Last Saturday, marked a first for the next generation. The Christmas party hosting duties were officially handed over. My Mum is literally superwoman when it comes to food and hosting parties but seemed overly ecstatic when she learned it was now up to me.
Luckily for me, my man offered to cook and organise the menu with his new found love of cooking. So all I had to do was do the grocery shopping and organise the house, which was actually stressful enough (ten trips later!).
Hamish got a bit too keen with the starters and made five different choices, not easy ones either - most had multiple elements to each dish. All of the staff gave wonderful feedback so Hamish has kindly shared all the recipes on
Pinterest.
Mexican Corn Dip, Avocado Salsa served with Corn Chips (corn dip is spicy but yum!)
Pear, Walnut & Ricotta Crostini (Left) Naan, Spinach & Halloumi Bites (Right)
Baked Brie with Figs & Walnuts (Left) Lamb, Spinach & Feta Gozieme (Right)
By this stage the dancing had already started and the music had to be faded out to bring attention to the main. The main was just as complicated as the starters but was a great hit. A choice of handmade tortillas or buns, filled with spicy coleslaw and a choice of pulled pork or slow cooked honey and garlic chicken. This was accompanied by a pistachio green sauce and a choice of two salads made by Queen Bee Mrs Preen.
Hamish cooking the pulled pork (Left) Dinner is served (Right)
The dessert was also on my to do list. I kept it simple with a Lemon and Raspberry bar served with cream and ice cream.
Lemon and Raspberry Bars
Ewa holding my nephew George (Left) Robyn and Jill my bridesmaids (so they say...) (Middle) Judy, Di and Dad (Right)
Everyone (Left) Team Preen Timaru, Jill, Lynette, Robyn and Judy (Right)
Overall the night was a success. You may think it was dress up due to the photos, but no it wasn't, that's just our fun girls from Oamaru having a laugh. Next year (if I can't hand it back to Mum), we will have fewer starters and dishes with less elements to them. But at least you can enjoy all the recipes we have tried and tested! Enjoy.
Sophie xx
Did you read the last blog? Proposal in Paradise - read here
