After the rain

After last night's rain there is a little more water in the river but still not a great deal.  I spent the morning shopping for a meal for guests this evening.  As they were kind enough to give us a clavinova recently and refused any offer of payment, we are trying to push the boat out tonight. So, after a few nibbles, we will be serving a starter of warmed figs with goat's cheese and honey on a bed of lettuce and baby cherry tomatoes.  The main course which we have both been working on (no tempers have flared in the kitchen yet) will be cabillaud en papillote on a base of fennel, parsley and tomato, together with squid served with creamed Swiss chard, ratatouille and brown rice. The cheese board has Brie, Conté, St Nectaire, Maroilles and fromage de chèvre with sesame bread or pain de campagne. The dessert will be a choice of brioche bread and butter pudding and poached pears with a spiced syrup reduction and cream or crème fraiche.  Coffee will be served.  Fingers crossed it goes well!