anatomy of a dinner party

"What are you doing this week?"
"I'm so busy, I don't really have time for anything. But I'm having people over on Wednesday, if you'd like to come...."

And so there were, oops, ten people coming for dinner.

I made bread (oat-and-sunflower-seed and ciabatta) from scratch, which was really rewarding. I enjoyed the length of it and also the way the dough and starter behaved just as they were supposed to.

Also carrot-and-coriander (cilantro) soup with parsnips in it for good measure. And olive tapenade and a salad.

And we had cheese and wine and I made a pear cake and a lemon cake and coconut macaroons.

(before)

(during)

Lots of bad puns, lots of interesting conversations. Very good company. Very comfortable. Very laughing. Many languages and many disciplines. An explanation of space-time! It was a nice night.

(after)

I want to make bread again soon.