We decided to cook a nice meal and dessert and enjoy each other's company for the evening. We felt thankful for such an amazing year in 2009 and I could not have imagined spending the year end any other way. I hope that you all had pleasurable times ringing in the new year, albeit much more exciting than ours.
I decided that I would devote a little more time this year to writing about recipes that we cook. I am often amazed that I am able to get food on the table in time for Grace's dinner at 5:30pm, but I always seem to manage. One of our stategies is to begin the meal in the morning. I will often chop, prep and measure things for a recipe, so that I only have a few steps left when I get home.
We recently purchased this candle wall art from Pottery Barn to cover the large wall space in the dining room. It is gorgeous lit up at night, but also looks quite nice in the day too.
Potato Torte- We made this AMAZINGLY delicious, rich and buttery torte on New Years. I can't say enough good things about it. It is definitely a special occasion food and not one for the New Year's diets.
It is supposed to have bacon in it, so we just put extra gruyere in it instead. You cannot go wrong with extra gruyere, that cheese is heaven.
We made it along with this simple salad- the dressing was really delectable and simple and it is the addition of soy sauce that does it: Cafe Salad
I made a coconut chocolate cake with coconut drizzle for dessert. It was in the January issue of Bon Appetit. It was not a very sweet cake and could be eaten for breakfast. We served it with a little lightly sweetened whipped cream. If I were to make it again, I would eliminate the orange zest (or reduce it by at least half). I realize that I am not a fan of orange and chocolate. I have linked all the recipes in case you want to make them.
Grace prefers shoes when they are off her feet
We walked to the store on New Years Day. Gracie loves going places in her car. It was a VERY cold and gloomy day that day. It was the kind of day that you stay in watch movies and stay warm under blankets. I love those days.
getting a ride in her wagon
Grace loves her dog Violet
Carter and Grace at Carter's First birthday. Last weekend we attended Anthony's 3rd Birthday in Napa and we did not take ANY pictures. We vowed not to let that happen at Carter's. I can't believe he is one already.
Here is Grace with Carter when he was just born..already so cute together!
It wasn't long before Alyssa needed to join in. Carter doesn't even know what a ladies man he is already!
Remember this one taken back in June. They all were so small back then.
Remember this one taken back in June. They all were so small back then.
Todd and I have been following a food blog called 101 Cookbooks for awhile now. The writer, Heidi, lives in SF and features healthy, simple and delicious Vegetarian Recipes. We usually try to make one of her recipes a week and have yet to be disappointed. I love the way she writes her recipes and the stories that she shares about the food she cooks. She is a skilled photographer and her food looks more like a work of art, not because she has perfectly arranged it, but because she allows the richness of the colors from the food shine through. We recently made this Broccoli Cheddar Soup- it is the best. Heidi always uses lots of condiments on her food. In this soup you top it with whole grain Dijon crotouns made out of rustic wheat bread, smoked paprika, a drizzle of creme fraiche and aged cheddar. It is a fantastic version of broccoli cheddar soup mainly because the soup is rustic and chunky, allowing you to taste the individual flavor of broccoli and the sharpness of the cheddar. Todd seems to recall that I already spoke of this soup... If I did, I blame it on Mom brain. I wouldn't be surprised if he was right.
Here's to 2010!
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