HAPPY New Years 2020!!
Who else is excited for a whole new decade?!
My 2019 ended with another e p i c a l l y delicious NYE dinner with fellow cook, El Jefe Chef Fong, and our “sous-chef’s” May and Jenny.
The “NYE Cookathon” tradition began when we had small boys at home and didn’t want to pay for babysitting AND dinner out. And so, with me looking for a cooking challenge, we spent our first NYE at home, with Hubby putting together IKEA furniture and my beloved Nana helping in the Kitchen. We’d sit every hour or so, once I’d finished cooking a dish, then go back to boys/chores or cooking the next course. In between, we’d write a list of all the ups and downs the previous year had brought us.
As the years wore on, the food became more complex – and more delicious! Or not – after an evening of wine, one out of 10 dishes ends up biting it… On the whole, though it was actually BETTER food than eating out at most places anyhow, so it became a tradition. At some point friends with their kids starting joining in and it’s grown to about 10 of us who gather each year, kids upstairs with a giant batch of mac + cheese, adults at the table eating the “good stuff” haha.
This NYE the Menu wasn’t as complex as previous years (8 courses of French Laundry and 3 days of cooking, anyone?!), but still DELICIOUS – and more relaxing! It’s a mix of French + Italian, and all over YUMMY. I think all the guests were pleasantly full and fully pleased.
NEW YEARS EVE
Whiskey Sours w Blood Orange
Beef Tartare, Smokered Salmon
Scallop Brown Butter Risotto w
Black TruffleLobster Claw Bisque w
Creme Fraiche + CaviarBeef Tenderloin w Jus
Wild Mushrooms + Broccolini
Crispy Duck Confit + Blood Orange Salad
Cheese Course
Chocolate Souffle w Eggnog
Creme Anglaiseincl Wine Pairings + Champagne
19.12.31
Personal touches included Salmon that Kid Tt smoked out in my new Weber Smoker, and Risotto and Bisque from my end-of-summer Stock cook. I also took a half of blood orange for the salad and dehydrated slices for the Whiskey Sours – UM, YUM! None of the recipes were new, which made it fun to play with some new ingredient additions instead.
The whole family got involved for the first time, with our eldest making some amazing Whiskey Sours, the younger daughter taking charge of the tablescape, and one of our sons doing the smoking – such a fun event to host as a family!
How did YOU ALL celebrate the closing of the ’10’s, ringing in the roaring 20’s?!
However you did, I’m wishing you an incredible 2020 and decade ahead!
