Tis the season

A Bloody Mary, a crackling fire. Christmas is on its way.

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 2021: 100th Anniversary Year of the Bloody Mary cocktail, invented in Paris

Home for the holidays #3

Another holiday apéro, for six.

 

Above: planches of charcuteries w/assorted crackers; home-made variation of Austrian Liptauer cheese dip; sweet-salty pretzels w/nuts mix (recipe: David Lebovitz)

 

 

Home for the holidays #2

When neighbors happen to be friends....

 2021 was heralded in chez des amis with a simple celebration au coin du feu.

Above: champagne and smoked salmon w/chive cream sauce; variety of canapés

Below: foie gras de canard w/fig chutney; AOC farm cheeses 

 

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¡Las doce uvas de la suerte!

"The twelve grapes of luck"

When I lived in Spain, on New Year's Eve everyone would have a small cup of twelve grapes at the ready for when the first bell chimed at midnight, and with each chime, we'd eat one grape, and with each grape, make a wish. According to the tradition, downing all twelve grapes just as the last chime chimed would lead to twelve months of prosperity and good luck. This year, someone suggested cherry tomatoes instead but, superstitious, we decided it was better not to tempt fate. - BPJ

Home for the holidays

Celebrating during this holiday season has given a whole new meaning to, "Home for the holidays."

 

- Tomorrow: a New Year's Eve apéro -

Au coin du feu

A spot of tea, a cozy fire and good conversation warm up long winter evenings... along with holiday baking.

Below: fresh-from-oven pecan brownies; Vanillekipferl, Austrian butter crescents (mom's version w/crushed hazelnuts instead of almonds)