Veggie Christmas dinner with Poodles

I had looooong weekend around Christmas and New Years. First, I went to Marcus's on sat arvo after my training (it's called essence of martial art) on 22nd. We spend a few days there at his just chilling out. THEN, we went to poodle family's house on Monday. To be honest, I was really looking forward to spend a few days there. Because they got a lovely kitchen and dining room & conservatory room. When we got there, it was as chaotic as usual, Jane(poodle's mum) was looking for her i phone, dad David was really chilled out, grand dad was asking about what time the afternoon tea at the hotel (in southwolds) was, JJ(daughter, about 10yrs old?) wanted to play with me. I believe she thinks I'm as old as her or little older than her. Yes, I'm as tall as her, JJ thinks she's taller than me. Always make me wonder, in west, if you are little/short/petite people think you are very young. It doesn't matter how old you are, or tell them how old you are, they still think you are very young. O.K, this is good example. When I was 18, I was smoking a fag in the neighbourhood in west London(Boston Manor). I was told off by a guy (he wasn't very old), that time I was quite often refused being served in pubs till I was 24-5. AND couldn't buy a packet of fags! I had to show them my ID almost every time. More recently, last 5 years especially, I've noticed kids always stare at me. Later figured out they couldn't work out how old I was. I got stared at when we were in Italy too. I'm not sure if it's good thing or bad thing. I stopped working out long time ago. 

Anyway, I played with JJ for about half hour till the family went to Southwold for Christmas. Then calm... but not last. Tara(youngest one) was excited to go out for a walk. so we took all dogs to the field next to the house. remember, they BOUGHT a massive field for these poodles. Arrr, what a happy poodles, but they don't seem to know  and are they really appreciate for it??? I told them they have massive garden & field to run round, under floor heating, plenty foods and love, why don't they wanna go outside without humans???? 

On the Christmas day, Marcus's mum Marilyn and uncle Steven came round. I was excited. It was my turn to cook dinner. Marcus made nut roast, I made gluten free sugar free vegan chocolate and hazelnut "raw cake" previous day. So, cooking on the day was fairly easy. Just one thing. I should've done my m.e.p for vegetables....... Baked roasted spiced mixed vegetable (kabocha, Asian yums, sweet potatoes, carrots, plantain), brussle sprouts(they were still little hard!), roasted new potatoes. Also roasted uncle Steven's chicken. the oven looked full that day. 

I also made fennel and pomegranate salad. 

 

Here's Marcus's chestnut roast. It was delicious! Naughty Tess is looking at it!!!

I made chocolate raw cake( it's bit like chocolate crunch), I'm sure I took photo of it, but it's lost. Neva mind, I'll upload when I make next. It was yummy. and not sweet. Marilyn said: grow-up's chocolate dessert. So as hot chocolate we've been drinking. Taste very grow-up, just whisk sugar-free cocoa and oat milk, add sugar-free chocolate(willy's cooking chocolate) in the end. Very chocolaty...and sexy...☺

Oh by the way, somehow I fancied marrow that week. So, I cooked marrow and some risotto on the Christmas eve. 

 Cashew nut and kabocha risotto, tofu and pan fried marrow with chili herb relish. We do have BIG appetite❀❀❀

My team leader at work said to me at the work Christmas dinner (night out): "You have a big appetite for small person" She wasn't the first one to tell me that. So I knew and I accepted that, so I don't get hurt. ☺

Everyone enjoyed that night, our Christmas day. We don't cerebrate as such, we just spend time together and chill out. For us, everyday is like Christmas and precious, I know it sounds corny, but true. I'd like to have more time like this.

Oh, we also visited Marcus's dad (sorry! almost forgot to mention!) in the Colchester hospital. He looked pleased to see us and especially to uncle Steven. They hadn't seen each other for yonks. It must've been Christmas!!! ☺☺☺

And then, I went home for a few days, I was back to Marcus's on sat for another 4 days rest. It's been fab chilling out, not doing very much.... Can't wait to retire...☺