As you all know from our previous posts, we have been preparing for a dinner consisting of Indonesian snacks. We had the pleasure of inviting Mr. and Mrs. TBF, Thomas and Nicole, Doug, a work colleague of ours) and Paolo and Markus (and Tina, their Jack Russell).
The first to arrive were TBF and his lovely wife, Mrs. TBF. They brought us a beautiful Marigold plant that is apparently pretty unknown here. TBF grew it himself. Plus they added two self-made pestos and a bottle of Moët Champagne (which fit very well with what we were having: Moët!).
Seconds later, Thomas and Nicole arrived. Funny thing was, Nicole went straight to Dale, our cat, who was lying on a bench outside our house, before she came up. I was alredy wondering if she was invited elsewhere. Heheh. But no, after greeting Dale, she ran up the stairs, radiant as always and we exchanged hugs and kisses, happy to see each other again. We were handed a big bottle of Alsacian Wolfberger crémant (sparkling wine). This bottle is a biggie! It's over half a gallon... 0.66 to be precise. Now, I think we are in great need of an American sized fridge to cool this baby! I was wondering if this was a hint to host antoher party. Hmmmm .
Anyhow, we had not finished pouring the champagne and beer, that Tina (Markus and Paolo's Jack Russell) came running up the stairs, followed closely by the boys. They had just returned from 3 days in the moutains trip where they did a lot of hiking. They a brought us a beautiful crate with fresh herbs. I guess they know we love cooking, huh? Or was that the next hint for the next party?? I'm amazed at what you receive just for inviting a few friends to eat!
But, where was Doug? I gave him a call and he was already on his way. Good. Our other guests were getting hungry!
After a few munchies, champagne and/or beer, Orange came out with self-made Pangsit (fried wontons) accompanied by a sweet and sour ginger sauce. You will find the recipe in the next post. Pictures have been taken; Orange just needs to write the recipe to it. Anyway, I'm happy to report that between the 9 of us, we ate all of the 99 Pangsit! But that was only the starter. About half an hour later, the Rissoles and Lempers were served. Later, the main course arrived consisting of Satay babi (pork satay on a skewer), white rice, Gado-Gado (steamed cauliflower, green beans and sprouts, and fresh iceberg salad and cucumber) and grilled tiger shrimps, marinated in a lime chilli, and the typical hot peanut sauce and a mild sauce with sweet soya sauce, tomato and onions. I was full before the main course (I'd been probing food all day), but we were both happy to see that all others were going for the buffet again to fill up their plates.
The weather was great, we had a great group of people here and had such a fun time. We talked and laughed, exchanged views on living in Europe and in the US as well as the little differences/mistakes one can do in languages. The wine (and water) was flowing and all of a sudden, it was around 1 am. I asked if our guests if they still wanted desert, but I think we overdid the portions a bit. We settled for coffee, digestive and a few slices of Spekkoek, a sipcy and very rich "thousand layer" cake (Note to the reader: We bought this one!) .Not only our human guests liked it, but Tina went crazy for this cake. And I just can't leave this out. Both TBF and Mrs. TBF have a new love... Tina. They played with her for a good part of the evening and were both eagerly learning Paolo's commands for Tina to sit, shake paw, roll over and kiss. I can assure you that if Paolo and Markus want to leave for a longer vacation, they have found a babysitter for Tina. And she'll be spoiled rotten.
At 2:30 am, our guests left for home, and Orange and I just sat outside enjoying a last coffee and reminiscing on a really wonderful evening. Hey, and for once, we didn't have the police knocking on our door to say we were too loud (and we were loud enough, I think.)
I know that TBF took a few picts as well, so I'll leave it up to him to fill in details. Blogger won't let me post picts again. Does anyone know if Blogger allows a certain amount of images? And is it based per post post, or on the whole blog (most likely)?? Maybe I have to delete a few out of my archives. Then again, I have created an album of the evening so that you will find all photos with caption right here.
Last but not least, we still have leftovers in the freezer... Anyone hungry?
