Winter White

Winter White Inspiration

It finally snowed in NYC. It didn’t accumulate to a lot of inches on the ground, but it did accomplish to bring a smile to my face. Having lived in warm climates for so long, I am still the giddy one when the flakes begin to fall. I woke (for some inexplicable reason) at 4:45am yesterday and looked out to see my world turned white and big flakes still softly falling.

Finally, I got to wear to my Hunters and not look like I was going on a duck hunt!

Its salty slippery sidewalks and slushy side roads by now, but it made for a wonderful wintery weekend. (Note to self to lay off the alliteration).

Winter White. Thick wool rugs & pillows in shades of latte and buttermilk. A display of all white bowls, plates or vases. Repaint the hallway floors in white. Paint a whole room in serene white. Mix organic raw wood stools with white & cream textiles. Lighter Brighter Whiter.

While a hearty beef stew does sound rather appetizing on a cold post snow night, I am trying to eat healthy this month with more fresh fruits and veggies. So, tonite its going to be a Warm Winter White Salad.

Winter Salad Ingredients

Lightly roast Endive or white cabbage with olive oil and cracked pepper until al dente. Finely slice fresh pear. Toast a handful of pine nuts. Boil a quail egg. Crumble some extra sharp white cheddar cheese. Make a quick dressing of fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Assemble fashionably. Mine sort of resembles a winter white octopus don’t you think? Come on, stretch that imagination.

Warm Winter Salad

A crisp chilled Pinot Grigio completes and compliments the salad.

Snuggle up with a good book tonite and dream up some ideas of how to bring winter white inside this January. Let me know what you do to make your place a whiter shade of winter!

Snow Daze

Tall, Dark and Handsome

Winter Design Inspiration

He is tall, dark, handsome and will have you licking your lips at first glance. He is good company on a cold dark Winters night. He doesn’t talk much but is an amazing listener. If he is hurried, he gets all foamy and weird so best to take your time with him. He satisfies in the most refreshing, yet decadent way possible. They say he is good for you. I say he is the perfect date when I am making my Winter halibut dish called “Dragon Fish”. So, I invited him over.

Good For You

There is a bar in Kinsale, Ireland called The Spaniard. It could be said that it is my favorite bar that I have ever been in. Maybe it was because of the locals who were all singing Irish folk songs all nite. Maybe it was the dark panelled wood and the heat coming from the fireplace. Maybe it was that satisfying glass of Murphys, I was drinking. Murphys is S. Ireland’s Guinness. I guess it was all of the above, creating a few magical nights lost in lore, lyrics and lots of beer Today’s weather (cold, windy and grey) had me longing for the Spaniard. Set up on top of the village it overlooks the harbour, welcoming home the weary sailors and fishermen with a pint and a piping hot fish pie. I craved both today.

Best Bar Ever

Tall Dark and Handsome is a great way to re-design your house for the Winter as well. Dark grey & black nobby wool blankets and pillow on the sofa and  bed. Faux fur throws over your dining room chairs make for cozy dinners. Paint a wall in chalkboard paint and write your favorite quotes, resolutions or inspirations on it as we wait for Spring. Replace soft linen lamp shades with black ones and take the wattage down for a subtle glow. Small accents like black frames, black light switch covers and black kitchen towels/rugs bring gravity and warmth into your home during the long Winter months. I love decorating with black and there is no better time of the year to do so than now.

Winter Fish Tales

All that decorating is going to kick up your appetite, so what better than a healthy meaty fish dinner? Fish is not just for Summer. Just ask all those hungry Irish folks lining up in the dead of Winter for the Spaniards fish pies.  I should have called this recipe The Spaniard, in my book, b/c it’s exactly the dish that is best served with a pint. I called it Dragon Fish. That’s a bit about lore and lyrics too I guess. (Stretch).

Dragon Fish

1 lb Halibut (meaty white fish)

1 lb. Mussels (washed & debearded)

1 tsp Turmeric

1 Tsp. Star Anise Seeds

1 Tsp. Chinese Five Spice

1 Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

1 Tsp. Ground Ginger

1 Tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Yellow Onion

1 Cup Chopped Tomatoes (or 1 can)

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 Cup White Wine

2 Tbsp. Mango Chutney

1 Can Coconut Milk

Rinse the halibut and pat dry with paper towel. In a small bowl mix the turmeric, star anise, chinese five spice, ginger, red pepper and cinnamon. Combine well. This is a dry rub. You can make extra and keep handy. Completely cover both sides of the fish in the dry rub.

