I bought a table and chairs so I can finally start having dinner parties, and I’m even keeping a diary on them recording who came, what we ate, and any highlights.  So far, I’ve had three, and both times I have used them as an opportunity to try new recipes, which of course every entertaining book on the planet warns us not to do.  Judging by how my weird meringue thing with dates and chocolate turned out at one party (delicious, but ugly), there’s a good argument for why it’s not done. But, I can’t help myself.  (I think this may be turning into a book, by the way, so stay tuned.)

Meanwhile, I cleaned out my closet. I was merciless, too, you wouldn’t believe how much I threw out.  Then of course, it needed replenishing.  Mostly I bought dresses, because that’s what I like to wear, but I also bought (get ready) jeans!  Whenever I wear them, people stare incredulously and squawk “I have NEVER seen you in jeans!”, which they haven’t, as I haven’t owned any in well over a decade.  Big deal, you may say, but I think seemingly insignificant moves like this in life must be a sign of something deeper at work, no?  Just like when people suddenly get transformative haircuts…    I just got one of those too, actually, (not pictured here), so who knows what’s in the wind.

Off to California to visit my long-time mentor in all things food, Anne Willan.  I’ll tell you all about it when I get back, but in the meantime, why don’t you try out the Chocolate Date Cake and tell me what you think?

A bientôt,