For a change, and because we have a superb winter season in the tropics, we set that as our W theme – a time to try some favourite Winter recipes. Kathy was our host for our Winter day and we followed this with Xmas in the tropics at Wendy’s for a change, because for us, Christmas is usually hot and steamy. This was a chance to try out cold-climate dishes.
This was a celebration for all of us and some pictures and recipes are included here.
See our Recipes page for recipes from Julie and Kathy
O is for Orange
(by Joan)
O day was at Beatrice’s and were all asked to wear something “Orange”, the reason will be disclosed later, but it was even relevant for Pauline, who was travelling overseas in the Netherlands.
The table was beautifully set and decorated in orange and we were advised that it was also “May Day” so we had double the celebrations.
Onion Soup
We started with Julie’s French Onion Soup topped with crusty French bread gratineed.
Then we enjoyed Joan’s tasty Roasted Onion and Shallot tart, which had the extra zest of blue vein cheese. Yum.
Onion Tart
We paused between courses, and we were all asked to describe where, or the reason why, we had purchased our orange apparel that we were wearing. Kathy had paid the most for her orange top, as she had to buy it back from her daughter on ebay. Beatrice had paid the least for hers and had been very thrifty in her orange purchase, a good donation Beatrice. Joan had gone shopping specifically looking for an orange piece, but to no avail, there nothing was to be found. But when she came home she found that she already had a favourite pair of orange trousers that she had totally forgotten about.
Oxtail and Olive Bread
The next course was Kathy’s Oxtail with Olive Bread. A wonderful hearty morsel where the meat just fell off the bone and melted in your mouth. This is one all of us will be trying this winter. It was a big hit with Beatrice.
Another pause between dishes, and we were asked to take the orange balloon from the back of our chair. One at a time we had to sit on our balloon and burst it. Inside each balloon was a special piece of paper with a specific instruction for each of us to do. Like name our favourite food, describe what each food each of the table members reminded you of….well it was a lot of fun and generated loads of laughs. Laura will never forget her answer to a food starting with “V”….this especially had us all in fits of laughter.
Then we started our desserts with Laura’s Orange Pie with biscuit base. Another old family favourite. It was very light, tangy and very refreshing. Especially the candied orange peel dipped in chocolate.
Orange Pie
For our pause between desserts we were entertained by Beatrice with her drum solo. Chris giving everyone a try on the pianola. Laura having a waltz around the room with Joan. And loads more laughs!
Next we followed up with Chris’ Orange Jaffa Cake beautifully iced in chocolate. It was a very tasty twist to the old orange cake and a wonderful way to finish a fun filled day.
Jaffa Cake
Credits
For more great recipes, check out our Recipes page.
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