In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add a bit of the dry rub to the hot pan and then add the  halibut. Sear on each side for 30 seconds and then add the wine. Let the wine cook down for about 2-3 minutes, then add the coconut milk and chutney. Then it mix all in and then spoon over the fish a few times. Cover the pan and cook until the fish begins to pull apart (approx. 10-12 minutes).

When 5 minutes away from being done, add the fresh mussels to the pan and cover. They will steam open adding more juice to your coconut  milk spicy sauce! MMM.

Serve the fish in bowls with some mussels and a big spoonful of that delicious sauce! Season with fresh cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Don’t forget the Guinness. Cheers! Stay warm and cozy out there ya’ll!

H

Gentle January

My January Mood

January. A Fresh Start. A Time to reflect, but also the perfect time to look ahead. A Time to finally make that life vision board you ok me, have been trying to get to. A great time for more…

Hot Bubble Baths

Journal Entries

Bucket List Editing

Comfort Foods

Long Winter Walks

Exploring new Paths

Taking Long Drives on Country Roads

Sipping frothy Cappuccinos

Snuggling by a Fire

Wearing Flannels & Woolly Socks

Rest Restore Renew

Speaking of comfort food, what hearty dish is better to snuggle up to in January than a rich risotto. Here is my personal favorite risotto recipe. These flavors are brilliant together and definitely will fuel you for that long winter walk to follow.

Winter White Risotto

Serves 4-6

1 Cup Arborio Italian Rice

1 Quart Vegetable or Chicken Stock

1 Bottle Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio style)

1 Tsp. Fresh Chopped Garlic

2-3 Shallots, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh finely chopped Rosemary

1 Fennel Bulb, quartered

1 Cup Finely grated Parmesano Reggiano Cheese

1 Lemon

Fresh Ground Salt & Pepper

Roast the fennel in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Drizzle first with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and some salt & pepper.

Put a tbsp of olive oil in a deep heavy saute pan. Add the garlic, onions and rosemary and saute a few minutes. Add the rice and let it warm through about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add stock to just cover the rice. Begin stirring. Alternate adding stock or wine in the same way for the next 25 minutes. Only add liquid when the rice has absorbed all in the pan.

Finely dice the roasted fennel.

When the risotto is al dente, not mushy, add in the fennel, the cheese and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Finish it with fresh ground pepper and salt if desired.

Now that is what January is about! Cozy up with a good book before that walk and zzzzz…food coma

Welcome to 2012. Let’s make it Significant!

H

Happy New Year 2012!

A Toast To 2012!

It’s Here! The much-anticipated 2012! 

So many friends faced struggles and hardships in 2011. While we hate to see the people we care for going through hard times and situations, we must always remember that it’s those dark times that make us stronger and wiser. We learn about ourselves during hard times and if one goes through them with an open mind and heart, they will grow and find a better version of themselves on the other side.

Will the earth cease to exist after 2012? I don’t know. What I do know is I am not going to dwell on it. I am not going to give that notion energy.

I am going to embrace 2012 as year for new possibilities, reaching new heights in my personal and professional life.

Dance like noone is watching

I am going to Dance! Let my feelings out through movement.

Reach for the Stars

I am going to Stand on the tips of my toes reaching Higher and Higher.

Wheeeee

I am going to give Voice and Song to my Dreams and Aspirations. I am going to scream out loud like a girl on a merry go round in sheer delight.

On Air

I am going to walk 6 inches off the ground….Floating along because I am Grounded on the inside.

Be Free!

I am going to let Laughter be my best accessory. We all look good in our Smiles.

Love Life

I am going to Love. Love myself, love my friends and family. Love you. For it is love that heals all wounds and lifts us up over stormy seas.

Believe

I am going to Believe in the impossible. I am going to have all my wildest Dreams come true.

Join me? Let’s make 2012 the best year of our lives! 

New Years Eve sans Bubbles?

Set your Soul Free this NYE

Why does New Years always have to be champagne & caviar? Who said it has to be silver and sequins? I, being a huge fan of the aforementioned, have always embraced the traditional theme. However, sitting here with a lingering sniffle & cough, I feel like being cozy, come New Years Eve. Oh yes, I want to ring it in right! However must I be noshing on caviar toasts? Dare we drink something non bubbly?

Can cozy and glamorous exist together on the same menu, same table and same outfit? Here is my case that New Years Eve can be just as glamorous, sexy, tasty and celebratory without the sequins.

