December 2003 - Karnes2 A big warm, welcome to our Guest editor – Donald Teator
Our December culinary adventure strayed from last year’s progression. Instead of a dinner away from AND at the Karnes, this year, because we thought our schedules were too busy to do both again, and because Deb and Tom offered, we luxuriated in the Karnes Kristmas Kove suiting our busy holiday needs and desires on the Friday before Christmas.
   Hors d’oeuvres started at six for the Party of TEN (our usual plus Mike & Sheila Romalin), followed by dinner around 7:30, the spectacle of steal-your-gift Christmas exchange, and finished by dessert and more socializing.
    The up side – The informal atmosphere of a kitchen is a welcome one. And our compatibilities allow for a comfortable hospitality.
   The menu, of course, points to Deb’s expertise. Hors d’oeuvres included a four cheese cheesecake with crackers, crab balls (crabs are that big?), and a veggie platter. We almost suggested that dessert should be the next course but NOOO!
   A palate cleansing intermezzo of lime sorbet finally quieted us, and Deb’s testing of her birthday gift was a success.
   The main course was a pork loin roast stuffed with bread & apples & cranberries & pecans, accompanied by twice baked potatoes, a squash-vegetable dish mixed with a rare-for-some-of-us taste of Brussels sprouts, and bread. Libations, before and after, included T&T (Tanqueray and tonic), a couple of scotches, and our usual Merlot, Chardonnay, and Shiraz .
   Then, off to the living room, to play Christmas gift roulette. Only a few “thefts” occurred, centering on Tim’s “plastic” bowl and my four way flashlight.
   Dessert featured Deb’s checkerboard green-iced cake of neon Christmas tree green and fuchsia Santa red squares.
   Not to be forgotten were the dinner favors for the guests and the popping of the party noisemakers. All-in-all, the area restaurateurs should be fearing the competition from Pine Meadow Lane . We enjoyed good food, company and Christmas spirit. Thank you, Tom and Deb.
   The down side – There weren’t any. But, if I have to produce something, well, the shuffleboard was forgotten for an evening. And, shhhhh, Deb celebrated her 44 and 364/365 years. Happy birthday, Deb.

Editor’s note – Thanks Don, you’re toooo kind…