Alfresco tables

We seem to be on a mad roller coaster of weather at the moment. No two days the same, as it switches from balmy early summer-like sunshine to snow showers with a distinctly January feel to them. Today is a prime example, I have curtains slightly pulled to keep the sun off the screen as I type, but every so often the sky darkens and there are flakes again.

To be honest it’s probably no worse, or better than we should be expecting at this time of year. It’s just that we can now meet friends and family outside, all be it in restricted number, and next week sees the resumption of alfresco service for coffeeshops, pubs and restaurants. This slow lifting of restrictions is turning us into a nation of amateur meteorologists, all keenly watching the weather forecasts and planning where the best outside shelter is for our next cup of coffee.

Our first foray into this new post lockdown world happened last Friday when my partner’s son and girlfriend came to pick up stuff for the new flat they’ve just moved into. It may have been a fleeting visit, but there was a real buzz to planning, cooking and sharing food with other people. One of those things we used to take for granted, now felt quite special. Of course, it was cold, damn cold, sat around a table in the garden when all logic said we should be inside. We even lit the barbecue, not to cook with, just to generate some warmth. But despite the adverse conditions, the fact we were with people we hadn’t seen in months, hearing their news and excitement about the new home made it feel worthwhile.

Inevitably there was more food than we could eat on the day. A piece of beef had been roasted, bread rolls filled with olives, feta and harissa had been baked and salads made. For those with a sweet tooth, there was a peach and rosemary pavlova. Two layers of crisp meringue, sandwiched and topped with vanilla whipped cream and rosemary-infused peaches. The whole thing showered with grated white chocolate.

We may not have finished it, but nothing went to waste, a food parcel was packed up for them to take back to London, some of which they consumed on a mid-trip picnic stop, and we used up the reminder over the course of the Easter weekend.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before they’re back again and another menu can be planned. I just hope they bring some better weather with them next time.

The olive, feta and harissa rolls are a wonderfully adaptable bake, any of the three filling ingredients can be switched for something else that you may have available in your kitchen. I’ll share the recipe in my next post.