Maxine Visits.

My dear friend Maxine is visiting this weekend and Mr. Hawthorne and I are cooking up dinner. First on the menu ...

... Oysters Hawthorne. Mr. Hawthorne shucked all the oysters and I prepared the "Hawthorne" topping.

First, I chopped up a few slices of bacon and cooked it.

Chopped some onion and celery.

When the bacon was almost done ...

... I chopped a bunch of spinach ...

... and added the spinach, celery, and onion to the pan. Cook until the spinach is wilted.

Grate a little nutmeg.

And pour in a little heavy cream.

Top oysters with spinach/bacon mixture.

I put Maxine to work grating the Parmesan over top.

A little sprinkling of Panko, then under the broiler for a few minutes until cheese is melted.

Grated lemon zest over top.

And we have Oysters Hawthorne.

Maxine was taping and narrating and it was pretty funny, but she accidentally turned the camera off during the best part.

At least you can see what obstacles we have to cook around.

No matter how much room you have, everyone always gathers in the kitchen.

Mr. Hawthorne prepared the rest our meal. Cole slaw. Beer batter fried cod. With horseradish cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and Boar and Castle sauce. By the way, the Boar and Castle sauce used to be made in Greensboro and is no longer made. We love it and have been able to reproduce it. Next time I make it I'll give you the recipe. It's delicious. And very different from anything you've had.

And fried oysters, too.

Delicious.

Here's Maxine opening up Youngest Hawthorne's Christmas present.

BoBo likes his Nana's kitchen.

Beau is such a handsome lad.

Beau has entered into Dixie's personal space. Dixie doesn't like that.