NEW YEAR'S DAY LUNCH AT GINA'S

We were a jolly gathering for lunch at Gina's house in the country today and I thought you'd like to see the company:

I'm second from the far end on the right.

Now for the food!

There was lovely, crispy pasta al forno as only Gina can make it:

There was salsiccia

and good, local bread

and there were patate al forno:

Then there were polpette

and spiedini

and peperoni:

There was orange salad

and then there were vanilla oranges:

Gina's husband is peeling the orange in the Sicilian way.

Next came these wonderful cakes, made by Gina's sister and sister-in-law

whilst another sister had made this sumptuous chocolate crostata:

I had decided to mix traditions and had invented this Semifreddo di Christmas Pudding.  I am glad to say it was pronounced a success and tomorrow I'll post the recipe for you!

There had to be cannoli

and finally there was my favourite gel al limone, made by Gina's mother-in-law.  This dessert is always so refreshing, whatever the season:

Grazie per la bella festa, Gina!