Recycled Bar Bottles

Decor : You can never go wrong with classic Black. Center your decor around black with linen napkins, matte black plates, black horn or shell serving utensils. Bring in natural wood tones for texture and a more earthy feel. I love smoked black glass. Try to find goblets in black glass or at least for the punch bowl. Recycled glass whiskey jars make fun pendant lights over the bar and tables. Festive with attitude.

Sexy Silver

Cocktails : If you cannot depart from having some bubbles, then try an old English classic by mixing 1 part champagne or prosecco with 3 parts stout beer. The comfort of a beer with just a little sparkle. I also like the idea of a red wine sangria in that black glass punch bowl. Now that is some attitude!

Cozy Cocktails

Menu : Start things off with smoked oysters. A stovetop smoker works perfect for this. Serve them on black rock salt.

Smoked Oysters

Smoked Salmon served on pumpernickel toasts with creme fraiche, chopped egg and chives is a sure crowd pleaser.

A Classic

Homemade walnut & parmesan wheat biscuits are homey and rich, especially when topped with creamy gorgonzola or a triple french cream cheese. Serve a warm fig jam alongside for extra decadence.

Homemade Crackers with Gorgonzola

Dates stuffed with raisin studded mascarpone then wrapped in fresh basil is both beautiful to behold and a delight for the mouth.

A Sharp Presentation

Keep desserts rich and decadent but easy. Dark chocolate whiskey spiked truffles and mini pots de creme satisfy the sweet spot and keep our NYE cozy and warm.

Mini Pots de Creme

Now the only thing to decide is what to wear!

For me, cozy is furry. A fun faux fur vest with a satin belt is festive yet warm. Tall black boots with a black or grey wool pencil skirt finishes this dark and moody look. Feeling a bit brighter?

Love This

I love this sort of bohemian glam look with the chunky boots, great scarf and wonderful jewelry. Ring in the new year both stylishly and comfortable.

Fun Festive and Fabulous

So what do you think? A warm, cozy, rich and decadent NYE over the cheesy 2012 sunglasses, cheap champagne, bad sequin dresses and uncomfortable stilettos NYE? I thought so too

Oh and most importantly, don’t forget when the clock strikes 12 …

Happy New Years

All Natural Christmas

Recycled Book Tree

For me, there is nothing better than an All Natural Christmas. I saved this one for last, because its my favorite.

My perfect Christmas is waking up to softly falling snow, in the mountains. Trees limbs glistening in their icy attire and the window panes frosty and sparkling with the morning rays of sun. The smell of fresh brewing coffee lures me out from under the covers. I pull on knee-high woolly socks and curl myself around a steaming mug. Now, I am ready! Bring on an All Natural Christmas!

Mountain Christmas

Decor : Bring the outdoors in. Pine cones, birch bark, evergreens and berries. Decorate a tree outside your window instead of taking one down. Enhance the golden rays of sunshine with shiny gold ornaments in over-scaled sizes, tumbling on stairs and floor. Gather fallen branches and make a stick tree adorned with glass ornaments filled with baby pinecones and evergreen.

Au Natural

For the Table : Burlap. Burlap. Burlap. Ok, other options could be rough butchers paper, wool or jute. Anything knobby and textured in its pure form. Even a raw hand-spun cotton would be divine in its creamy natural color. Small birch wrapped candles. Handmade natural tone ceramic plates. Branch candle holders. Slate platters, wooden serving utensils and bowls. Napkins tied in rough twine.

Hearty & Warm

For Dinner : An All Natural Christmas means a warm and hearty meal. Coq au Vin, Beef Burgundy, Shepherd’s Pie or Guinness Stew are a few stick to the ribs main courses. Serve this with a lavish cheese plate, various whole grain, whole wheats breads and crackers, fresh figs and dried apricots. A smoked gouda fondue is a great starter with chunks of bread, broccoli, cauliflower and woodsy mushrooms. For dessert? Buche de Noel of course!

The Classic

For Presents : Wrap Responsibly! Use cotton kitchen towels, brown packing paper or newspaper. Tie them up with butchers twine, rope or ribbon remnants from past kept wrapping.

Takeaway Cookies

If you are having Christmas Eve dinner, have a cookies and milk takeaway gift for each guest. Could be a cute carton of milk with a stack of cookies wrapped in parchment paper and twine.

Cookies & Milk for Santa

If you are lucky enough to be in a place where a White Christmas is already there or guranteed to be there…then let the outdoors in this year!

