a fennel weekend

I'm sure you'd agree that the weekend is too short.

I spent the Saturday with some usual stuffs, food shopping and house chores. In the evening I had two friends over for dinner and I made mussels steamed with fennel and crème fraiche, Jamie's version of moules mariniere, which was delicious. A little spicy with the dried chilli in it, but still enjoyable. I'd be happy with a big bowl of this and a baguette to soak all the yummy juices, and maybe a pint or two of cider.

I also made slow roasted pork belly with the sweetest braised fennel. Again, yum. I love good crunchy cracklings. And very interesting with the braised fennel, they're sweet, just like slowly cooked onions, but with a 'bite'; if you get what I mean or it's too confusing?!

The pork was accompanied with the oh-so-good must try red cabbage braised with apple, bacon and balsamic vinegar (and butter on top). What not to like.

Dessert was the super-speedy eton mess. yum...

Yesterday was my friend's 21st birthday and I made the bloomin' easy vanilla cheesecake. It was very light and refreshing with the orange and lemon zests in the cake. I had one last slice in the fridge screaming at me, but I'm gonna wait until tomorrow. Sorry, cake.

Today was another busy day at work. I just got home from choir rehearsal, watched an episode of Glee for the I can't remember how many times, and I think it's bed time now.

Last but not least, happy 16th birthday sis. Hope you had a great one. I missed you. X

Day 162, Recipe 77