-garlic dressing)...
Grilled Prawns
Solomillo (de Vaca)
Chow time
Even with an extra table set up, we couldn't fit everyone inside, so two of the younger teen-agers had to sit with the kiddies outdoors - much to their chagrin.
My sis-in-law didn't think I was quick enough with my camera to take a shot of her clowning around the buffet table. Well, as Yosemite Sam says: "That'll learn 'ya!"
Desserts were...
Butter Cake, Chocolate Sans Rival, Coffee Crunch Cake and Date Bars (a.k.a., "Food for the Gods")
Of course, there was some fruit as well: Cantaloupe and a local Pomelo called "Suha". I think I was the only one who had any though. That was quite a filling lunch. A double espresso ended it for me. I'm having the the fruits as my dinner, that's for sure.
8 comments:
Happy Birthday to the wife and Happy Anniversary to you both ! I am grateful for stumbling upon your blog in 2009, and look forward to reading more of your posts in the upcoming year.
Hi, Alicia, and thanks. I am glad you enjoy my ramblings. Thanks for the advanced aniversary greeting, but it isn't my wife's birthday - that was several months ago. The thought is appreciated though.
Best,
N
Thanks for sharing the daily stuff too. I really enjoy it.
My pleasure, Rod. I've noted on FB you've been doing quite a bit of cooking as well! Happy New Year, by the way and please send Debby our best.
N
Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary Noel! Thanks for sharing your wine finds and expertise! Here's to more good wine & food in 2010 :-)
Sincerely,
Cyrene
Happy Anniversary to you and Catha!
-A & Jo
Thanks greetings and wishes, Aaron & Cyrene; they are much appreciated.
Best to you both!
N
Sorry about that. With age the eye's deceive. (I don't know why I though I read "birthday". Will be trying some of your favorite locally available wines soon!
Post a Comment