A White Christmas

If you are in a big city, like me, with no snow in sight, you can still have an All Natural Christmas. Every corner in the city has a tree stand and every butcher shop on every block will be happy to give you some extra twine and paper this year. Recycle those old NY Times for wrapping paper and the bodegas are full of red berry branches.

Christmas in the City

No matter where you are, may Christmas be a time of peace and happiness. A time to remember, to reflect, to rest. A time to indulge in food, in exercise in the spirit of the Holiday.

To An All Natural Merry Christmas!

xo

H

Blush & Bashful, A Pink Christmas

Pink Presents

You knew it was coming. How could I not include a PINK theme for the holidaze? It is the perfect retro vintage color theme. It is a hip modern urban theme. It is a playful sassy chic theme. It is a sophisticated tasteful traditional theme with elegance and grace. It is Blush and Bashful.

So, without further adieu, I give you A Pink Christmas.

A Perfect Pink Christmas

I like this theme in a two ways in terms of Entertaining.

On the “light” but sweet side, it makes for a great…

“Desserts & Cocktails” 

Menu: Pink macaroons, little pink cups of chocolate pots de creme, pink cake pops, pink petit fours and of course a fabulous pink Bouche de Noel!

Cocktail: Serve up pink Martinis & grapefruit juice Mojitos & Rose Vino

Takeaway: Cellophane bags with homemade Peppermint Pink Marshmallows with a homemade Chocolate & Bailey’s Cocoa recipe. You just made fans.

Modern Pink

Pink Holiday Dinner Party , Mais Oui. 

Menu: Nothing says Holiday decadence  more than Beef Tenderloin cooked to a perfect Medium Rare served with a Fig & Port Sauce. Roasted Baby Red, Purple and White Potatoes in Rosemary Olive Oil with bits of chorizo; add some heat and more pink patina.

Pink Bubbles

Cocktail: Pink Veuve Cliquet por favor! is the perfect pink cocktail before dinner and then Red Wine with this decadent menu.

Decor: Going Pink for Christmas has a lot of options. No matter if you go Vintage, Modern, Retro or Girlie, just stay away from Pink Pitfalls. No pink garland please. No pink panthers, pigs or ‘pattamuses. Think vintage pink glassware, antique glass ornaments in soft hues of pink and linens of blush and bashful. Think Steel Magnolias. Sigh. OR

Go with a vibrant modern them with strong color, strong flowers, linens and that ever so iconic Pink Tree.

Simply Pink

I know it’s not for everyone, but it sure can be a glamorous statement during the holidays. Its only a few pages over over on the color wheel from Christmas Red. Go ahead, dare to step outside of tradition and see how happy shades of Pink can be during your Holiday Season. Party with Pink

xo

H

Peacock Inspired Holiday Party

Peacock Plume Party!

There is no more beautiful (and potentially feisty) bird than the peacock. Yeah, I hear your Swan song but a swan is just white (sometimes black and disturbing) with a long neck. What other bird in the kingdom can prance around the yard, and with no warning, flash open a fan of the most amazing feathers. Feathers that reach to the sky and shimmer iridescent attitude.

The holidays could be Santa Red and Grass Green OR they could be an array of iridescent blues, greens and golds. The colors of the peacock blend so well that we have come to call this combination of green, blue and gold…Peacock. It has its own Pantone. It needs to be taken more serious and used a lot more in entertaining. Right?

So, I propose a holiday decorating theme & cocktail party, where our feathered friend is the guest of honor.

Decor: A peacock feather wreath on the front door is a must. How lovely is that? Extra feathers can fill bronze or antique gold vessels on the buffet table, hall entry table or on the mantle. Weave the feathers into a traditional mantle garland. For the tree, there are a wide variety of peacock themed ornaments. I like the less subtle ones that just carry the tones of the bird, without having a bunch of birds all over the tree. As one dramatic gesture, perhaps have the tree topper be a peacock. No, it doesn’t have to be a stuffed real one. Although I have to say that would be pretty haute. There are lots of faux options out there.  I also think a regular Christmas tree wreath is nice wrapped loosely with a peacock-blue colored ribbon. Use platters that are of the same tones of our feathered friend  and Caspari has great napkin options in the turquoisey blue-green shades. www.caspari.com. Instead of colored candles, use Moroccan tea glass in green and blue for candle holders.

