Actually the upstairs of my house is pretty untidy after the sleepover on Saturday night. How can 9 and 10 year old girls manage to disrupt so many rooms in such a short space of time?
Whilst they were doing their disrupting I was playing host. I mentioned that it was 10 for dinner on Saturday night- well that changed to 12. What's another 2? Well...finding 10 of everything to sort of match was a bit of a challenge and when it became 12 I gave up trying and was just happy that I could find enough plates!
Luckily Saturday was a glorious evening and just perfect weather for dining outdoors. Got to love the Queensland climate and of course candles and dimmed lighting is very forgiving...!
As it was a relaxed get together we mingled and shared guacamole with breads and corn chips to start. Then the bbq was fired up, the various salads came out of the fridge and we sat and ate and drank and chatted until the early hours.
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| luckily there were no vegetarians! |
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| little chocolate desserts |
These little chocolate desserts went down well and they're great as an extra at the end of a meal. They are extremely rich hence the serves in liqueur glasses.
The following quantities was enough for 13 shot/liqueur glasses.
285ml single cream
200g chocolate (70%)
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons of brandy
20g butter
Heat the cream until nearly boiling
Remove and set aside for 1 minute before snapping in the chocolate
Stir until melted and smooth
One melted. beat in egg yolks and brandy and stir until smooth
Allow to cool slightly before stirring in butter.
Pour into individual pots/glasses.
I used Cointreau as there was no brandy in the house and added a small piece of orange to the top.
I think the recipe is Jamie Oliver's. I have a book where I scribble my favourites and then forget where they came from so I can't be 100% sure.
So I managed a relatively quiet Sunday and whilst Sibs went to a swimming party I escaped for an hour or so with a book to a favourite spot.
This is the window after the big garden tidy up a couple of weeks ago.
The palm trees outside were all chopped back to let the light in.
This is the before shot.
Oh well, maybe I should tackle some of the tidy ups...
Oh Beth, it looks like you've really been having a fabulous time lately. I love that fabulous new view - it's amazing how much light can improve your mood, isn't it? J x
ReplyDeleteAnything with the words "easy, quick and chocolate" has got to be a winner! Looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteWe are just about to get in to BBQ season here, and while it will never be Brisbane-like, I can't wait!
And your reading spot is perfect, those palm trees get so huge so quickly don't they!?
Looks like a fantastic night! That chocolate dessert looks scrumptious! Hope you got a good rest on Sunday! Happy week! X
ReplyDeleteWhat a hectic weekend Beth,sounded fun though. We have had beautiful weather so gardening was top priority. Adam and Kelly and the boys came yesterday afternoon, had a picnic in the garden. Josh wanted to see the chicks!! Dont know if you saw the pictures, sooooo cute, Going to try Ducks next, The summerhouse is next to be refurbed, so will keep you posted!! Hope your week is a little quieter, Love Wendy, Your plants look amazing xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThat is a huge difference into the light entering that room now, just lovely.
ReplyDeleteI can attest to girls leaving their mark on every room, Tegan has had a few sleep overs and they were always messier and noisier than the boys ones.
Love the look of that dessert :)
xx
I hate to fawn, but I LOVE your house. Make sure to take some (more) time to unwind after such a busy weekend entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThe chocolate dessert sounds like my kind of dessert Beth..yum.
ReplyDeleteYour party setting on the verandah looks so inviting and I laughed at your reaction regarding mismatched crockery. One just has to go with the flow!
xx
It has made such a difference to your window cutting down those trees, they were so close weren't they! I hope you will get the girls to help tidy up, after all, you all had a lovely time but sharing is what it is all about.
ReplyDeleteHi greeat reading your post
ReplyDelete