Catching up. And the dreaded flash.
There's still more than a week to go before this gal ties the knot. In the meantime, I did celebrate a birthday with more candles on the cake than I care to mention. I was certain that G snuck a few extra in there just to freak me out --I think it was awfully close to being a fire hazard.
With the guests we've had recently I've been cooking up a storm but because it gets completely dark out by oh, about 4:30pm, I am not at all motivated to take pictures. And when I do, I'm forced to use the dreaded flash and things end up looking something like this:
With the guests we've had recently I've been cooking up a storm but because it gets completely dark out by oh, about 4:30pm, I am not at all motivated to take pictures. And when I do, I'm forced to use the dreaded flash and things end up looking something like this:
As appetizing as a cookbook from the '70s..
The flash makes everything look super greasy and even though this was some of the FINEST roast pork I have ever made, I wouldn't blame you if these pictures didn't tempt you in the least.
And there have been all sorts of things I didn't even have time to take pictures of. There were some balsamic roasted cherry tomatoes just tossed with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar and roasted in the oven. They looked really cute served up still attached to the vine.
And then there was this deliciously easy sausage bake: pork sausages, sweet potato chunks, preserved lemons, and garlic tossed with a mix of olive oil, honey and water. Add some fresh rosemary and just stuff the whole thing in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. It's kind of perfect when your parents come to visit and you practically wear the soles out of your shoes for all the walking they want to do and you're too tired to do anything when you get back but throw a bunch of stuff in a pan and sit down and have a drink (or two) while it cooks. People, I've come to realize that if I want those elusive buns of steel, I just have to invite my parents over for a few days.
It feels naughty to tell you about all this cooking I've been doing without giving you the full details, but people! I'm getting married soon! Even having a birthday in the middle of all this was just a bit more excitement than I could handle.
Anyway, if there's anyone still out there, let me just say this in my best Joey Tribbiani voice:
How YOU doin'?
Because over here? yeah, things are just a bit nutbar.
And there have been all sorts of things I didn't even have time to take pictures of. There were some balsamic roasted cherry tomatoes just tossed with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar and roasted in the oven. They looked really cute served up still attached to the vine.
And then there was this deliciously easy sausage bake: pork sausages, sweet potato chunks, preserved lemons, and garlic tossed with a mix of olive oil, honey and water. Add some fresh rosemary and just stuff the whole thing in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. It's kind of perfect when your parents come to visit and you practically wear the soles out of your shoes for all the walking they want to do and you're too tired to do anything when you get back but throw a bunch of stuff in a pan and sit down and have a drink (or two) while it cooks. People, I've come to realize that if I want those elusive buns of steel, I just have to invite my parents over for a few days.
It feels naughty to tell you about all this cooking I've been doing without giving you the full details, but people! I'm getting married soon! Even having a birthday in the middle of all this was just a bit more excitement than I could handle.
Anyway, if there's anyone still out there, let me just say this in my best Joey Tribbiani voice:
How YOU doin'?
Because over here? yeah, things are just a bit nutbar.
Labels: london
posted by Michèle at 6:46 AM
15 Comments:
The very best for your wedding. I got married in February this year and the day flashed by in such a whirr!
But the best days will come after your wedding day - marriage is wonderful!!!
Very best, a lurker.
Ooooh Michele, I know you're about to get married and all, but where's the RECIPES girlfriend? You can't leave me hanging like that. Hrmph.
p.s. If you ask me, that flash makes the meat look awfully glistening and succulent!
Oh, my dear, I 've been thinking about you and the impending festivities--though I had no idea of the birthday--congrats! I hope you enjoy every moment of the whole nutbar experience:-)
Still here! Weddings are crazy. Enjoy the ride.
Hey, happy belated birthday! Missed your postings, glad you were able to come up for air. Good luck and congratulations on the upcoming wedding! No doubt you will be sure to post recipes, etc. from some exotic honeymoon location ; ) (right...)
About the dreaded flash... I don't know what sort of camera you are using, but if it's just a pocket digital you can always try putting a piece of "magic" tape over the flash (the kind that seems like it would be used over the lens to get a sort of Doris Day soft focus effect... no doubt your wedding photographer carries a roll for those special pics...of course I'm kidding...) anyway, you could try sticking a little piece over the flash to soften the light. Of course there is something nostalgic about the 70's style images, Betty Crocker Cookbookish.
Congratulations, and the best to you over the next crazy weeks!
Well, belated Happy Birthday and a pre-Congrats! Sounds like you are one busy lady.
This post was wonderful though...pictures or none...
Planethalder, thank you for the sweet words. It's always nice to hear someone give a glowing review of marriage. And I'm happy you delurked ;)
Melissa, hrmph nothing--you who has direct access to my cell phone! And hey, didn't I email you about how great that pork was before I even posted about it? That is how much I love you, girlfriend.
Tea, well because we are keeping it a small affair I am enjoying it much more than I would have otherwise. Although I have to admit we are both still kind of looking forward to getting back to our normal lives.
Kevin, thanks! 7 more days of the ride to go. I'm holding on ;)
Brenda, I agree there is something nostalgic about those 70s styles images. As for the camera, I have a pretty good one I just prefer to take pics in daytime using natural light, I find the flash really changes the colour but I feel forced to use it at night otherwise my pics are too blurry. But I'll try your suggestion next time!
Rachael, double thanks to you! These are definitely crazy times. Only one week to go though. Phew!
Happy Belated Birthday! Hope all goes smoothly for the big day too :) Cheers!
My goodness, how time flies darlin! I cannot believe it is only a week and you and your handsome G will be exchanging vows and signing on for a wonderful life together. Here I am, getting all sniffly at the thought! Much love to you both, and here's to years of wonderful meals shared with that dreamy man of yours.
I found your blog during your absence...I've been having fun with the archives. Best wishes with your wedding! You have a great blog, maybe when things calm down a little you'll return...I'll be looking forward to it.
Naa....How YOU doin'?
Happy birthday again!
Happy birthday Michele - and congrats on the upcoming wedding! I'll be in Belgium next weekend and will make sure to raise my glass of brown Leffe (or two) to you.
Your roast looks delicious - my last food pics look like they went through some nuclear disaster!
You'sa getting married? AND had a birthday? And exquisite pork?! LUCKY woman! Congrats on all of them! And I'm with you - definitely not a great combination, that of darkness at half past three and food blogging. (and I just can't bring myself to blog only about cake and bread that I can take pictures of the next day...;-))
Hi Michele!!
Happy birthday!! I have also been going crazy, tempered by lots of cooking and slightly obsessive knitting. Hope the wedding plans aren't driving you too nutbar, it will be worth it in the end!
hope to hear from you soon, we have a Borough market date to schedule.
Arianna x
Hey, happy birthday too in the middle of all of this - can't wait to hear about the OTHER festivities (and those recipes...). All in due time though, of course. Thinking of you!!! xoxoxox
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