Birthday botherations

Husband's birthday yesterday. Three quarters of a century young!

As we'd decided not to risk a big family gathering it was just him and me with short visits from children. He'd requested Beef Wellington for dinner. Last time we had that Elder Son made it and it was perfect! I was feeling not up to attempting it so decided I'd use a posh online butcher and get a ready-prepped BW.

Is it possible to jinx yourself into disaster? I kept telling myself this wasn't going to go well, and I don't think it did. Husband said it was fine but the meat was over-cooked and the pastry undercooked.

I also discovered that the thermometer I used in the oven wasn't meant to be used in the oven and sort of shrivelled in on itself. Also my potatoes dauphinoise weren't as good as the last time I made them either. 

I think the cook is always extra critical but I was disappointed. 

For starters we had smoked salmon and prawns with horseradish cream and lime vinaigrette.

The meat was very tender though.

And we had cheesecake for afters made and delivered by Elder Son.

* * * * *

Exercise class has finished until the new year. Our cleaner couldn't come today as she was poorly and Husband's appointment with the dental hygienist was cancelled because she is poorly. All the more reason to take avoiding people more seriously.