It Was Nothing!

Years ago in Ireland, we were house guests of unknown 'friends of family' for two nights.  It was an exquisite experience due to our host Sarah's impeccable finesse in making one feel royal in a special 'make yourself at home' combination of grace and attention to detail.

I was in awe.  Dinner party for twelve in our honor? And there is Sarah, 6pm, feet up, perusing the newspaper...the epitome of calm and happiness.  And Prepared.  Later, sitting at her hearth table she produced platters--first a whole chilled trout surrounded by a lacy collar of cucumber and herbs and then from her toasty Aga ---a combination of roasted lamb and vegetables that I secretly wished would come around 'just once more' repeatedly.

A little back story...We first met in our host's driveway as we unfolded ourselves from a rented Nissan 'Micra', weary and a little nervy at the end of a chipper-filled road trip across Ireland. Sarah and husband Raymond greeted us and led us to their endless kitchen table adorned with a tapestry of home-made pates, breads, preserves, cheeses and desserts.  Two nights seemed hardly enough.

Sarah and I shared comfortable chats.  Towards the end of our visit I asked about her passions and her answer changed my life.  She stated simply, "I like to feed people".  I used to say ' I love the creative process' (from concept, to 'aha' moments to nth degree implementation), I now say 'I love the creative process and I love to feed people'.  And I especially enjoy melding these passions while hosting guests in our home. And cooking for them. While hopefully experiencing that 'Sarah-kind-of ease'.

Another dear friend Holly, who left our world way too soon, was noted beautifully in her obituary as..."Holly was known for her dinner parties'.   Although she and I were geographically mismatched and did not grace each others' tables , I now imagine Holly, eyes twinkling, bright smile, surrounded by warmth, light, love and tasty creations. A dinner party heaven.

This week we hosted a welcome dinner for new friends choosing to move from the UK to Beloit.  As I was
in 'multiple lists' mode I thought of my Mother whose love for home entertaining I absorbed through osmosis, and Sarah and Holly and my cadre of friends who get the 'it' of  the work involved to make it all seem effortless ...this one is for you.  Welcome to our table.

                                                      'Welcome to Beloit' Dinner
                                                       Platter Dinner for Twelve
                                                             Chez Goodwin

                For any foodies interested in details----

                                                       The Menu
                               
             Vidalia Onion Baby Swiss Bake with Crackers (ala Ruth French)
              Fresh Medly Miniature Sweet Tomatoes with Carrots and Dip
              Steamed Artichokes with Mama Russo's Cooked Chunky Vinaigrette
              Grilled Pork Tenderloin/Port Currant Sauce
              Orzo with roasted peppers, onions, fresh moz, basil and Parmesan
              Roasted Butternut Squash with Roasted Sweet Corn
              Fresh Wilted Spinach
              French-cut Aparagus
              Coconut Cream Pie
               Assorted cookies