gettin into the christmas mood
It’s that time of the year again for turkey and stuffing and parties and presents. Earlier this month we had an early Christmas party at Angel’s Share at Dempsey, organised by Damo mostly for his barcap gang. On Friday, I went for my second Christmas party of 2008 at Christine’s. It was probably the most packaged party ever, all the food either derived by popping some frozen variety into the oven, or simply by ripping open a box or bag. There was pizza (was frozen), samosas (was frozen), quiche (was frozen), crisps, ham, cheese, crackers, mince pies and chocolate (all taken out of a package). But, heck, who cares? Christmas is about people, not pastries, pies or pizza. As you can tell from the picture above, I was merry.
Tonight, as I type this, there are five people over at our place for Christmas dinner. Elf has replaced A Charlie Brown Christmas on the DVD player, the gang’s watching with mulled wine in hand and gingerbread in their tummies. The turkey, after having taken a 16-hour bath in spiced brine overnight, has been roasting in the oven with juices oozing and will be ready soon. The stuffing is waiting in a pot on the stovetop, settling nicely and smelling fabulous after an hour of tender cooking. Lee’s tuna tataki salad is waiting to be assembled for starters, Damo’s potatoes and onions are warming up nicely in the oven, my bell peppers and carrots just about to be grilled. Jamie and Shyli’s contributions of log cake, mince pies and pudding wait patiently to be devoured as dessert, and Paul and Serene’s wine set to be opened once its mulled compatriot is finished.
turkey bath
the turkey bather at work
the turkey bather and his goose
out of the bath and set for the oven
I know our 10km run this morning or 107km bike yesterday isn’t going to count much now, considering the amount of food we’re about to consume. But, hey, Christmas only comes once a year. Good company is even harder to come by. I’ve got a nice pair of loose pants on and I’m ready to eat.