Page 5 of Savoring Christmas
“What type of pasta’s name means ‘little worms’ in Italian?” Kris asked.
Max nodded. “I know this one. Vermicelli. Bianca’s mom used to make it fresh at the restaurant in Florence.”
Logan wrote it down.
“Which country is the origin of the dessert pavlova?”
“It’s either Australia or New Zealand. They both claim it,” Max said with confidence.
Logan shrugged. “Okay, world traveler, which do I put?”
“Both. But make a note that it’s in dispute between the two countries,” Max said.
“What French term describes a bundle of herbs tied together and used to flavor soups and sauces?” Kris asked.
Max squinted, tapping his forehead. “What’s it called? Oh yeah, bouquet garni.”
Logan wrote it down, but not before asking how to spell garni.
“Final question. In French cuisine, what mixture of diced carrots, onions, and celery serves as the flavor base for soups and stews?”
“Roux,” Logan said. “Mom does that for Mac and Cheese.”
Max frowned. “Isn’t a roux flour and butter?”
“No way,” Logan said. “I’m sure it’s roux.”
“Fine. Suit yourself,” Max said. “But don’t blame me if we lose.”
Several of the servers scurried around the room collecting score sheets. The room buzzed as Kris tallied them up. Finally, he returned to the mic.
Logan was starting to doubt the answer to the last question. What if it wasn’t roux but something else? He glanced at Max. A smile twitched at the corners of Max’s mouth. “You better not have just made us lose by not fighting me on roux,” Logan whispered.
“You never listen, so why bother?” Max asked, looking way too pleased with himself. “Anyway, I did it for your own good. You need to be in that cooking class.”
“I’m going to murder you in your sleep,” Logan whispered.
Up front, Kris returned to the podium. “We have a winner. In first place—with 25 points—is Golden Pour. A perfect score, by the way.”
Luke and Nolan raised their glasses in victory.
“Oh, I cannot wait to see you head into cooking class,” Luke said with an evil glint in his eyes. “This is going to make my whole holiday season.”
Logan’s heart sank. This was bad. He couldn’t take Mia’s class. It was surely a situation that would bring out his worst qualities. Competitive. Questioning of authority. Impatience with himself when he didn’t know how to do something well.
“Maybe you’ll enjoy it,” Nolan said, clearly trying to be helpful.
Logan groaned out loud. “No way I’m going to that class.”
“You’re an honorable man,” Luke said. “You have to.”
“Or I’ll tell Mom,” Max said.
“You’re supposed to be my partner,” Logan said, growling. “Which means you should have to go with me.”
“You know I don’t need to. I have Charlie.” Max patted his shoulder, a smug grin lighting up his face. “Darn, this was a good night.”
“I’m going to kill all of you in your sleep,” Logan said.
