“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” – Sophia Loren
In our case (that’s Eleanor and I), it was gnocchi…
Contrary to popular belief, I love cooking, and for the most part (barring one night I served a burnt offering to Charlie), I do it well. The reason I don’t cook often is because I don’t have a proper stove. I have a mini-kitchen, which is two plates and a small oven, which doesn’t heat evenly at the best of times.
Last night though, I outdid myself. Nathan was away from home yesterday for work, so I told Eleanor I’d cook for her, if she saw to the boys. I gave her a choice: Moroccan or Italian. She opted for the latter.
Granted, I didn’t make everything from scratch, and know that traditional Italian pasta sauce is usually tomato-based, but I do love bacon and cream and I had to factor in the time of preparing everything, in an unfamiliar kitchen. I did make up for everything non-Italian with a bottle of imported Prosecco of which I had a taste.
The menu was as follows:
Starter (Antipasto)
Charcuterie Board:
Salami, Pastrami, Ham, Blackberries, Raspberries, Almonds, Pears, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Cheddar, Bread sticks, Yoghurt & Caramelized Onion Dip, Salmon & Feta Terrine, and Tomato & Olive Bruschetta
Main Course (Primo Piatto)
Gnocchi with Butternut and Peas, served in a Bacon & Cheese Sauce from this blog
Dessert (Dolce)
Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries (which I concede isn’t authentic Italian, but I couldn’t find Tiramisu or Panna Cotta anywhere).
Coffee (Caffé)
Cappuccino with Chocolate, Cranberry & Almond Biscotti
All in all, I think I fared well. Eleanor was pleasantly surprised, and we had a lovely evening, just us girls.
We decided that travelling round the world, right at the dinner table will become a regular thing. Here’s to the next destination! Any suggestions?
Reflections of a Misfit 