Katharine C: untying the apron strings

 Photo credits:  Jane

We had our final Cook&Eat gathering on a fine summer's afternoon/evening at Leslie and Michel's.  We prepped the food in the afternoon, and were joined by our families for aperos and dinner in the vineyard.  A delightful way to spend a summer evening. 

Jane, Katharine, Viv, Anne, and (seated) Leslie and Caroline

Leslie on mint duty

 The menu that Caroline had planned for us was:

Aperos:  Pesto and pine nut savoury cake
Dinner:  Warm goat cheese salad with fried garlic and almonds
               Grilled spice-rubbed salmon
               Oven-baked cherry tomatoes
               Grilled baby aubergine with pinenuts, rains and mint

and for Dessert:  strawberry and mango terrine with strawberry coulis

Viv sets the table in the vineyard as the sun begins its descent

clockwise:  Leslie, Michel, Alain, Phil, Viv, Katharine, Melissa, Anne, Caroline.  (Michel and Jane not pictured)

Michel and Alain

Delicious dessert - strawberry and mango terrine

Leslie and Caroline

A big thank you to Caroline for leading the Cook&Eat group for more than seven years of fun and learning in the kitchen.  It was a major undertaking every month - planning the meal, doing the shopping (schlepping all those heavy vegetables home from Les Arceaux), and hosting us almost every time in her home.  And thank you to Caroline's family who were displaced from their kitchen every month.  (Matthew wandered in looking for some breakfast one time we were there, and was shoo'd out.  Sorry Matthew!).  Thank you Michel, Melissa, Alexi and Melissa. 

The sun has set on Cook&Eat.  Many happy times, many happy memories - and the weather never once let us down. 

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Jane writes: 
I concur with everyone!  Caroline - you have been and are a star!  I have loved attending Cook & Eat.  C&E provided the perfect combination for me:  I went away having learnt something about cooking; I loved the chat and banter; and then a delicious lunch.  You always worked so hard and gave up a lot of your time.  I can assure you that it was very VERY much appreciated.  And Leslie (and Michel) - thank you very much for your kind hospitality.  I am sure we didn't pay for the wine, so much appreciation for providing that.  It was just heavenly sitting amongst the vines - it's moments like those that confirm why I am here! Best to you all, Jane