auld lang syne

Auld Lang Syne is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. - Wikipedia

Cheers to 2014 with a Champagne Cocktail!

Place a sugar cube in a flute, hit it with about 4-5 drops of Angostura bitters and top with Champagne. Garnish with a citrus twist. 

I made Ina Garten's sea bass with preserved lemon sauce last night for our New Year's Eve dinner. It was light and citrusy - along with Bobby Flay's sautéed kale - yum! We started with carrot, ginger & apple soup.

soup in Cynthia Rowley's Dirty Dishes

1 & 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped

1 & 1/2 apples, peeled and chopped (or two small apples)

1 & 12 inch knob of ginger, peeled and minced

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

5 cups vegetable stock

2-3 tablespoons EVOO

S&P

pinch of nutmeg

Heat the EVOO in a large Dutch oven or stock pot and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute. Add carrot and apple and continue to cook - pour in stock and bring to light boil. Reduce to simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove from heat and add pinch of nutmeg. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth.

Pork and sauerkraut for January 1! Enjoy New Year's and the start of 2014!