It was a cool, rainy day for the November meeting of the Culinary Arts group at the home of Viki Brown with Gerene Leffingwell serving as co-host. Vike had done a cruise in the South Pacific in January, so that is how the theme was chosen. Some pareos (bright-colored, patterned sarongs) that Viki brought back from Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu and Raiatea covered the tables along with some other tropical decorations. The recipes were all selected from one cookbook that had selections from a number of countries in the South Pacific. The food of the area focuses on fish, fruit, vegetables and rice with some aromatic seasonings and coconut products. We all enjoyed hearing about each guest's food preparation stories and sampling the great food. A few dishes were: spinach salad with poached shrimp, fresh oranges, hearts of palm and blue cheese crumbles, Tahitian fish stew and tropical fruit with ginger, lime and honey served with sorbet. Thanks to all who participated and brightened up the day with food and friendship.
