Picture Post Test: Chinese Visitors

This first photo-based blog post features a barbecue at a friend's house. Some business associates from China were visiting, with family in tow, and he invited some of his friends to share in a lovely and relaxed evening. The method of showing the pictures is as new to me as the method shown of grilling eggplant, so it seems like a good match.

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Two of the pictures include a big sheet of bread with stuff on it. They are two versions of a grilled lavash appetizer I've made for years. It's very, very popular. In spite of my best efforts, they call it "the thing John makes." It's by no means the only thing I make, and not even my only signature item. Still, the name appears to have stuck.

The eggplants were first gently grilled until their purple had turned to brown, then split lengthwise and generously covered with garlic, olive oil, and chopped serrano. Finally, a careful dusting of a fiery powdered Chinese red pepper went on. Very, very nice.

We had a couple of desserts in the mix, and my contribution was pears poached in Marsala and spices, topped with a creamy Gorgonzola, and served with Port.

A lovely evening, and no mistake.