Marc's pork burgers

A real treat for dinner last night...Marc minced some pieces of pork shoulder (in the food processor; we were given a traditional cast iron mincer as a wedding present but haven't yet mastered it) and mixed with a raw egg, minced garlic, chopped sage and seasoning; then shaped into burgers and left in the fridge to set for 15 minutes before grilling (with halloumi cheese on top).  Served in toasted buns with all the trimmings!  We had a coke on the side, for the full 'diner' effect.

Dinner for 25 at Susi's

Last night my friend Susi invited us for dinner...we thought there would be 6 or maybe 8 people there, but there must have been about 25!  This is more ambitious than I would ever be when offering dinner (rather than just nibbles), but Susi made it look easy.  After a buffet starter of a selection of a couple of salads and some delicious foccaccia (bought part-baked and finished off in the oven), she served fresh pasta (spaghettini) with seafood sauce: this looked like diced courgette, garlic and whole cherry tomatoes, all sweated down (maybe with a little white wine?), with lots of chopped, fresh basil, cream, and pre-cooked mixed seafood thrown in to warm through at the last minute.  Apparently it was a Gordon Ramsey recipe with a Susi-twist.  Pudding was ice cream, strawberries and meringues contributed by a friend, and there was also a selection of nicely room temperature cheese and biscuits, as well as plenty of wine brought by the guests.  The hostess with the mostess!