So long, farewell, au revoir, auf wiedersehen

What a year!  

Let's celebrate the end with a heartfelt wish that next year we'll be together with our loved ones!

I prepared a late supper consisting of appetizers . . .

Shrimp cocktails . . .

Ham spread sandwiches on pretzel buns . . .

Deviled eggs with bacon and red pepper bruschetta . . .

Hummus with Naan Dippers . . .

Crab cakes . . .

The perfect spread to watch the weird show in Times Square without people . . . and to blog . . .

I didn't forget my grapes, two skewers holding twelve grapes each, our Cuban Tradition for New Year's Eve.

Wishing and praying for health, for ourselves and the entire world.  Happy New Year!

Oscar Night 2020

A dear friend has been hosting a glamorous pajama party for 20 of her nearest and dearest women friends and relatives for the last several years.  So, while her husband watches football upstairs, Cathy takes over the man cave and transforms it into a swanky lounge and theatre in which to watch the Oscars on TV.

Over the years, the ladies have begun bringing gifts for the other guests, not in any regular way, and it's all completely unpredictable in nature, it's certainly not required, and there's no expectation whatsoever, but we all end up going home with some fun swag.  I think, it's because we are all women, and the caring instinct takes over, especially in the midst of so many other wonderful women.  We all seem to want to give!

This year, remembering the success at Christmas, I decided to bring the ladies some Fannie May candy. 

When I went to the store, I noticed that Fannie May was celebrating its 100th Anniversary, and thought it would be special to take advantage of this opportunity.  Sometimes, things click into place so easily!

The reusable tin box contains creamy caramels covered in chocolate, and features the iconic Chicago "L" — the system of elevated train tracks that loop parts of Chicago's downtown.   I'm not sure how much this would be appreciated outside Chicago, but it was a hit at my Christmas Eve party, and I hope the ladies approve.

The lights were dimmed, and there was a lot of glitter and sparkle . . .

There was lots of champagne!

And, popcorn, of course . . .

as well as many other snacks.

Ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille . . .

Memories of Christmas Eve 2014

Regrets, I have a few, and occasionally they can be corrected . . . This is one of them.  I never posted our table on Christmas Eve 2015.  I know, it was eons ago, and we've all moved on.  But I'm seriously thinking of taking down the blog and there are some things I'd like to wrap up.  As I look back, I can't believe I forgot to post this table!  It was so pretty!  Well, if you'll indulge me, here are some pictures:

Ralph Lauren came to the rescue this year when I fell in love with the beautiful floral print in sage green with a splash of pomegranate red.  With a print like that, I didn't have to work very hard at adding other interesting elements to the table.

Maybe just a centerpiece with lots of white roses and a touch of silver.  White roses are among my favorites at any time of the year and they always seem to elevate any table dressing.

And napkins folded à la Fleur de Lis.  My Federal Platinum dishes calmed the table down and provided a little rest for the eyes.

That was as much effort as I was willing to put that year on the table because I was saving my energy for cooking and baking!

Here was the hit of the night:  Crab Cakes on a bed of homemade Sweet Tomato Jam, topped with Arugula lightly dressed in olive oil.  I was in Atlanta this year and I picked up the recipe from the hotel where I was staying.  I couldn't wait to try it out!  But most of my time was spent baking cookies!

Honey Pecan Butterballs and Magic Bars in the background . . .

Peanut butter blossoms . . .

Thumb print cookies . . .

Potato Chip Cookies . . .

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies . . .

I don't often bake these many cookies, there never seems to be enough time.  But 2015 was one for the cookie books!  

Here's the fam . . .  I never get tired of the yearly shot of us all around the dinner table.  My son David wasn't with us this year.  He was gone doing his Army thing and we sorely missed him.  But this year . . . everyone is coming home!  There's a lot of baking in store for me in the days to come.  I am a happy woman!

Chicago in White 2015

We thought we were registering for Le Dîner en Blanc . . . instead we ended up at the Chicago in White event . . . and had a blast!

White events seem to be all the rage.  The French started it with Le Dîner en Blanc, a very chic pique-nique, the location of which is always shrouded in secrecy . . . and now it's spread all over the world!  Well, maybe we'll have a chance to do it next year . . .

But the Chicago in White event was absolutely lovely, and fun!  And now that we have all acquired complete white outfits, and a few little white extras, we are definitely going to do it again!

This year's event took place at Ravinia, the oldest outdoor music festival venue in the United States.  For this special night, Chicago Jazzman, Ramsey Lewis, celebrated his 80th birthday and performed accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra!  We would have gone to the event regardless, but having Ramsey Lewis perform was such an awesome treat!  I'm a big fan!

I couldn't resist snapping pictures of some of the guests.  These two ladies were having such a good time! This year, the proceeds of the event benefit Ravinia's “Reach * Teach * Play” program, that provides accessibility to music education in the Greater Chicago area.

So we packed up a nice dinner . . .  Brought umbrellas, since the day was slightly overcast . . .

Decked ourselves in white from head to toe . . .

Set a pretty table, to which we all contributed . . .

And  . . . enjoyed!

The event kick off  is announced with trumpets and the waving of the white napkins.

The menu was also a joint effort, but my friend, Layda's Caprese Salad on skewers, stood out for its prettiness and deliciousness . . .

And my friend, Chris, wins the prize for the bottle of wine with the most interesting name:  Sangue di Giuda - Judas' Blood!  It's a red semi-sweet sparkling wine with fruity undertones, pefect for a warm summer night!

Rose, Layda and Nick . . .

Miguel and Chris . . .

The centerpiece included ranunculus (my “new” favorite flower) . . .

Gillyflowers, tulips, roses and waxflowers . . .

I'm already thinking about next year . . .

Greek Caprese Salad

Use Feta crumbles instead of mozzarella, add non-pareil capers, some calamata olives, and a few other tasty morsels, then drizzle with some Greek olive oil . . . and you have the makings of a wonderful tidbit tray to share while steaks are grilling . . .

Lemon thyme, native to the Mediterranean, and some peppery arugula, compliment these luscious little tomatoes . . .  Easy and delicious summer goodness.  Oh, summer, how do I love thee, let me count the ways . . .

And, as the 4th of July approaches, I'm seeing the red, white and blue everywhere . . . even a star thrown in! 

If you'll pardon me, I'm going back outside now . . .

I'm linking to Seasonal Sundays hosted by The Tablescaper.  Please stop by.

Bruschetta!

It's not quite tomato season, and I haven't even planted my basil yet, but I pushed my cart past the bakery at our local supermarket, and the aroma of freshly baked Italian bread was wafting through the air . . . And it's only a few short steps from the bakery to the produce section . . .

I don't think I've ever gotten my fill of bruschetta. The flavors are so evocative of summer. Here's how I make it, but there are endless variations. I love them all!

6 Italian plum tomatoes, cut into very small pieces
6-8 Fresh basil leaves, stems removed, chopped very finely
Fresh garlic, crushed or chopped, to taste (I like a lot of garlic)
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
White balsamic vinegar, to taste (or substitute lemon juice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Shaved parmesan or romano cheese (optional)
1 loaf Italian bread or peasant bread, sliced ½-inch thick

1. Combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
2. On a cookie sheet, place slices of bread and brush with olive oil. Place the cookie sheet in the oven until bread is slightly browned and crispy.
3. Remove bread from the oven and pile bruschetta mixture on top.
4. Shave cheese right on top of tomato mixture.
5. Make a lot. This appetizer is a crowd pleaser and it goes fast! Buon appetito!