Invites: There are lots of options here. You could use a nice golden color paper and hand stamp a turquoise green peacock feather down the length of the paper. You could also choose to use the peacock-blue green color as the paper and print feather in black on the page with the invite text. Another option is attaching a real feather to the invite, although your invite is certainly now over standard size mail.

Takeaway Gift: Yes, the easy idea is a ribbon tied feather for each guest. I like the idea of using the peacock colors for a sweet treat takeaway. How about pistachio macaroons or mini blue cupcakes with an emerald-green frosting? How about mini blue macaroons with a pistachio filling? It could even be as simple as a peacock sugar cookie with a mix of blue-green frosting swirled across the bird. Strapped for time and can’t make the takeaway sweet treat. No worries. Just buy various shades of blue and green jelly beans to fill clear bags and tie off with a pretty turquoise green ribbon. What other easy take away treats can all you bakers out there think of?

Peacock Party on a Plate

Cocktail: I like the idea of blue cosmopolitan because our bird deserves a sophisticated cocktail. However blue margaritas are another fun option. If serving a blue drink is a little to close to a Smurf theme for you, then just serve your cocktail on a peacock napkin or have the garnish be three olives of various shades of green, bright to dark.

Menu: You most certainly could make a dinner party with this theme. I just happen to be in the cocktail party mood this week. Its more social, lighter and is easier to prepare ahead of time.

Peacock Themed Cocktail Party

Scallops on the Half Shell

Crispy Chili Spiced Shrimp

Rice Paper Rolls filled with Julienne vegetables like jicama, green onion, green papaya, fennel and parsley

Potatoes Hassleback (always party popular)

Squid Salad with Mizuno leaves, Thin red onion and a green pesto dressing

Butternut Squash for that beautiful golden color

Peanut Butter Ginger Cookie Sandwiches filled with Vanilla Nutmeg Frosting

It can be just that easy. Most of these appetizers require little preparation and cook times. I chose these items because they aren’t too heavy but substantial enough to feel like you have had dinner. 

I can already see the gorgeous wrapped presents under the tree with shimmery turquoise and green paper tied with organza ribbon of emerald and jade. Plume your package with a feather and really who even cares what’s inside! Well…

I was going to write tomorrow about a fun Pink themed party but my Broncos just  pull this game off against Chicago so it might have to be a blue and orange horse theme! Go Broncos!

A Minty Holiday Cocktail Party

Design Inspiration

16 Days til Christmas! While we are not quite having visions of sugar plums just yet, the reality of the Holiday Season has definitely set in. Along with much colder temperatures here in NYC. I wouldn’t even mind seeing a few flurries just to really make it official. While RSVPing to my first Holiday Party tomorrow night, I realized I have done nothing about planning one of my own. Might need to get on that soon.

So, I started brainstorming for a few themes that don’t entail holly, faux snow and red velvet. Nothing wrong with those things mind you. I just am ready for something FRESH and FUN. That thought sparked the idea for my first theme.

We all associate Christmas with green. How about we just slide from evergreen to mint green? Easy enough. Its lighter, brighter and has a cool retro sorta feel to it. Don’t ya think?

Decor: Keep it on the sophisticated side. Use matte white, cream, tans and wood tones for the serving pieces and plates. Mix in a few whimsical bits of mint using green milk glass. Make these wonderful book pages coned trees for the buffet table and bar. Its smart

Flowers: The flowers want to stay neutral as well. No mint roses ok. White roses with curly willow or pussywillows creates a soft warm atmosphere.

Invites: I always try to use snail mail for parties. So much more traditional and proper. However time is of the essence, so you may have to go the email route. Use a parchment paper heavy stock hang card for the invite. It  again is neutral and elegant but with an element of fun. Stamp on a winter pattern be it snowflakes or ornaments in soft mint or white. These could show up again as description cards for items on your party buffet.

Take Away Gifts: Because you have all the time in the world and your first name is Martha, string together mix matched buttons to create little wreath ornaments. Tie on a mint colored ribbon as the tree hanger. Place them all in a basket by the door as takeaway ornaments.

For Fun: Make a non mistletoe out of fresh mint and hang over the buffet table. Even 3 of them would be great spread out across the table.

Minty Menu

Now to the good part. What to eat. The color mint feels light and fresh, providing us a good excuse to actually serve healthy appetizers. Use fresh mint as the garnishes.

In lieu of a regular cocktail make a vodka, mint & lemon granita. Its like snow cream for big kids.

