♬ This Is The Day That God Has Made ♬

This is the day that God has made!
Rejoice! Rejoice, and be exceeding glad!
This is the day that God has made!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Hallelujah!

Natalie Allyn Sleeth, American composer (1930 – 1992)

After a joyous church service this morning, I returned home to prepare for the inaugural family dinner in my little abode. What a wonderful time we had around the table! I rejoiced in Easter and in family. And I am exceedingly glad!

Update:
As I was otherwise engaged in the kitchen, Dad documented this inaugural meal with a few photos:

OK, so now I'll pay more attention to the drips on plates going to the table. ;-) But even with the drips, the pan seared scallops were impressive.

My little brother stepped in to handle the carving of the delicious Ontario ham to make it look good on the plate.

Just Add Chocolate to Your Day

Chocolate is nature’s way of making up for Mondays.

Anonymous

Chocolate turns anything into a celebration -- even Mondays. I wanted to celebrate this evening so I harvested a simple new recipe for Poached Pears with Chocolate Ganache. Hurray! I have poached my first pear. And with leftover ganache now in the frig, I look forward to celebrating my second poached pear tomorrow night. Let's hear it for Tuesdays! ;-) 

Wine Divine

Beer is made by men, wine by God!

Martin Luther, German monk and reformer (1483-1546)

Since at least the ancient Greeks, wine has been appreciated by mere mortals as a divine gift. Certainly, the view from the balcony of Angel's Gate winery on a warm Spring day overlooking vineyards to Lake Ontario beyond, one could certainly appreciate that we are in God's country.

This was Day Two of the Get Fresh event hosted by Twenty Valley wineries. The three winos have always been impressed with the pairing offered by Peninsula Ridge for passport holders. Today's duck confit cassoulet with pumpkin seed pesto was outstanding.

And the pairing of Good Earth's rose with Spring tulips brightened spirits. What a divine day to celebrate my little brother's birth. Happy Birthday Bro!

Spring Fresh in the Valley

Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures.

Michael Broadbent, British wine critic

With Spring thoughts turn to a little tippling of last year's vintages combined with mouthwatering morsels during Twenty Valley's "Get Fresh in the Valley" passport event.

The day was as glorious as the food/wine pairings. Everyone wore smiles instead of winter coats and boots. The three winos relished the most civilized pleasures. Bravo to the Twenty Valley wineries for another great year.