Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year's Eve

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Wow! This year really flew by!

I'm having a few friends over tonight to ring in the new year and I decided to do fondue. Here is my menu:

Appetizers

3 Cheese Fondue
cornichons, pickled brussel sprouts
red and green pepper strips
summer sausage, and cubed bread

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Entree

Hawaiian Marinated Pork
Garlic pineapple dipping sauce

Beef Fillet
Bacon bleu cheese dipping sauce
Aioli

Shrimp
Cocktail sauce

Cherry tomatoes
Zucchini

Dessert
Chocolate fondue with Raspberry Liqueur
pound cake, bananas, pears
marshmallows, strawberries

Beverages will include a variety soft drinks, wine, coffee, and bubbly for ringing in 2009.

May the coming year bring you nothing but peace and happiness.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Back Among the Living

I'm back! Did you miss me? I went to my folks for Thanksgiving and came back to computer problems.

So what have I been doing for the last month?

Let me see....

I've baked a mountain of cookies. I made Justine's and Fruit Rocks with my mom and aunt over Thanksgiving week-end. I made World Peace cookies, Apricot Pistachio bars, and Triple Ginger Biscotti for friends and family. I've made two batches of Chex mix and two batches of sausage balls.

I took my mom shopping one Saturday. That was an adventure.

I shot some mistletoe from the top of a tree. (I'm that good with a rifle!)

I read a few books. Wrapped an infinite number of presents. Made flavored vinegars.

I discovered a cool new store in my neighborhood.

And I seem to be fighting a seasonal problem with vertigo. It's like riding the Spider at the fair while sitting at your desk.

We had a party on Tuesday night with my book group buddies and I made Chicken Roumaki. It was very well received. No pictures, but here is the recipe:

1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lb chicken tenders
1 lb hickory smoked bacon
1 can sliced water chestnuts drained
1/2 c soy sauce
1 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 clove minced garlic
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 c water

Mix together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, green onions, garlic, and ginger and set aside.

Cut chicken tenders into 1 1/2" pcs. Cut bacon strips in half. Place 1 water chestnut slice and one piece of chicken together and wrap with bacon. Pin together with toothpick. When all are assembled, place in soy sauce mixture and refrigerate overnite.

Preheat oven to 375. Place bacon wrapped chicken on a foil lined baking sheet and bake until bacon is crisp (approx 40 minutes).

Enjoy!