Done and Dusted!!

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 27 December 2005 12:08:11

Even though I am officially on holidays life has continued to be busy. In the Family of Chops Christmas over the years has caused many tears and fights. Even last year there was fights and one of my siblings was so upset by 10 in the morning she yelled at her sibling not me and swore she would never be a part of a Chops Family Christmas ever again. It is a little hard to make this sort of comment as everyone else is sitting at your home doing Chirstmas.

We have tried everything over the years. From going out to a RSL club to other Restaurants it always leads to frustration. We have squabbled over where it should and the menu. We have agreed to all cook a little bit and share the burden. There are so many arguments about what format and all sorts of things. Last years explosion was when my oldest sister decided to rock up to her little sisters place and heat up some spinach and fetta pastries. The younger sister saw this as a attempt to take over and to publicly say to all and sundry assembled that her efforts to provide for the family was not good enough. She also saw this as a attempt to heat up her home by using the oven. Gentle Reader it was ugly and tears flowed and feelings hurt.

Guess who had to plan this year and make sure it was a success. That's right Gentle Reader it was Chops turn. I think it would be easier to broker peace in the Middle East. In past turns of doing it I was doubted as being a single guy how could I organise food for 12 people. Did I mention I organise Youth Camps for large amounts of teenagers and I work in the event management industry. But the fears were always big and large as to my ability. I decided this year we would meet slightly later than usual. There would be no snacky stuff while opening presents and lunch would start around 12 and comprise the following: Chicken Quesadillas, Peking Duck Rice Paper Rolls, Steamed Pork Buns, Potato Salad, Cesar Salad, Ham, Turkey and some Tandoori Chicken. We charged a flat rate per head. I did a little bit of prep over the few days leading up to Chrissy so it was not too much load on one day. The Lovely One made the Peking Duck Rice Paper Rolls while I made the Mango sauce. All of the dessert stuff was made by a Catholic Church Parish that had a stand at our farmers Markets plus the Lovely One made her world famous trifle with out jelly. Very contorversial thing that trifle without jelly.

It all went very well. Most of the fam had not tried a lot of the food but decided to give it a go. We explained what was in it. They loved it. Some even thought it was a splendid idea and I should do the catering next year. I put the kybosh on the that very quickly. But it was worth it.

Till Next Time If You Need Some One For The Middle Eastern Peace Talks You Know Whom To Call,

Chops