The tea trolley was all ready last Friday when I had two of my Lithuanian friends for a Scottish lunch.
Many times my friends have made delicious, authentic, Lithuanian recipes for me and so it was my turn to share some of my cultural heritage with them. Not only that, each of us had been on an epic journey this summer (Rita to visit Lithuania for her very first time and meet her relatives; Alex to take her children to Lithuania for the very first time; and of course myself to take our children back to their land of birth or heritage). We had so many memories, photos, and special moments to share.
To begin we had Carrot and Coriander Soup, a definite favorite in Scotland, along with toast. The soup is SO easy to make and quite nice for this time of year.
Soup was followed by the main course which was my own version of Steak and Mushroom Pie. This was served with roasted potatoes, mashed rutabaga (known in Scotland as "neeps" or "Swede"), and green beans. Comfort food at its best!
For dessert we had the very popular meringue, with whipped cream and raspberries.
To be very proper, dessert is enjoyed before the cups of tea come out. The tea is then served afterward with something dry and biscuity since it is "too wet" to take on its own. We had some shortbread.
And everyone went home with a box of "heather tea".
We did have the most delightful time even though we didn't even get through half the reporting of our various trips. Perhaps that will take more such visits!
6 comments:
how very lovely! And good food! It is such a gift to be able to make a meal also a thing of beauty!
Looks delish! Love the dishes! Are they new? Did you get them in Scotland? Just curious - when you do this type of thing, do your children eat the same thing in a different place so you can have your visit?
My dishes were "new" two years ago -- "Friendly Village" and they were someone's wedding dishes about 40 or 50 years ago. I love them -- not planning to decorate my hutch with them this year so they are easy to grab and use for the holidays, although I think I only have 8 place settings which doesn't go far enough. Yes, my kids were "banished to the upstairs" for this visit and I sent them up with paper plates and a very simple lunch. It does take some work to do this and the kids did have to do school on their own for the most part this day but once in awhile it is fun.
That looks like a most delicious and enjoyable meal. I never realised that "neeps" were rutabaga!
http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2013/10/30/tea-with-jane.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage
Thought of you when I saw this tea cozy!
Heather Tea. I'd love to try that!
Post a Comment