GOING RETRO

A couple of weeks ago was my wedding anniversary. 38 years ago, as a very young bride, I walked up the aisle and said "I DO". My cooking skills at that time were almost non existent, but over the years I, hopefully, have greatly improved my endeavours the kitchen. So although we were going to be celebrating in a very nice restaurant on the Saturday night, somewhere I could only have dreamt of all those years ago, I decided to take a trip down memory lane, back to the kind of food regarded as upmarket in those days, and which my husband still loves today, and to cook it on the actual day.

For starters it would have to be prawn cocktail. A real blast from the past, and a delicious one at that. Still making it the same way, mayo, tomato ketchup and a squeeze of lemon juice. If it's not broke don't fix it!

Next up was steak and chips. Real chips, twice cooked, now that was a break from tradition. 38 years ago, infact 5 years ago who had ever heard of twice cooked chips? TV chef's have a lot to answer for. Steak here, not so easy to buy good ones. However, at great cost, worked out they cost the equivalent to 2 weeks salary back in 1974, I sourced 2 wagyu strip steaks from Australia. They proved to be melt in the mouth. With some onion rings, freshly made, and very crunchy,  a few mushrooms, and a decent bottle of red my husband was a happy man. A bit of grainy mustard on the side and he was sorted.

For dessert I have to confess to buying it. Individual mini black forest cakes. It's way too hot here to deal with chocolate in the kitchen. So please forgive me this indulgence. This one looks a bit different from the ones way ate back in the 70's but tasted equally good. Can you remember your first taste of this exotic dessert. Now sadly often dry and sickly, but thankfully this one was not.

So all in all meal was a big hit. A trip back in time. I so enjoyed this retro revival in my kitchen. I must make a note to do it again, soon. What would you cook as your retro trip down memory lane? I'd love to hear from you.

 All this us to reminiscing back over the last 38 years, and to the journey we have been on together. Ups and downs, but then who has a smooth passage through life? Two wonderful daughters, of whom we are very proud. Three very precious grandchildren and two son in laws complete our family, and make us very happy. We have been fortunate and never forget this. Thankfully my kitchen skills have improved, maybe part of the secret of holding on to the man in my life!

Here's to the next 38!!!!!