I've already blogged on eating together with friends ('Table Talk', 22nd July) as a cure-all for society's ills; we're continuing to do our bit here in deepest Xaintrie with a splendid invention we call 'Entre Deux'.
Once a month, two names are drawn from a hat, out of a total of ten. The names on the folded papers are all friends, all Xaintriecois. The two 'winners' have to organise, design, prepare and serve (at a place of their choice) a meal for all ten of us.
The random nature of the choice of the catering duo, extremely variable culinary skills and international background of our group has proved to be a great formula for a jolly good time. Good friendships have become better and the unique recipes experienced and wines sampled have been such a delight that the latest meal (29th July) produced a resolve to record these dishes for posterity. An 'Entre-Deux' cookbook was mooted along with other promises; whether or not they'll be kept is open to question of course, but it's the thought that counts.
Anita and Marina (English and German with Belgian undertones) were the lucky pair this time.
After aperos in the garden on one of the hottest days of the summer, we sat down to the first entrée of a highly flavoured gazpacho soup, complete with centred ice-cube. Couldn't have been a better start.
This was followed by a second entrée; an italian-style salad with mozarella, avocado, grape tomatoes poêlées (I think that's how it should be described, but I'm no cook - just an appreciative consumer), all in a balsamic-based dressing.
Main course was colin (hake?) steaks wrapped in prosciuto ham with a delicious marinated, baked cucumber with saffron. Cheeses. Dessert - Frozen orange juice with a chilled cream which had been pre-soaked in coffee beans in some magic way.
All accompanied by wines, choice of group members (no corkage to pay).
Roy and Elisabeth (English, Dutch) next month. Can't wait.
Mapmaker
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