A warm summer evening in the garden

It was my intention to give this post the title 'A night under the stars', but while writing it down I realised it sounded a bit suggestive for a dinner party in the garden. Although the party ended with a pitch dark sky and stars illuminating our dining table.
Therefore a title which is perhaps a bit boring, but nevertheless more appropriate for the occasion.

When having a dinner party in an allotment garden, it is essential to keep ones head clear. Which is difficult on a warm summer day. Especially when you have been in the kitchen for some time grilling the vegetables, while the cherry tomatoes are roasting in the oven.

When filling up my baskets at home, I always check twice before I leave. Just to be sure. Yesterday being the exception. While I was half way to the garden, I realised I had forgotten the merquez sausages and lamb cutlets. I had to turn round and head back home again. That's not all. While I started on my dessert in the outdoor kitchen, the strawberries seemed to be missing. A summer Pavlova without strawberries is like missing the icing on the cake. Thanks to one of my daughters, who cycled to the garden to bring the strawberries, our dessert turned out fine. I did not even have to bribe her!

When you are interested in the recipe for the char grilled vegetables or the quinoa, avacado & broad bean salad, check out the cookery books by Yottam Ottolenghi.

You can find the recipe for the Pavlova in the little cookbook 101 tempting desserts.

Wish you all a wonderful weekend! We are off to the beach tomorrow for a cooling dip.

LOVE,

Madelief x