Christmas comes but twice a year (or more if we feel inclined).
What's the one thing you really don't need when preparing Christmas Dinner? That's it;... a bloody power cut!
With gale force winds lashing S W France on Sunday (and yesterday) it was almost bound to happen. The electricity failed just after lunch.
Luckily we have our wonderful wood-fired cooker 'George', so at 3.30 pm I fired him up, and the day was saved.
George is more designed for casseroles than roasts as his temperature control is a bit hit-n-miss, but all was OK. I have a small wooden wedge to hold open the oven door when the temperature gets too high, and extra logs are thrown into his belly when it drops. The Turkey roasted perfectly.
We also had a pleasant St Emilion Grand Cru, some of Lady Magnon's wonderful home made Cranberry sauce, and one of Prince Charles's Plum Puddings. All very nice.
We ate by candle-light (even though the power did eventually return).
That all looks delicious.....and a good time was had by all!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was.
DeleteYummy dishes! You must had a wonderful time in cooking these dishes:)
ReplyDeleteI loved it.... other than the power cut.
DeleteHere's to George and Grumpys expertise in managing his kitchen. Congrats on a delicious meal when the cards are stacked against you
ReplyDeleteIt was all good nerve-wracking fun.
DeleteSounds like my mum's Rayburn. Temperature out of control and a wedge for the door. Everything always cooked beautifully but cakes were difficult. Christmas dinner looks superb on that plate and I spotted the cranberry sauce; Peter would love that.
ReplyDeleteI expect all wood fired cookers are much the same; hopeless for cakes (not that I make cakes).
DeleteIt looks perfect. Are you going to enjoy Boxing-Day-leftovers later?
ReplyDeleteWe did yesterday.... and now there's now't left but Turkey stock.
DeleteThe table looks lovely! I don't think the grandchildren minded dining with candlelight.
ReplyDeleteI think I can spot where you were seated at the table. :)
Greetings Maria x
Not only a gourmet, but a gourmand.
DeleteWonderful family occasion. You made some memories there
ReplyDeleteThey love it here and feel very much 'at home'.
DeleteI bet the boys thought it was all wonderful fun, especially eating by candlelight.
ReplyDeleteLady Magnon and I eat by candle-light every evening; we think it's wonderful fun too.
DeleteI love our wood burning stove, and would cook with it more if it wasn't so fickle about how it cooks!
ReplyDeleteThat looked a lovely dinner, .....all we had was a pot of two day old stew!
Yours looks very sophisticated compared to ours. I think ours should have been named 'DeVille Basic'.
DeleteThe table looks so beautiful and tasty.
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with Christmas Dinner.
DeleteCandle light and Christmas Dinner sounds just fabulous.
ReplyDeleteGreat fun; the boys loved it too.
DeleteI think you need a bigger table.
ReplyDeleteI like the colors. It looks very cosy and gemutlich.
It's a small house. I'd love a much bigger table, but no room.
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