By Michele
After three warm and fun months in the sun in Florida, we arrived home after three days on the road. We drove the last leg of the trip in torrential rain and quite frankly our nerves were shot by the time we pulled into the driveway of our home.
Out of the car, we were greeted with light rain, while the air was windy and brisk. Once inside, we noticed some sweets and treats on our kitchen counter. That was followed by the opening of the refrigerator to find it filled with a plethora of foods all provided by our dear friend, Luci Paul.
Through the years Luci has made us many welcome home dinners and this one was just as appreciated as all the others. This year, given the weather and how very weary we were from the drive home, to be greeted by food was the sustenance we both needed. Let’s face it, we were also a little depressed coming from the warmth of the sun into a dank and dreary night.
The menu Luci prepared was as follows:
Humboldt Fog Cheese
Met’s Best Tsaziki
Alfonso’s Best Bread
Crostini - Possibly Pastosa’s Best
Cream of Tomato/Tarragon Soup
Not Luci’s Best (but she tried)
Pork Loin Roast
With
Cream Sauce of Rosemary, Shallots & Mustard,
Quattro Formaggio Potatoes Gratin
Squash with Caramelized Onions and Orange
Salad of Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Dried Cranberries
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Alfonso’s Cherry Cheesecake Vanilla Ice Cream Nougat
We had no clue what Luci prepared for us (though she sent the menu on email which hadn’t been retrieved) but when I opened the refrigerator a beautiful orange colored soup caught my eye. Within an hour, it was being reheated to warm our bones and enjoyed with a slice of baguette. Luci thought it wasn’t her best soup, but we totally disagreed, as it was delicious. That was followed by slices of delicately seasoned pork, topped with a cream sauce, accompanied by the squash mixture and potatoes gratin. We consumed the meal rather quickly because we were ravenous. Of course, we left room for dessert. Luci’s selection of a cherry cheesecake hit the spot!
The day after our arrival home, we formally and thoroughly enjoyed the leftovers, and the goodies Luci gifted us. Our table was set, cocktails were made, and appetizers plated.
Thereafter, the remainder of the soup was warmed, the salad was prepared, and the entrée was reheated. Each course delivered varied taste and texture sensations. All were uniquely scrumptious. The meal also ended with another slice of cheesecake, with the addition of a dollop of ice cream, followed by a chunk of soft almond and lemon-flavored nougat. All in all, it was another meal to be remembered. Thank you, Luci!
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