Entre Nous.

For auld lang syne

Sidled up next to a tower of Champagne is how I'd like spend NYE some year. Doesn't it look just glorious? Trust Martha to give us the how to details.

So this looks to be my last post of 2010. I've managed to keep a goal I set for myself to post a little something every single day of the month of December. And on that note I plan to continue to post more frequently in 2011 (resolution 1, more to follow tomorrow).

Happy New Year! May your year ahead be filled with lots of sparkle and shine. 

Home on the range

      

A recipe that is constantly in demand among my set of friends and relations is a little something called Cowboy (or Texas) Caviar. It's easy to whip up and an instant hit. Plus, it just happens to include black-eyed peas, which are said to bring you luck and prosperity throughout the year ahead if eaten on New Years day. The recipe is rumored to be the invention of one time head chef, Helen Corbitt, of Neiman Marcus in Texas.

Cowboy Caviar

1 ea 15 oz. can black-eyed peas, drained 

1 ea 11 oz. can white shoe peg corn, drained

2/3 c. green onions, chopped

2/3 c. cilantro, chopped

1/2 c. tomatoes, chopped

2 avocados, chopped

Combine above ingredients

Dressing

1/3 c. olive oil

1/2 c. red wine vinegar

2-3 cloves garlic, pressed

1 t. cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix dressing well and add to main ingredients above. Let it sit for a bit before serving.

Cheers! Salute! Cin Cin!

 

Whether you're hosting a New Years Eve shindig or simply staying in, here are an array of Champagne cocktails recipes to get you inspired.

Poinsettia
Use a 1:4 ratio of triple sec to Champagne, with a splash of cranberry juice added for color.

Kir Royale
The fancy cousin to the made-with-white-wine Kir, the Kir Royale consists of a dash of creme de cassis (currant syrup), topped off with Champagne.

Bellini
Invented at Harry's Bar in Venice, the Bellini is best when made with ripe peaches. If peaches aren't in season, try creme de peche (peach syrup). Use a 1:4 ratio of syrup to prosecco.

Sparkler

Champagne even goes with tequila, when there are sweet-and-tart strawberries in the mix.

Mimosa
Use a 1:5 ratio of freshly-squeezed orange juice to Champagne. Then add a splash of triple sec. Try blood orange juice if you feel a bit daring. 

The Basil Fizz

It doesn't get any simpler than bourbon and Champagne. 

 

Reserve Basilica

Rum and Champagne? Absolutely, when mixed up in this delicious tropical cocktail, which is both tart and savory. 

 

The "experts" suggest pouring the mixers in first, then top off with Champagne to avoid fizzy overflow.

Recycle all the way

   

Love these clever ideas for how to recycle this years Christmas cards into next years Garlands, Ornaments, and Tags. Ideas snagged from Martha Stewart, naturally.

In the mix

 
30 Christmas CDs isn't an excessive amount to own, is it? I counted my collection the other day out of curiosity. Christmas music is still on heavy rotation in my house, despite the fact that New Years is looming. Every year I seem to add 2 or 3 more CDs to the collection. Of late included in those purchases is always Starbucks Holiday Compilation. This year I went with something new, Glee's The Christmas Album (ca 2010) and something vintage, Kenny & Dolly's Once Upon a Christmas (ca 1984). A little new school with a little old school is what my collection is all about.