In Celebration of the Irish . . .

In honour of Ireland winning against Australia, we chose Irish Stew as part of our main course.  Lamb shoulder chops, carrot, parsnip, celery, Portabello mushrooms, tin spicy tomatoes, two types of onions from the garden - complete casserole twice cooked, long and slow.  Accompanied with Terry's beautifully smooth mashed Irish potatoes (beaten as strongly as the Australians were beaten in their game last night).   Also green runner beans from Terry's garden and Savoy Spiced Cabbage, steamed.  Followed by a game of crib - won by the morning people (Robert and Janice) [Tubby Shaw].

Jennifer escorted a beautiful gluten free version of an old comfort food - fruit crumble - to the table.  Made with 'big as' organic blueberries and a smaller portion of mixed frozen berries, topped with crushed (just like the Irish did to the Australian) pecan nuts, nob of butter and a smidgeons of brown sugar.   We were so overwhelmed by the beauty of the dish, we forgot to take the photograph before we went straight to divvy-ing up the dessert!  Photo is of the leftover pudding only.  Second game of crib about to start... aaaaand was won by the morning people again!

Roast Lamb and Lemon Meringue

Carrot sticks, celery sticks, homemade hummus and bought guacamole

For tonight's meal the theme was the sixties (decided upon after the event (T)). The first course of carrot and celery sticks and dip (which was nothing like the sixties (R)) were consumed during the first game of crib - which was NARROWLY won by T & Jen.

Roast leg of lamb, beans from the garden and frozen, fresh cabbage with butter and roast potatoes, yams, parsnips, kumara with lots of rosemary, olive oil and salt - and of course, gravy made from the drippings with chick pea flour

Jennifer loved the roast vegetables, they were crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, tasty and plenty of them.  Terry loved the beans because he grew them and he loves beans. Robert liked the rosemary because he has a fascination with Rosemary. Janice was happy the meal turned out just as she had hoped - the gravy didn't burn, the roast was cooked at the same time as the vegetables and not too dry. 

A break between courses for a game of crib

Another win to T & Jen - R and Jan want to point out that they won two games LAST week AND on Saturday morning....

Lemon Meringue pie with butter & pecan nut crust.

Last course was a fabulous adaptation of an old 60s favourite. Jen took the Lemon Meringue pie to gluten free heights with a crust made of crushed pecans and butter, lemon custard thickened with brown rice flour and a lovely soft meringue. We all ate far too much of this.

All leftovers are divided equally giving an easy dinner for all four on Monday night. A great bonus to our lovely end to the week.