Just Grand!

Aïoli is a thick, garlicky mayonnaise, perfect to use as a dipping sauce.  When you surround it with piles of steamed vegetables, fish and other goodies, you have a grand aïoli, a traditional Provençal meal.

Monique and James invited us over for a grand aïoli, together with Sara and Christian.  It was a lot of food but, this being a leisurely weekend lunch, we had more than just that.

Before the aïoli, we started off with three different kinds of bread, plus guacamole and tapenade to spread on them.  After the aïoli we had cookies and chocolate pudding.  And I seem to remember a few bottles of wine.

Of course Monique made everything, including the mayonnaise.  No self-respecting French chef would think of using store-bought mayonnaise for aïoli. 

I don't have a problem eating aïoli  or vegetables, but most breads and cookings and puddings are off my list because of my dietary restrictions.  But never fear!  Monique had made everything gluten- and lactose-free.  

What a lot of work!  I really appreciated it.  And I wasn't the only one.

At the end of the meal, a very satisfied Christian stood up and proposed a toast. “Keith,” he said, “this food is all so delicious I would like to thank you for being diagnosed with celiac disease!”

KVS

Some serious aïoli

I hope everyone is hungry

The gang prepares for action