It was fadge not political fudge at Stormont yesterday, as DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness held their first public engagement together when they met European Commission president José Manuel Barroso.
If this was a dry run for the return of the Northern executive next Tuesday, then the omens for devolution day are good. The mood between these once bitter opponents was surprisingly relaxed and jocular, if perhaps a little confusing for Mr Barroso.
The former Portuguese prime minister has excellent command of English but for a second he appeared startled, turning briefly for assistance to Mr McGuinness, when Dr Paisley, going off script, started extolling the merits of Ulster cuisine.
Dr Paisley said that there were now many Europeans visiting and based in Northern Ireland who were very welcome. "They have also learned that the best food in all the world is cooked in Northern Ireland. Some day when you come back we will give you a feed of fadge - that is bread made of potatoes. I think a Portuguese man would really enjoy that," he said.
"What you don't eat the deputy will gobble," he added, referring to Mr McGuinness.
Dr Paisley told BBC's Spotlight programme last night, in an interview recorded before yesterday's Stormont encounter, that he would not shake hands with Mr McGuinness on Tuesday when they are formally appointed first minister and deputy first minister because he did not believe in "sham shakes".
However, there appeared to be nothing sham about the - thus far - practical working relationship the two politicians have struck up together.
Mr McGuinness took up the cue provided by Dr Paisley's talk of potato bread, which had briefly disconcerted their VIP guest, whom they entertained to lunch. "I would caution him against the fadge and the Ulster fry - it is all a big recipe for a heart attack if you are not careful," he advised Mr Barroso. "But every once in a while it will do no harm," he conceded.
Mr Barroso said that as well as talk of EU aid over lunch there was also reference to football, with Mr Barroso saying his favourite team was Sporting Lisbon. They also spoke about José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
"He didn't know anything about Ballymena United," chipped in Dr Paisley.
That was the general mood - unforced, light-hearted without being cringe-making. It bespoke two politicians who, whatever about being actual friends, could work together. It certainly seemed to impress Mr Barroso, who pledged that Europe would divvy up for Northern Ireland.
He said Northern Ireland had received €2.5 billion over the past 20 years and between this year and 2013 it would get "well over €1 billion" in funding. In addition, he said, a special taskforce would be established by the European Commission to help ensure that the North would make best use of the money available.
"I have said that I prefer marathons, long-distance running, to sprints," added Mr Barroso. "That is why I want to tell you that my visit is not just a commitment for one day but it is a commitment for our shared future - the future of Northern Ireland in the European Union."
Dr Paisley said Northern Ireland had many problems but "we are seeing a light and are directing our footsteps towards not just sunlight but I trust full sunshine".
