Whew! I made it!
4 fish dishes, 5 vegetarian dishes, one cheese tray, 5 kinds of cookies, and 10 wines, and one successful Christmas party later and I can officially say Becky Selengut’s sustainable fish cookbook, “Good Fish” and Yotam Ottolenghi’s vegetarian gourmet cookbook, “Plenty”, are incredible books. There were some ups and downs in the cooking process, and I had to taste and adjust seasonings a fair bit, but boy was the fish good.
Butter sauced fish that melted on the tongue…It was a small miracle. I managed to not overcook a single fish. I managed to make four dishes during a busy party in a kitchen where guests were mingling without burning anyone including myself. I didn’t spill sauces on the floor or on people or on upholstery. I managed to hold conversations and not seem too rude or rushed. I had 3 amazing helpers, mind you, doing dishes constantly and heating squash slices and stuffed zucchini, and replenishing bowls of quinoa and sweet potato salad, a cheese tray, and bread. But all in all, it was relatively smooth. And now, my belly extended, I can sit down in a comfy chair, stare in amazement at the cleared tables, and wonder how the fridge is still, somehow, full despite all the food consumed over the last 4 hours.
A Christmas miracle. And while I’ve had some other Christmas miracles this year, amazing fish is definitely up there for me. So thanks, Santa. And thanks to everyone who helped, came and ate, gave feedback, bought pickles, or was generally festive and good spirited in my presence today. It was good to see you all and share such bountiful, delicate food.
Pictures and recipes to come. Merry Christmas!
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