To bring in the month and the official start of my holiday season I hosted my first dinner party Last night. I live in a small place so only had three friends over, but it was fun.

I had the fireplace going, lit the place with candles, had my usual Christmas decorations up (including about 20 birds, which began a string of jokes mostly at my expense), and had Christmas music piping in the background, including a CD that I made with a choir back in 1992)

I began the meal with a cream of broccoli soup. (I thought I had made too little, but it was perfect for four).

I then brought out the main course, which included pork tenderloin stuffed with apples, pancetta, pecans and a few raisons, carrots glazed with my own maple butter, green beans garnished with toasted almonds/butter and light/fluffy mashed potatoes. I also made red wine gravy for the pork.

For dessert, I let our local baker help me out by providing a light and fluffy dark chocolate mousse cake.

I’m a real ‘fine pottery’ nut and last week went to a huge craft show, entitled One of a Kind, [for Koos' benefit - the name of the location] and bought a number of Christmas gifts for others (not yours Dale) and myself - including wine goblets and casserole dishes. Last night I was able to showcase my new pieces with the meal (yeah).

At this time of the season I really get an entertaining bug and love having friends over for fun and a bite to eat. Sometimes dining at home can be way more fun than having a meal out. [sigh] Think this is one of the things I miss about having a man in my life, because I love to make fancy meals. Guess this year it’ll be friends who benefit from this crazy passion.

Hope you all have a great December of 2006!