We spent New Year's Eve at home, joined by friends Melanie, Rich, David and Shana for dinner, drinks and a rousing game of Boggle. It was the first time I'd played, and being a little drunk and in the presence of some of the smartest people that I know, it was not my finest moment. I managed not to be shamed into never playing again, which is a good thing.
The food was great fun to plan and make. We started with gougeres and a baked brie, covered in cranberry pepper relish and sliced almonds. For dinner we ate lamb chops marinated with garlic, rosemary and olive oil, with brussel sprouts braised in cream, a gratin dauphinois, and shitake mushrooms in a basalmic reduction. Everything on the table came from our local farmer's market, and it was a lovely thing to behold. We also had a salad of baby greens, peppadew peppers and pomegranate, brought to us by Melanie and Rich. For dessert I made chocolate souffles, topped with the salted caramel ice cream. It turned into a big gooey mess, but it was TASTY!
Today, the doorbell rang and I was surprised to see a FedEx guy standing at the door, with a box of flowers. I clearly looked confused, because he looked at me and asked if it was my birthday or anniversary. When I said that it wasn't he asked if I had a boyfriend or husband who had something to apologize for, and when I laughed off that suggestion he just shrugged and said, "I guess it will be our little secret, then". I walked inside and opened the package, to find a lovely bouquet of irises and a thank you note from Shana and David. How classy is that? I am totally impressed, and a little smitten with our new friends. What can I say, I'm a sucker for flowers.
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