The time we invited Mother to dinner

The time we invited Mother to dinner, was not an event that either of us wanted to repeat.

Not that it was a particular occasion, for example Christmas, and on reflection, was probably just as well!

The chicken, which had been acquired a couple of days before and refrigerated, was unpacked from its wrapping and placed in the oven.  Vegetables of the type normally expected were prepared, potatoes, brussels, parsnips etc., all made ready for dinner at 1.00 pm.

On her arrival Mother, happily chatting, was given her normal sweet sherry, and sat making conversation up to the point where dinner was served.

The chicken, now on its own serving plate, sat steaming and ready to be carved.  After a couple of slices, evidence of a small plastic bag emerged from the insides of the bird.

On extraction and investigation, it turned out that the bird’s giblets had been removed, bagged, and replaced inside.  The vender had assumed that the inside of the bird would (at the time of cooking) be inspected and prepared for possible stuffing.

Well at least the legs and wings were edible! 

Mother made light of the mistake, but then proceeded to embark on a sort of historic culinary lecture.  Now I can say with confidence ‘I know how stuffing is made.’                                                    

D. Taylor