Saturday, July 20, 2013

Picnic on a hot night


It was a warm day. It was a warm kitchen. I slipped the skins off the peaches after dipping them into the bubbling wine. Later I poached them in it. Then took them out while I reduced the white wine to a pink syrup with Thai basil leaves from the terrace.

The green tomatoes and onions and watercress were for a raw green soup, with a pile of purslane leaves, picked off the stems the night before

A chicken roasted in the oven, with preserved lemon and terrace thyme and parsley stuffed under its skin.


We debated staying indoors to eat, while we sipped the cold Champagne that our excellent friends had brought. The air was hot. But Deb and I reconnoitered the roof, which I had watered first, to cool it down. In case. We decided to stay. 

Photo: Deborah Stein, aka Bonbon Oiseau

I handed everything up from the terrace, Jim and Vince hoisting. The old maple syrup bucket filled with ice and prosecco was heavy. 



Men with coupes.


Happy picnic.

11 comments:

  1. Looks like a perfect night. Deb's photo of you is outstanding. It looks lush and happy, not hot!

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  2. Delightful and delicious! Going to try the peach poach - only ever used pears before. Perfect picnic : )

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    Replies
    1. The only 'trick' is to poach gently, and not too long, or they fall apart.

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    2. Copy that, copy that... : )

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  3. Making those exact peaches tonight to end a meal of Thai grilled chicken and sticky rice. Thanks for the inspiration...

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    Replies
    1. Hmmmm, Thai grilled chicken.

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    2. Small world! Here on the other side of the continent on the west coast of Canada we're having Thai grilled chicken followed by roasted peaches with goat cheese and honey. Don't you just love summer?!

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  4. That is one incredibly stylish picnic. A bouquet even! Also, peach/wine/basil syrup? Sounds amazing!

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  5. Gorgeous post Marie ... I love the way your writing makes me feel as if I'd been invited to dinner on your roof. I smell peaches and roast chicken and feel the hot humid evening cooled by the icy cold glass in my hand. Thank you for sharing it all ... a little early for peaches in my neck of the woods, but soon!

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