Last weekend we headed to my grandparents quaint little village in the west country for my Grampy’s 70th birthday garden party. Returning to the village is always nostalgic. I remember running around the gardens playing games and chasing the dogs when we were kids. Nana would always provide us with a feast at the end of the day, and it was almost like we were returning the favour for Gramps, by cooking up some of his favourite foods.
Of course I baked Rosie Londoner’s Tommy Tart which was a complete hit with the guests.
Sliced gerkins (a favourite of mine and my Grampys).
Bowls and bowls of Patatas Bravas. I used this Waitrose recipe which has never failed!
Bowls of spanish olives.
A variety of homemade quiche (my favourite was the spicy chorizo with mushroom and a potato crust).
Vegetable cous cous.
A selection of homemade breads.
Homemade butterfly bunting.
My attempt at incorporating our heritage. My Grampy is Polish and was born in India as a refugee before being saved by the English in World War 2. I used this Fruity Flag Tray bake recipe and added white chocolate buttons and more raspberries to create the Polish flag.
Pots of strawberries with local clotted cream.
Mum’s award winning – show stopping – always the favourite, Baileys Cheesecake.
And a kiwi and blueberry pavlova.
Polish Apple Cake made by more Polish relatives.
The garden looked beautiful and the party was a real success. The boys were manning the bar and the girls ensured everyone had a constant supply of food and cake.
All that was left to do was raise our glasses and sing HappyBbirthday (in English and Polish) to a very special Grampy.
(Being on your feet all day at 33 weeks pregnant results in extreme tiredness and grumpiness!)