chez j

i now conclude that cookbooks are the perfect gift. assuming of course that the recipient of such cookbook is a kitchenmeister, there is the potential perk for the giver of being invited back to enjoy the excellently executed results of the said cookbook. whoever said that it is better to give than to receive is a real genius.

J’s a fantastic host, and a wonderful cook. I’m convinced his phd helps in the kitchen. an invitation from someone who bakes his own bread and cakes with consistent regularity of a home cooked thai dinner was anticipated with much glee. J made for us a delicious beef massaman curry and grilled pork skewers. J had learnt how to make gaeng masaman from missionaries while he was out in Thailand and it was a lovely concoction of coconut milk, roasted peanuts, beef chunks, potatoes, bay leafs, cardamom pods and an explosion of other spices and flavours. m had most generously brought chocolate éclairs and a passionfruit custard tart for pudding.

it was a fantastic meal, not just because of the brilliantly comforting home cooked fare, but the easy company and engaging conversations. I was treated to amongst other things, a most inspiring book review of Pierced for Our Transgressions, an explanation of the mechanism of pull-down beds, discussions involving denby heirlooms inherited from grandparents, vicars appearing in episodes of “Cash in the Attic” and the orange-ness of David Dickinson. it was a fantastic time, sharing fellowship amongst a family I’ve been adopted into.

who should I buy a cookbook for next I wonder.