Advent Day Eighteen

Hello Friends!

A classic television series from the late 1970s was called The Good Life.  It was good fun and hilarious viewing as Tom and Barbara Good gave up their affluent lifestyle to become self sufficient, much to the chagrin of their friends and neighbours Margot and Jerry Leadbetter.  It seems imbued in our comedy and television viewing history and yet there were only ever thirty episodes.

One of those episodes that sticks in my memory was when Margot Leadbetter, played by Penelope Keith, in a very upper middle class way declares that "Christmas comes in a box!" in as much as everything you need for Christmas from the tree and baubles to gifts to the Christmas feast comes delivered and you don't have to do a thing.  Well, this year, my Christmas lunch is coming in a box.  I no longer enjoy cooking and more often than not cannot be bothered to cook so I'm treating myself to Christmas dinner from COOK and hopefully tomorrow it will be delivered and ensconced in my freezer ready to just heat and eat on Christmas Day.  Long gone are the days when I would have a house full of company from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day!

Here's what's on order     

Roasted Vegetable Lasagne (Serves 4)
Roast Potatoes (Serves 4)
Portobello Mushroom Wellington (Serves 2)
Winter Vegetable Gravy (Serves 2)
Carrots with Orange & Thyme (Serves 2)
Shredded Brussels Sprouts & Buttered Leeks (Serves 2)
Maple & Thyme Roast Parsnips (Serves 2)
Nut Loaf (Serves 2)
Cranberry Sauce with Port & Orange (300g)

The lasagne is not for Christmas but it is most excellent so it's a treat.  It is the closest bought one that I have come across to match my own homemade lasagne which used to take two days to cook.  I will have four main meals between the Mushroom Wellington and Nut Roast with plenty of delicious vegetables.  A friend is getting me two sides from M&S, their Carrot and Swede Crush and Braised Red Cabbage.  I will be set to have a scrumptious Christmas dinner.  Yes, it is expensive but it is worth it and it's not as if it's an everyday occurrence.  My Christmas pudding and brandy cream are coming from Tesco.  

Now, if you want a good laugh, follow this link and watch the series of Fanny Craddock Cooks For Christmas and prepare to be shocked and incredulous at everything from the pink pussycat bow blouse with "soup strainer" sleeves to the bright green Brandy Butter Christmas tree.  It's required viewing every year for me!  Don't forget, it's all in The Booklet!  Does anyone still have a copy?

Until tomorrow . . .