19 comments:
the most pics i could ever get on one post with blogger was four, but like you most of the time it won't let me upload any, i've seen your comments at bab's and xmichra's so i thought i would check out your site, i enjoyed it, have a good one.
Thanks for coming by, Chuck! I got more than four on one post, but I think Blogger's had enough of me and I have to start deleting picts on the older stuff. Pity though.
you guys have too much fun without me! And you never invite us... hehe just joking...
Your time with the guests sounded so much fun!
ET- Hehe. You'e always welcome. You know that! Where's you're spontaneousness gone? ;-)
OMG, I was hoping you'd ask. I'm famished. I'll start with the cake first though just out of adult stubborness and a sweet tooth calling my name.Sounds like a lovely time. You guys always have the best parties, I so wish I was there. Of course if I was, there's no doubt the police would be summoned. They find meevery where I go! Buggers! Kiss OX and OX kiss CS!! Orange get your hand outa there right now, we have company! tehe!!
No, No, No, CS--don't delete any of your pics. I was told awhile back that Blogger lets you publish as many photos as you (and I !!!) have. They may have a limit but so far (I was told) they haven't stopped anyone. You know how many I post, so I don't think that's the problem. Hopefully I'm right. That same person was also the one who told me to use the large size on the photos because Blogger has that much memory.
Anyway, I always feel I'm a fly on the wall after these posts because you descibe them so well. You and Orange-X are clearly and dearly loved!
Looks like it was a fun party. My wife and I were at a party last night where they hired a karaoke group. Needless to say many drunken songs were sung. Parties with friends are fun huh?
Babs - Two years ago we had the police here because we were too loud. (this is Switzerland, you know) And you're lucky: we still have cake... and lemper and risolles. :-)
Ginnie- Yeah, that's what I thought, too. But lately, no matter which format I use (big, small, centered, left ot right), Blogger just says "done" and then nothing happens. No picts! But don't worry; I won't delete any. If this keeps up, I'll just link the pictures to the picasa site :)
TMS- I'm glad WE didn't arrange for a karaoke! We would have surely had the police knocking at our door! Parties with friends are ALWAYS fun! :)
Dear CS and OX - The food was really great...but the company was even nicer!!! Thanks so much for a terrific evening. TBF and I couldn't believe how quickly the time went by when we saw how late it was when we left.
XOXOXO
Aaah the lovely Mrs. TBF, the pleasure was all ours! It's always so rewarding to host great people who appreciate food, love cooking and know how to entertain others themselves. We'll be doing another one by the end of August, but then my mom wil be the cook. CS and I will assist, but we promise, it will be a great dinner again. Once again many thanks to the both of you for the lovely presents you brought us! We enjoyed the preps and the evening with all of you!!
That's a lot of people to have over, and to take care of, and to make sure they're having a good time.
You two are such pro's! :)
Allo! Je ne viens pas souvent ici et je vais essayer de corriger cela. Je manque de temps. Cette semaine, je m'assoie et je lis tous tes posts. Promis.... :) J'ai vu la photo du pont Perreault... HI HI HI!
Rob- Thanks. I think it comes naturally and if you're well prepared, it usually goes well. If you have the right group together, they'll mix well and voilà: they mingle.
MP- Merci d'être passée. :-) Je sais que tu es très occupée. Et le pont Perreault, pris presque du même angle que ta photo.C'est pas bizarre de retrouver ce pont chez une bloggueuse en Suisse? ;-)
Sounds as though you all had an amazing time......Next time let me know and I'll hop on over : -)
You bet, Michael!
Yes, I have to agree with Rob, you guys are most certainly in the Pro Entertainment catagory!I'd love to attend one of your dinner parties, they sound cozy and informal but with an eclectic formal presentation, lovely!!
You'll be more than welcome, Babs!
I think you should be using that freezer to stay cool! What are you doing to escape the heat? dip in the rhein?
ET - No dip in the Rhine for me. My motto right now is Bikini, fans on full power and use the showers (indoors and out) as much as possible! :-)
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