We had this super meal with the wonderful Jo and Michel - I doubt they used their computer to defrost the meat (see http://www.acookonthefunnyside.com/content/computers-defrosters-and-pork... ), but it was fantastic anyway. The starter was a modern fantastic version of a Prawn Cocktail that blows the 70's version out of the water and will definitely be posted later, so stay loyal folks. Well done and thank you both for the great company and a wondefrul meal!

aka Carol's concoction
“You're never too old to learn” and today I learned that Cottage Pie and Shepherds Pie are actually not exactly the same thing. It may be a case of splitting hairs here, but a Cottage Pie is a Shepherds Pie made with beef or pork and a Shepherd's Pie is made with lamb. Voila. You live and learn. I know, your life will never be the same again. (UPDATE: Please read the comments for the real difference between the two - thank you Frances!)

Susie Said Stay for Sunday Supper
and if Susie Says Stay for Sunday Supper
you Stay for Sunday Supper
'cos Susie's Sunday Suppers are Super.

And Susie Serves Sunday Super Suppers Splendidly,
and Susie's Splendid Sunday Suppers Sure Smell Scrumptious
and Scrumptious Surely Says So much for
Susies's Super Sunday Supper!!!

(Today’s recipe: Balmoral Chicken)

I've heard my Scottish friends talk of Burns Night, but I never actually knew what it was and did not want to show my complete stupidity by saying, “what dat den?” So when Sam invited us for a Burns Night Supper, I had to be brave and say, “what dat den?” She very kindly explained that it had nothing to do with Guy Fawkes (come on, burn, fireworks, how could I know), but with Scotland's most famous poet. (And in my defense I even know one of his 559 poems, so there.)

Ackee and Salt fish [Jamaican]

This is going to become one of my firm favorites as I love potatoes and minced / ground meat. Oma Sophie is the creator of this dish and is not only a fantastic cook but also a fantastic human being. Her 3 year old grandson was listening as his mother explained to his older sister exactly what grandparents are. He then piped up and said: “When I grow up I want to be Oma Sophie.” What a compliment and a well-deserved one too.

The wedding menu needs no further comment. This first photo is just a small part of the wonderful array of food, so eat your hearts out!

Today’s recipe: Elephant stew

In light of all the miserable weather in the northern hemisphere, I am almost ashamed to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the summer sunshine in the southern hemisphere. If it makes you feel any better, I have had a spot of bother with sunburn, food poisoning and hate mail from freezing Europeans…

Just before leaving France, we partook in the age old French tradition of bottling confit of duck and foie gras / fat liver. Foie gras is a much discussed product and I am not going to make a judgment about if one should eat it or not – I’ll let everyone decide for themselves. We enjoyed joining our French (and Scottish) neighbors / friends in preparing this traditional French delicacy so I thought I’d tell you about our fun evening and give you the recipes.

Although I have been promising to catch up from January 2nd, I just have to tell you about the Hasselback potatoes I had in the month of August first. August is party month. August is the busiest month of the year after July which was actually also very busy… But anyway, stop interrupting yourself woman, and tell your stories!!