We spent a recent Sunday afternoon in very fine company, at the home of our dear friends, Chops and Leslie.
I’d say that these two have one of the best apartments around, up high in the sky above Broadview and Danforth, facing west and overlooking the whole city.
The view takes your breath away — as does the sense of vertigo and any fear of heights you might have! It took a few minutes before Nick and I got the nerve to step up to the railing of their balcony.
Leslie is a really good cook, so it was no surprise that she prepared a memorable meal.
We began with a trio of Mexican style dips and chips, served outside …
Then we went inside to their sun-filled dining area for dinner …
A tossed salad with dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds, to start …
And then, there was a roasted leg-of-lamb, with gravy, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Garlic broccoli …
Leslie followed Martha Stewart’s recipe for the Herb Crusted Lamb (found here), and it was delicious. Lamb is not something I’ve eaten much of, and I can only remember ever having leg-of-lamb once before, so finding it on the menu was quite a treat.
I’ve never me a mashed potato that I didn’t love, and these were no exception. Leslie followed The Barefoot Contessa’s technique, found here.
The sun began to set just as we finished eating …
We went back outside to catch the big show.
Dessert was served outside. Leslie had gotten her hands on some wild blueberries and was so kind as to share them with us. She made ice-cream with them, following this recipe, and a sauce, which she served with homemade Vanilla Cake, which was make using another Martha Stewart recipe. It was a dreamy combination!
We’ve known these two for 13 years now, so hanging out with them is always relaxed and filled with laughs.
They’re so lucky to get to see this every day.
Thanks for dropping over.
xo loulou
