Sorry no pics of the feast, I was too busy preparing and serving to think of snapping some shots! But I will offer a few handy dandy tips to those of you who may want to (and have never before) stuff a roast. Tip #1) Don't over stuff it! Tip #2) Don't tie the roast too tight! If you do either or both - as I did - you will find that your stuffing will ooze out and you will be left with a stuffless roast :( and stuffing as a side dish instead. All tasted good, but lessons learned for next time!
My aunt and uncle also joined us for dinner and upon their arrival we quickly uncorked some vino and made a few toasts! Prior to serving the main course, I served some warm Ricotta Gnudi - deliciously cheesy and sprinkled with parmesan cheese... to die for! And despite my over-stuffing and constricting of the roast, everyone devoured their meal in fine form. Dinner was followed by coffee and birthday cake... and everyone crashing on my sofas afterward!
Turning onto that 40-something road, I've come to truly appreciate how lucky I am to still have parents in my life. Each day we get to experience, is a gift... and so my point is to cherish time with loved ones while you can and however you can. Life is short as we all know - but that's what makes celebrating and spending time with those you care about most even more compelling.
4 down, 96 to go!
Here's dad, with Daisy the dog, waiting for mom to finish singing before making a wish and blowing out his candles!
Happy Birthday Dad!
