The Incredible Chicken Melon

This is what we had for Christmas dinner. It's a very complicated and time-consuming recipe made by removing the skin of a whole chicken in one piece. The meat is removed from the bone and processed with other ingredients into a delicious concoction. That is then put back in the skin and molded into a melon shape. It's wrapped in cheesecloth and tied, then baked in the oven.

David has no qualms about diving into the creation of a culinary masterpiece when the occasion merits it, and this was certainly an impressive and wonderfully special treat. The supporting accompaniments were provided by Thom, with a few contributions from me. It was a wonderful meal and a wonderful day.

I am so lucky to be included in such a production of pure celebration. All worries and problems and unpleasantness, big and small, are suspended. Nothing matters except the taste and texture of the feast, the good feeling and camaraderie of the group, the enjoyment of exactly that unfettered moment that we allow nothing to spoil. If we ever lose the ability to give ourselves that gift, we certainly will have lost what makes us singularly human.

At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.