HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
I did miss all of you.  What new dishes did you all try to cook, or at least taste during my respite?  Did any of you make black-eyed peas?  Eat 12 grapes?  Jeweled rice?  We do need to do what we can to ensure us of a good, healthy and prosperous 2009!

We did something different this New Year's.  Usually, since it's my husband's birthday on the second I make Prime Rib Roast, Yorkshire pudding, roasted asparagus and a salad, buy a bottle of non-alcoholic wine or champagne and make him a dessert of his choice.  We celebrate with our kids, I use our wedding china and we even dress up!  

This year it was supposed to be sort of the same-but with a ham and my mashed potatoes instead and our grandkids would be joining the mix.  But, at the last minute, our daughter's family decided not to risk the extra travel since our son-in-law had to work (he does graveyard) and she'd have to drive home with the boys alone.  Our son and daughter-in-law got a call from a college friend who came into town unexpectedly and were leaving us as well!  So, we wound up taking my sister up on her offer to come over to her house for the evening.  She lives on a block where everyone is very social-they all put a last minute party together-jeans being the dress code staple.

It was a potluck-so we brought our non-alcoholic champagne and I made a batch of double chocolate chip biscotti.  My sister had various sparkling ciders and a couple of bottles of wine.  Her neighbors were bringing appetizers or other desserts.  

These really are the most fun.  No fuss, not much muss and everyone enjoying the chattering and music.

We went out to a local Mimi's Café with a two for one coupon beforehand.

My hope is that you all had a wonderful, safe and healthy New Year's celebration of your own.