Spectacular Flaming Dessert

Last Sunday we met for our last Book Club of 2013 at Rachel's house. I was the last to arrive and Marie greeted me with, "Merry Christmas! We are all upstairs with drink in hand!" I said hallelujah to that, sister.

Sure enough, the Mimosa's were generous and there were other options available as well, including ginger wine, of which I had only one sip. (Promise, Santa, I was a good girl!)

I was floored when I saw the spread on the table. Rachel really went to town.

She made scones, which were still warm, and she kindly split them and had them ready for spreading with strawberry jam and whipped cream. She had fresh baked cookies and finger sandwiches - egg salad and ham and tomahto (as she would say). Along with another round of Mimosas and ginger wine, we were on our way to happily stuffing our bellies. Yum!

In between bites, we did talk about the book, Zealot, by Reza Aslan. Marie mentioned that it was a little hard to get back into it after reading little slices. So much to remember! So many names and rulers and priests and what not. I agreed. It's a bit like reading a history textbook. But I enjoyed it very much. I especially enjoyed learning about James, the brother of Jesus and all the shenanigans with Paul. Oh how they disagreed!

The book answered all my questions about what Jesus' mission was on earth and also why he was singled out as a messiah above all the others out there doing the same thing.
It certainly gave a new angle on the whole "messiah" issue.

 LOVE this shot of Jarby photo bombing Louise. We may need to make this our Book Club profile picture.

By the way, Rachel, your house was decorated so nicely for the holiday and your tree was gorgeous, as well. Love the cat/angel on top of your tree. I thought I took a picture of it, but, alas, could not find it on my phone.

After our discussion and the stuffing of our faces, Rachel brought out the very special Christmas Pudding, which she lit on fire and pranced around with!

The "Figgy Pudding" was delish with some extra brandy (sorry, Santa!) and yes, whipped cream. (Geez no wonder it's been harder to squeeze into my jeans....). A beautiful presentation and so good!

I snuck into the kitchen for a refresher (don't tell Santa) and found this kitty all cuddled up to the heat vent under the kitchen sink. Yes, I hear it will be very very cold the next few days. Like minus 30. So, bundle up and find a heat vent to love up just like this very smart feline!

Next up, we'll read Dan Brown's Inferno. We seem to be stuck a bit on this topic - heaven, hell, burning.... whatever! I'm sure that the new year will bring us many lighthearted, lovely titles that we'll enjoy over the summer months? (chuckle)

Wishing you guys a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope to see everyone at the next Book Club in January or early February at Marie's. Can't wait!