Life has been a whirlwind lately. With Shawn’s opera, my shows, clowning and rehearsals, things have been very busy. That combined with being sick, has left us a little exhausted. This past Saturday our trio gathered with 90 singers, an orchestra made up of seasoned professionals and music students, absolutely engaging soloists, and two of the most talented and giving conductors that any group could ask for. We performed an abridged version of Handel’s Messiah specifically geared to children. The Sixth Annual Children’s Messiah was a resounding success. I have not heard the official count, but St. Mary Magdalene was packed with children, parents and friends. I must give props to Dan. When the little boy, right behind him, fell over with his chair and the other kids were laughing, Dan didn’t miss a beat… and subsequently neither did the orchestra. I have been blessed to be a part of this event for the last three years, but this year was special to me. Partly that the audience was full and very appreciative, but also because I was more comfortable… comfortable with the music, but more importantly comfortable with my co-conspirators in music. Singing with friends ROCKS!!!!
Even though we might have been low energy earlier, we are now pumped to get back into our Monday Night Dining groove. This week, we were honoured to host a meeting of the Pax Christi Chorale tour committee. So our trio gathered with Norman, Richard, Stephen, and special guest Jennifer. This was a working dinner, but the timing of our dinner took precedence. We started with a Tomato Bisque with Roasted Lobster. This soup is not quite smooth, due to all of the pureed vegetables, and has a hint of heat, from the cayenne. A flavourful start to the evening.
We were planning the main course for this Monday, but it was not connecting. We ran by the local LCBO, to pickup some Amaretto, for the dessert, when we came upon the last 2 bottles of a lovely rich Barolo, in the vintages section. Suddenly it all came together! For our main we served Duck Confit with a beautiful Barolo Risotto with Radicchio. The risotto was a dish, inspired by a dear friend (Alessandra) and featured in a wonderful meal in Worcester, but back home we could find radicchio, which adds a different texture to the dish.
I may be jaded, but that was a main course that could be served anywhere. Shawn outdid himself with that risotto… I’m just sayin’. And yes, we set the sauce on fire, just to keep it going on.
For dessert, we wanted something that epitomized the season, but would also be light and tasty. Shawn found a recipe for a lovely dessert, but finding the ingredients, was not easy…. So let’s make it from scratch! Dessert was a Chestnut Mousse with Almond Milk and Candied Chestnuts. We had to make the Chestnut puree, and candied chestnuts, but the final product was a light, sweet yet savory dessert, with a bit of whimsy.
Once dinner had settled, there was no option, but to sing Carols around the piano (because Steph gave us no option, and I’m so glad of that). Jennifer may be our choir manager, but who knew she was a virtuoso on the piano. Steph accompanied on violin and the men sang lusty carols. I truly enjoyed the company, the stories, the risotto and the singing. This advent has been tiring, but wonderful. In this season of expectation, anticipation and waiting, we are blessed and look forward to the magic of Christmas time. A time of gathering with family and friends. A time to share in life’s blessings, with those we care about most. In the words of Tiny Tim.. “God Bless us Everyone.”
