December 2009 Archives
Winding ‘Er Down…
As the holidays always go, I’m glad to bring the noshing and sipping and constant cooking, cooking, cooking to an end. It was a wild ride, what with double tenderloins and buttery lobster tails and souffles and pastries and pate and cheeses and cookies and all the uff da that comes with the season. But…
Merry Christmas!
Ah, the celebrating is over (and the mess is almost all cleaned up). Because of the weather, we ended up staying here in the city instead of heading to the farm on Christmas Day – shucks. But we made the best of it by playing lots of Xbox 360 Rock Band 2, going to see…
Cinnamon Rolls
I made these rolls today (subpar pics, sorry, we’re a little short on daylight this time of year), a delicious recipe that can sit in the fridge for a couple of days before baking. I actually baked and iced one pan today and gave them to Stacey – the other I’m saving for Christmas morning….
(Don’t) Let it Snow!
We casually sent a holiday card this year saying “Let it Snow.” I meant it, since I love a snowy holiday, but I was dreaming of a white – not white out – Christmas. Unfortunately, we (and a good portion of the Midwest) are about to get blasted with piles of snow, mixed with ice,…
Party Time
You’re likely thinking finally, sheesh, have the party already. And indeed we did, and it was great fun. I can’t say enough about how awesome Silver Service catering is, I wish they just lived with us – it is so decadent to have someone think about how the table looks, and add garnishes, and light…
Party Prep Continues…
John and I shifted into high gear today, doing set up for tomorrow’s party. Plates and glassware are set out. Food is assigned spots on the buffet table. Flowers are arranged. Fruit and nuts are scattered amongst the greens and pine cones (this year I chose kumquats, persimmons, and seckle pears – mostly because it’s…
Madeira
Yesterday I caught an early version of Eric Asimov’s The Pour column on the New York Times Dining & Wine page. The headline – A New Course for Dessert Wine – jumped right out at me. I prefer dessert-style wines paired with savory foods (foie gras, blue cheese), so I clicked through and was delighted…
Party Prep
Ho ho whoa, it’s holiday party time! Always fun, of course, seeing friends and coworkers and tasting all sorts of delicious appetizers, cookies, and drinks. Back in the 90s, I used to do a rip-roaring holiday buffet for the neighbors each year – I thought of it as the perfect opportunity to serve all of…
Yes, I Am Alive
Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas! Apparently an entire month has disappeared in a puff of puppy, bronchitis, travel, guests, 8th-grade basketball, and holiday decorating, shopping, and planning. You can probably tell that I didn’t host Thanksgiving dinner this year (given detailed posts in years previous, a snapshot overview here), but I did bake…