My favourite part about yesterday

Yesterday I hosted a Christmas potluck, attended by 13 other people. Several people brought meat-based dishes that I as a vegetarian chose not to eat, but there was still so much good stuff to consume that I was groaning from a full belly. I need to tell you about this food because it was SO. DAMN. GOOD.

The first thing that hit my system was some bubbly rose by the Australian winemaker Yellow Tail. Basically it's champagne, but not from France so technically it's not. It was refreshing and tasty and I drank a bit too much of it. LOL

Erik made an extraordinarily yummy veggie chili. He is a devoted carnivore, so his making veggie chili was an act of supreme consideration and thoughtfulness. He's a great guy, as his girlfriend Linda would agree. :)

David made an outstanding bean salad, and has promised me the recipe. Must send him a reminder e-mail!

His sister Anita made incredible chocolate chip cookies with pecans and walnuts. I ate more than a few of those, as did we all. Must ask her for the recipe.

Katherine brought the most amazing French Camembert cheese I've ever had. Seriously, this stuff goes beyond food - it is an experience. There are some leftovers in my fridge, and I started craving it around 9:15 this morning - !!!!

Even the garden salad that Pete brought was really, really good! Especially with the dijon mustard salad dressing ... it totally rocked. Pierre brought some wholesome bread, and the artisan multigrain loaf was fresh and soft and mouthwatering.

I heard excellent things about Teresa's Peruvian chicken and rice dishes, and there was nothing left of Perkin's panchetta and green bean casserole, so it must have been good! :) Sabrina's chicken pieces got a little burned in the oven, sadly, but the pies brought by Kim and Daniel finished off whatever sweet cravings might have remained after this feast.

Unfortunately, Barry's salmon salad was left forgotten in my fridge until everyone else had gone home. Hopefully I can find a home for it while it's still good .... :-S

A great Christmas day. Now I need to waddle to the gym to burn off all those calories!!!!