For the crudite, blanch white asparagus & French green beans. Thin slice celery and fennel. Peel the skin off radishes and plop them in a bowl with pickled white onions. Pickles! Oh sure why not. But go with little cornichons. Whip up a dip using sour cream, creme fraiche, fresh mint and fresh basil. Salt & Pepper. What else?

Spicy sesame crab cakes with pickled ginger and fresh wasabi, check!

Hollowed out granny smith apples filled with warm caramel sauce. Hey, its 1/2 healthy right?

Honeydew Melon slivers wrapped in prosciutto. A must.

Toss a big organic green salad with a bright lemony vinaigrette. Oh sure, toss in some roasted walnuts and white raisins.

For that one rich decadence we must have around the holidays, whip up some thin mint truffles. Truffles are the easiest things in the world to make. They are in my book. Just work the thin mints themselves in where you would add the flavoring. Sooo delish and Minty!

So that’s it. Now, just to get the invites off, finish unpacking my new apartment and find the time to string buttons together, lol!

Hope to hear from you if you use this theme. Send pics. Tell me what you served or did differently for the decor. I made a pinterest board for the theme, so check it out if need more inspiration.

Happy Holidaze are here…

xo

H

Bohemian Bourgeois Supper

Thankfullness

How things can change in a mere 9 days. A week ago Saturday night, I hosted Supper Club in my old apartment for the last time. The good news is that I believe it was the best one to date! The bad news is that,  like all good things, it had to end. Sunday morning came too soon and as the dishes were washed and dried, they were then packed away in moving boxes. So it began. I really can’t complain about the move. It’s an amazing new apartment with a garden for Ms. Sula. The kitchen is ridiculously amazing and it has a claw foot bathtub. Need I say more? Let’s talk about Supper though, we have lots of time to explore my new pad.

Bobo Table

The theme was Bohemian Bourgeois and I decorated the table with colorful pencils, vintage postcards, little hand bound journals and a few inspiring quote books. I encouraged everyone to channel their inner bohemian self during dinner and leave a poem, a shared thought or a drawing. I was not to be disappointed. I had also, given it was Thanksgiving weekend, asked each guest what they were thankful for. Wow! This was my favorite part of the night. Ok ok I am giving too much away. Lets start at the beginning.

Courses 1 & 2

The first delight, for my 13 guests, was the homemade Rillettes that had been melding for 3 days in the frig. (Recipe from Anthony Bourdain cookbook for Les Halles) I served it with toasted baguette, spicy pickled carrots, cornichon and whole grain mustard. This was a shared starter between every 4 people.

Next there was Thai moules (mussels) with a coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger & thai chile sauce.

As the guests warmed to each other and the conversation became more animated and filled with laughter, I felt a smile begin to grow across my face as I prepared the salades. There is no greater joy for me than bringing strangers together around food and watching them become friends.

Voila

Salade Lyonnaise (sorta) with quail egg, duck lardons, butter leaf lettuce & a dijon vinaigrette. Best part was I had printed each guests thankful thought on a paper ribbon and presented then on the salad. Each guest took a turn and read what someone else at the table was thankful for. I just got chills, again.

The next course was a risk, but hey, I gotta challenge myself somewhere. I grilled hen of the wood mushrooms (yes, that is a mushroom) with a rosemary olive oil and balsamic marinade and then sprinkled them with black sesame. I gave each plate a parsley, lemon juice, olive oil dollup. Success! It was really rich and meaty. Perfect to prep for the main course. The only drawback was that the apt. got rather smoky with the indoor grill pan. Ah, its Bohemian right?

Hen of the Wood

Main course was a standing rib roast marinated in rosemary and garlic. I made a porcini red wine reduction gravy and served the meat with Petatou (red bliss potatoes mixed with olives, parsley & cream then broiled off with a goat cheese topping). Um, it melted on the tongue. I think I made a fan or two. Big thanks to Arturo for carving our big guy up. Men are somehow just innately better at this.

Standing Rib Roast

Then, dessert. Mom’s famous pumpkin roll with a new twist (sorry Mom, it was time). I added mascarpone to the cream cheese filling. I added candied pecans on top and the drizzle of caramel sauce. I might have witnessed a few people licking their plates but I am not naming names

Pumpkin Roll

We toasted with port! We laughed, we told stories, we became FB friends. Not so bohemian but hey.

Sweet Sentimental Endings

Thank you thank you thank you to all that came and made it a wonderful night of fabulous food, friends and fun. I am thankful that each one of you were there.

xo

H

PS. The boxes are all gone and this new kitchen is begging to be cooked in! Stay tuned. Its going down.