Easter

Easter dinner went well. It felt good to be able to share some home-cooked food with classmates.

We started off the evening with bubbly, courtesy of a guest. Bubbly is, in my humble opinion, the best way to start any celebration.

Knowing little about wine, I typically ask guests to bring a bottle, and one pinot noir particularly stood out: Calera 2007 Pinot Noir. It was lovely with the lamb.

I learned that if anyone ever needs to get anything done that depends on charm and good lucks, I've got the guy for you. How one breezes through life as if doors are always swinging open for you, is beyond me.

And someone brought flowers! I love flowers. I used to sniff that they were a terrible waste, as as soon as they are snipped they are destined to die. But a home with fresh flowers is somehow nicer. Back when I worked, it always brought a smile on my face to see them as I turned to lock the door and leave for the office, and they brought another smile to my face when I came home and saw them bright and pretty on the table. I confess I don't normally like to receive roses, particularly red ones, but these looked fantastic in a tin pail, and I'm going to have to consider including them in future floral rotations.

On the menu was:

Shaved fennel, celery, and parsley salad, topped with toasted, salted pumpkin seeds and dressed with a lemon vinaigrette

Garlic-Rosemary roasted leg of lamb

Minted Pea Puree

Brown mushroom in thyme and white wine

Roasted potatoes with herb pesto

a palate cleanser of creamy lemon-mint sorbet

Chocolate mousse with whipped cream