This weekend we are going away with family for a mini-getaway down to the country side. Ever since we were children, our 4 families used to take the opportunity to go away on a big group holiday so that the adults could catch up and enjoy each others company and the kids could play together and wreak havoc!
With my Aunty visting from overseas, we thought it would be the perfect chance to all get together for a weekend of fun again. Circumstances have changed, families have moved overseas, children have grown up and gone interstate, and various partners have been added to the mix. Still, sixteen of us (plus my little elderly pup) will be heading down to inland Lorne for the weekend, and I cannot wait!
There is sure to be lots of fun, laughter, and copious amounts of food - these are the prerequisites every time we get together!
If there is one thing that my family is all about, it is definitely food!
We love nothing more than to sit around the table with those that we love and indulge in a fabulous meal, cooked with love. My childhood reminiscence is highlighted with memories of my grandmother's extravagant meals... the whole family crowding around a long dining table, overflowing and groaning under the weight of the delicious dishes which she had spent days in the kitchen preparing. Literally days! My grandfather would often spend his Wednesday mornings at the markets buying the ingredients that were neede, and my grandma would spend the next few days preparing for Friday night dinner.
On this more recent occasion, some of my family met up at my Aunt's house for a family catch up and to say goodbye to my cousin before she moved to Canberra. Of course where my family is concerned, at any catch up you can be sure there is a feast to be had!
Homemade tangy tomato salsa, a colourful roast vegetable & couscous salad, sweet corn on the cob, crispy potatoes, meaty mushrooms, and a beautiful (there's that Masterchef catch word again!) rare roast beef.
Can anyone say YUM?! This meal was perfection. But it didn't end there...
Of course there's dessert! A lovely fresh fruit platted for the more health conscious. And for the rest of us (and nobody could resist a piece!) a gorgeous baked ricotta cheesecake. My cousin made this, and served it up with double cream. It was SO good - really fluffy and light tasting. Not so light on the hips though, I'm sure!
I love catching up with my family. Not only for the food, although it is one very big bonus! But spending an evening surrounded by the people that you care about, and consuming mass amounts of tasty morsels! What could be better?
I can't wait for this weekend! :)
