Staying on my internal Grinch theme, I thought I would share with you the occasion of my Christmas meal for my family and friends. There's a bit of a story to tell so I'll start from the beginning... I toiled and tussled with a gamut of courses and a wonderful feast was served. Once we'd all demolished starters - spicy cauliflower soup with chilli flakes ("so yummy" as a good friend would describe it), Vietnamese summer rolls (thought I'd make use of the skills I learnt on a recent holiday) and vegan quorn puffs (for my vegan brother) - tucked away the main courses - a ballotine of turkey (wrapped in pancetta and stuffed with homemade mushroom pate (have to do something with it as turkey can be so dry otherwise don't you think?)), slow cooked gammon dotted with cloves, baked salmon, roast duck (a perennial favourite in my household), onion tarte tartine (again, for the brother), all served with the accompanying shredded brussel sprouts with red onion, honey glazed carrots, maple glazed parsnips, crispy roasted potatoes (without the obligatory duck or goose fat unfortunately), pigs in blankets, cranberry and apricot stuffing balls, bread sauce and gravy - filled our little dessert tumies - vegan shortbread (now that was a challenge I can tell you) topped with coconut cream and fresh strawberries, Baileys cheesecake (hee hee, none for the vegan brother) and crispy focaccia smothered with baked peach slices and maple syrup - all washed down with copious bottles of fizz, Kir peche, rum and coke and southern comfort and lemonade (for those that still seemed to be thirsty), we were ready for the after dinner party games.... and this is where it got interesting...