mmm...

Hey all,

So following my last post, I'm taking the hint that pictures work when it comes to seeking comments! Hahah let's see if I can keep it going...

Last night was a bit nuts; the parents are at the country home for the weekend, so I'm alone at the house with the son, Timothee, and the youngest daughter, Lauriane. Lauriane doesn't come by often, and I know neither of them cook much, so I offered to whip something up for dinner.

Of course, it wasn't until 6pm that Lauriane let me know she was interested in taking me up on the offer; and that she'd invited a couple of friends to join us. Cool, I thought: but what is there to cook? With an empty fridge and two hours to get groceries, I was at a loss. The kids suggested frozen pizza; "Blasphemy!" I cried, refusing to sacrifice this opportunity to show off my skills in the kitchen.

Biking full speed to Auchan, the French equivalent of Wal-Mart, in a torrential downpour that I hesitate to dismiss as simple rain, I rushed through, picking up the bare basics for dinner, tortellini for the next two nights and some 18-month old Comte that was super on sale... I'm a sucker for good cheese.

Rushed back home and got to work, forcing back the haunting flashbacks of the 2-kilo lamb leg ordeal in Paris. Fortunately, the girls were late and ended up arriving more towards 9pm. 9:30 came around, and we were finally at the table huddled around a big bowl of pasta a la Ganino:

Though the conversation was lacking (apparently anyone who doesn't watch the OC, Desperate Houswives, or One Tree Hill has absolutely nothing in common with French 20 year olds), the food was excellent, complimented by the sounds Barney Wilen and a Blues compilation I had quietly slipped on before anyone could object.

I hope your culinary lives are as fulfilling as mine: there are few things I find more rewarding than cooking a good meal for close friends.

Best,
Ben