barbecue

For this holiday - our Istanbul relatives had joined us.  Last night Gokalp abi had visited once again, and Anne's older sister - my taze, had come, as well as her daughter and granddaughter.  Her daughter  (our cousin) is in her mid fifties, she's a dentist and recently remarried.  Her daughter is in her mid-twenties.  They all talk a lot, gossip a lot, judge a lot, and help a lot.  Whenever they invite themselves, Anne, Gokhan, and even Tolga complain - but I like when they come.
I like anyone who helps.
Sure it's more work in some ways - but my cousin kind of takes of the cooking and grocery shopping, they play with and distract the kids, and the chatter can be fun.

They already had our first barbecue planned.  It's sure not the same as an American barbecue - the grill is old fashion and simple.  Open, no cover, coals, iron plates, a rusted out chimney for the heat.  Our meat is kofte, sucuk, and chicken - all seasoned in the typical Turkish style.  My cousin whipped up a salad to go alongside - tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce all finely chopped and spread pleasing on a long dish, with lemon juice, oil, and loads of salt.