Happy New Year

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season! This year was the best Christmas I’ve ever experienced and I couldn't wait to tell you about all of the wonderful foods we enjoyed. My entire family gathered together for the first time in several years and my brother proposed to his girlfriend (something we’ve all been waiting for!).  After the surprise proposal, both families joined together for a celebration overflowing with food and wonderful conversation. The menu included tenderloin sliders with basil aioli, cowboy nachos with homemade pico de gallo, greek salad, vegetables with "Kiss Kiss" dip, salmon spread, Sicilian olives, Pomodori al Forno, and cupcakes decorated by my Mom’s specialty dessert designer.

My brother's friend, Philip attended the celebration (he took the picture above of my brother and his fiance).  He's an amazing photographer and after chatting a while I shamelessly got out my camera and asked him for tips.  He was very generous and gave me a little lesson on white balance, which for some reason, I’ve had the hardest time with.  Thanks Phillip.

On Christmas Eve, the clouds built all throughout the morning and the temperatures continued to drop. Early in the afternoon it began to snow, a huge deal if you live in Dallas. The snow continued all day and the festive mood only increased as we wrapped mounds of gifts and cooked up delicious foods to share. I’ve never experienced a white Christmas, so this was incredibly exciting! Then Christmas morning, we started our day with warm mugs filled with thick hot chocolate, a bit of coffee, and whipped cream while the kids hurried into their coats and mittens to play in the snow (yes, they were more excited about the snow on the ground than the gifts under the tree!). Christmas dinner table was filled with all sorts of delicious treats.  I’ve indulged more in the last few days than I have over the last year (sigh).

One of the favorites of the week was Pomodori al Forno. Slow roasted tomatoes, drizzled in olive oil, and served with goat cheese and a slice of bread. We found this recipe in Bon Appetit magazine last year and it quickly became a family favorite.

Since the recipe isn't my own I can't post it, but here's the link.  I omit the sugar completely, but if you want a touch of sweetness, you can substitute with honey. 

I look forward to sharing many new things with you in 2010 and will be starting off with several give-aways (I know, I'm excited too!).  Have a wonderful finish to your year and I'll see you again soon from California.