Once I’d wrestled the Saga of the Gibson Girl Plates to a close, I began planning the menu at which they would have their debut.

We started with Cucumber Rounds with Hummus and Yoghurt and Wild Mushroom Toasts, both recipes from Fine Cooking.  I confess to buying the hummus rather than making it as prescribed in the recipe. Mea culpa…We then had Fennel Slaw with Grapefruit, Cracked Pepper and Pistachios. That one I pretty much followed to the letter.

#14 “The day after arriving at her journey’s end”

Our main course was Duck Legs Braised in Red Wine and Dried Fruit with mashed potatoes, and green beans.

We finished up with the very rich and decadent Better-Than-Crack Brownie Parfaits for dessert. I have actually never heard guests moan while consuming their desserts before, so that was interesting and quite gratifying!

It was a wonderful dinner party with very good friends and a lot of laughter. The best kind!