So far it’s been a busy week at 2Gourmaniacs; two dinner parties in 48 hours, but ‘tis the season to share with good friends. Tuesday evening we had a dinner for six, and last night we were eight friends, no, make that seven because Larry couldn’t attend due to his having undergone an apparently overly sadistic dental procedure earlier that day.
Rosaria made hors d’œuvres which we served at the island in our kitchen after we shook off the winter chill by the fireplace, sipping wine and Pumpkin Ale made locally by Southampton Publick House. The smoked salmon and caviar canapés with crème fraîche were served over home-made toast points of pain de me and sprinkled with chopped chives. The hand rolled, bite size fresh Ahi tuna balls were pan sautéed in vegetable oil, topped with a squirt of wasabi mayo.
Robert made an amuse bouche of gently poached oysters placed over baked tapioca served on a ceramic spoon. It was fantastic. It was so good that he’ll get into this in greater detail in another post. On Tuesday, he also made soy-cured salmon as an appetizer, accompanied by a crème fraîche/cilantro sauce and diced Asian pear. Last night for a first dish we served Robert’s onion soup and garnished it with slices of Emmentaler cheese and home made bread croutons. And both nights we served Robert’s entrée of pan sautéed cod cakes over risotto and braised endive. The sauce was a fish stock reduction which also contained the pan deglazing that had white wine and a pat of butter added. 
Cod cake, risotto & braised endive
We’ve had a serious over-abundance of egg whites lately, so on Tuesday Robert made a sheet of chocolate flecked meringue kisses which we paired with our home made coffee cardamom ice cream. Because we’re in the midst of the holiday season, last night we served Panettone, a traditional Italian dessert bread. Actually the panettone was a warm up for next week since we’re having Christmas dinner here. Robert only makes panettone around this time of year, and he always likes to bake one or two before Christmas.
Larry's placesetting
The 3 R's
Our dear friends regaled us with many gifts last night – delicious wine, gourmet beer, and assorted Christmas goodies. However, most importantly, what they brought to us was fun, friendship, warmth, and laughter. A very Merry Christmas Ronnie & Vicki, Ron & Ginny, Marge and … Larry. Without a doubt, we missed Larry but he was a star in absentia at our table, and his place setting, as well as our imaginary conversations with him, assured his presence in spirit. And our spirits sure were high as the spirits kept flowing! Cheers and Salute! 
