And from the Languedoc....a quick word


His Lordship is in the kitchen frying up mushrooms, chicken livers and bread soaked in duck fat. I've got my eye on a cold slice of turkey on a large chunk of hot toast followed perhaps by a small spoonful of Christmas pudding and crème anglaise, actually make that a large spoonful I've got rather a lot to do this afternoon and they do say that housework burns off the calories although I'm dubious.

We've had three days now of non-stop sunshine. Christmas Day was the prettiest though with a liberal dusting of frost and a piercing blue sky overhead. I'd kept the log fire burning but it really wasn't necessary. Bubbly was taken on the terrace and I gleefully took lots of pictures of the Christmas feast with the windows flung wide open to send to the Golden Oldies in Blighty although they seem to have disappeared into the computer.

The house is having a thorough airing for the New Years party that's going to take place. The beds are all made and pillows plumped, new ivy twined around the fireplaces and a fresh supply of chopped logs piled high. Yesterday I cut a magnificent bunch of mistletoe and winter greenery for the entrance hall.

I've just discussed the New Years Eve menu with the client. Five courses consisting of Fois Gras, Fruits de Mer, Roast Guinea Fowl, a selection of Cheeses, Chocolate Pots, gooey Meringues. I've had to sit down to take a breather, I feel ready for a doze just discussing it.

His Lordship is listening avidly. Turns out the client is in Madrid. I just knew what was going to come.

'Ask him to bring a bottle of Spanish sherry' he hisses.

He does this to me every time, his one saving grace being that he is a devil in the kitchen too !!

Comments

Pondside said…
Nice to have a man that cooks in the kitchen too.
Please send leftovers from the New Year's party - express post ought to do it.
Oh yes ...doggy bag this way too please. Bubbly on the terrace ....sigh...looking out of the window at slate grey sky and wind bending the trees nearly double ...not much bubbly on this terrace .....
hope all goes well for the NY party
muddyboots said…
what a relief he cooks too, here that cheese sauce went lumpy & the flour was not cooked out either..............doh!
Casdok said…
Doggy bag here to please!!
KittyB said…
It's all so relentlessly chic, can't wait to visit - maybe this year...
I tried fois gras for the first time on Christmas Eve, SIL's French boyf cooked us a heavenly meal. Lovely taste, odd texture. But the Vacherin Mont D'or afterwards was to die for!
elizabethm said…
Hmm, the new year menu sounds totally fabulous (although already feel I am waddling rather from Christmas, what the hell, there is always january for the diet). lovely pictures too.
Frances said…
All the menu sounds quite delicious. And also like the sound of the kitchen helper!

Happy New Year to you Sally. Continued success from all that you do. You are quite inspiring.

xo
LittleBrownDog said…
Sounds like perfect Christmas weather, Sally. Wish I was coming for your New Year's supper - we've got a village pot luck party - lots of limp quiches and dubious turkey leftovers, I suspect.

(Hope to be in touch with some news about You Know What soonish.)

LBD x
Un Peu Loufoque said…
Do you hir his lordship out dear? All sounds terribly enticing as ever!
Grouse said…
Where else is he a Devil, then Sally? Do, do tell.........

The food sounds divine, as always....if it wasnt for all that pillow-plumping, polishing and gleaming you would be the size of a house, I'm sure........
CAMILLA said…
The food sounds divine Sally, and how lovely to have a chef cooking in the kitchen.


Happy New Year to you and your family Sally, and continual success with the Chateau.

Love and Best Wishes,
Camilla.xx
CresceNet said…
Gostei muito desse post e seu blog é muito interessante, vou passar por aqui sempre =) Depois dá uma passada lá no meu site, que é sobre o CresceNet, espero que goste. O endereço dele é http://www.provedorcrescenet.com . Um abraço.
Wooly Works said…
Just popped in to see how things are faring with you. I love your blog. I'm sure that the pounds just melt off of you with all the energy you have. I envy your motivation and attitude--an energizer bunny you are.
Mary said…
Hi Happy new year

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