Birthday celebrations are something everyone looks forward to. I mean, who wouldn't want to be presented with a smorgasbord of food whilst enjoying the company of family and friends? Last Saturday, however, was extra special. It was the birthday celebration of not one, but two people in my family, my auntie Binky and my cousin Pau, both of whom were born on the 31st of August. My auntie Binky is an amazing cook (bias aside). It's as though everything she cooks is whipped up with the help of some pixie dust and the dishes she creates becomes an instant delicacy! You can imagine how excited my taste buds were as we made our way to my aunt's house. 

        My mum, aunt, grandparents and I were among the last people to arrive and some of the food had already been eaten...at least, that's what my uncle Bing said. But it seemed like the plates had been refilled every time someone reached for a serving of each dish. There's magic in that kitchen, I tell you. Magic. Or perhaps my aunt and uncle just prepared a lot of food.  

        Ahhh, this is a staple (along with chicken) whenever we have special occasions. One reason why I enjoy eating roast pork is mainly because of the fat. Yes, I know. I seem to be proud of my unhealthy eating habits, but I can't help it! As I forked the meat and inched my way to the cholesterol-filled part of the pork, I felt my mum's eyes watching me from my periphery, as though she was making me feel like each bite I took brought me closer to getting a heart attack. I could hear her thinking out loud, but I continued to munch away still.

           I always lose track of how much rice I eat when my aunt serves this. It's that good. Although, I would make a guesstimation and say that I fill half of my plate (or more) and have two plates. Rice in paella usually comes out sticky and heavy, but this Greek version is a lot lighter in taste. Mixed with onions, peppers, tomatoes and sausages, it's not hard to wonder why this is a hit during family gatherings.