Wednesday, August 4, 2010

New Dress Blues

I bought a new dress today from a funky new store in town; on returning home, I put on the dress to show my lovely, supportive family yeah, not so much.   I stood in front of the kids and watched their silence unfold; Fraser cocked his head to the side and declared it "old-fashioned".   Lucy kinda smirked and the words "oh dear gawd" emanated from every fibre of her being.

The kids followed me upstairs, giggling as I went to show husband.   He looked me up and down, grinned and asked "did you make it yourself?" followed by "so that's what you've been doing at all those night classes".....playing to his audience of giggling children, he went on to describe his horror in many forms which ended with me curled up under the duvet, with only eldest daughter hugs for comfort.

Sigh.

Thank gawd there's always cake.

Chocolate Cheesecake with mixed berries

I had friends over at the weekend and I served antipasti with basil pesto, sunblushed tomatoes, brie, fresh bread, dipping oil, olives and balsamic vinegar, Parmesan, a variety of tarts including caramelised red onion and goats cheese, artichoke and mint, goats cheese and pesto, asparagus and cheddar.   There was also lasagna, pasta Bolognaise, macaroni cheese, green salad with a honey and balsamic dressing all followed with apple pie, chocolate cheesecake, extra thick double cream and Colpi ice cream.   Twas a great night and no-one went hungry!

Apple Pie

Helen's buffet, suitable for kids!

 
Lasagna

Antipasti

Pasta Bolognaise and Asparagus Tart

William's cupcakes...tasty cakes, well done lad!

Val and Colin's Chocolate Cake...the icing was an experiment, 
I need to make again before I decide if I like it or not or whether to share!

I'm a bit late in giving the shopping list but suffice it to say, it was within budget and will last for 10 days in total; meals include the following:
Rosemary and Garlic Roast Lamb with a Pesto crust, served with roast asparagus, broccolli, green beans and roasted potato with a red wine gravy
Chicken Soup with Chickpeas
Fish & Vegetable Stew with dumplings
Salmon Tempura with Sesame Fried Rice and green veg
Prawn coconut curry
Grilled Vegetables with Halloumi
Macaroni Cheese
Lamb Curry
Fishcakes
Stirfry

Recipes and pictures to follow, my friends!

13 comments:

The Dutch Girl said...

Show us the dress, Helen! Although that is one lovely cake!

Jennifer Oberth said...

Oh that chocolate cake with the frosting looks good.

So do the berries - I didn't even see the cheesecake under it at first!

Love the story about the dress - so funny!

Claudya Martinez said...

If I could, I would marry that pie since you are already taken. I'm sure you look fabulous in the dress.

Mama Up! said...

The asparagus tart is adorable!

Pistachio and Rose said...

I thought that was just a pile of lovely berries until I saw the bloody gorgeous chocolate cheesecake lurking underneath, God I love cheesecake with every fibre of my being!!!
What do men and children know of fashion anyway??!! My man has no clue so I ignore all his opinions about fashion, so there....x

aladdinsane12 said...

oh no! sorry about the dress! i'm sure it's stunning! what do kids and men know about women's fashion anyways?

moving on, i've said it once and i'll say it again: can i PLEASE be your friend so i can come over for these dinner parties? i know i live in chicago, but surely that can be remedied!

Jo Campbell said...

If you like you can borrow my seven year old next time you buy a new dress - he always tells me I look lovely!

Sumandebray said...

shall wait for that...
Unfotunate Are those who doesn't have those fun moments in life..... Well less fortunate actually

Anonymous said...

Your cheesecake and berries looks amazing! I'm sure we'd all like the dress...

Maria said...

I'm sure your new dress was lovely....

Pam said...

I thought for sure we'd see a photo of the dress, bet it's very nice! The food all looks delicious, especially the antipasti and the tart. I'm new here and really enjoyed reading this. You have a great sense of humor and cute kids!

Helen McGinn said...

Hanneke, I put it on facebook and the comments were very funny but out of control. I may post a pic when the pain lessens..... ;O) *L*

Live Out Loud, thank you hon!

Unknown Mami, do you take this pie....*L*

Thanks Christa, it's my favourite!

Pistachio and Rose, I normally do to but EVERYONE hated it! :O(

aladdinsane, you can come over anytime, lass!

Jo, aw, what a wee star!

Helen McGinn said...

Sumandebray, :O)

Edie,gaelikaa, thank you!

Thank you Pam, it's lovely to 'meet' you! x