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“I don’t think any day is worth living without thinking about what you’re going to eat next at all times.”—Nora Ephron
The late Nora Ephron was known both as a great cook, and for not eating dessert. But, later in her life, she would have lunch with friends and they, at her insistence, ordered multiple desserts, having small, reasonable bites of all of them. Isn’t that a lovely concept? Sharing…and eating!
Mmmmmm…cake! And chocolate cake at that. Isn’t it a delightful way to ring in 2019? Seriously, this is one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve eaten in a long, long time. This lovely cake was baked and decorated by a talented friend and she made it from scratch, too. Oh yes…did I mention she is “almost twelve-years-old”? Isn’t that wonderful? This young woman is a serious baker and should be an inspiration to us all. She reminds us to attempt the things we enjoy, but we perhaps find a bit daunting. To have courage to attempt those daunting things. To challenge ourselves. To look for the good in others. To find joy in simple things.
I think that’s what the New Year is all about. The potential of what may be. Or maybe, what will we make of the opportunities that come our way. And at this time of year, when many of us are thinking about diets, remember to enjoy the good things in life, too. Like cake. Happy New Year!
The Goddess and The Latin Lover are hoping you experience the pure joy of the season and make many happy memories to share through the ages. Happy Holidays to ALL!
Spatchcock? Or not spatchcock? That is the question. It’s such fun to say “spatchcock”…go ahead, say it over and over. Turns out, it’s a great way to save time cooking your turkey, too. I have done this with a twenty pounder, but today, it’s a smaller twelve pounder. Then, place your different types of seasoning on each quarter for four different flavors, because variety is truly the spice of life! 
This is particularly delicious with fish, seafood or pork. The thing I like about this, is that even though it’s nice Thanksgiving side dish, it’s wonderful when fresh apricots are in season. It’s quick, easy and totally delicious. 
Sweet potatoes are a nice change of pace and they shouldn’t be relegated to being served as just a Thanksgiving side dish. And savory is the way to go, as sweet potatoes are sweet enough…you know, like The Goddess! 
Tradition! Tradition! Can you hear the music soaring? Can you see the fiddler on the roof? Well, Oyster Stew was a New Year’s Eve tradition in my home. It was a simple version—butter, finely minced onion, whole milk, heavy cream, oyster and their liquor and heaps of black pepper…any oyster crackers. Simple and simply delicious. 
Everyone should know how and feel comfortable making Prime Rib…It is Perfection! The process for this “perfection”, is what’s referred to as a “reverse sear”. It produces an incredibly delicious slab of meat. We’re talking salivatingly delicious. 
The Goddess wants to take a moment (and I do mean just a moment) to wish One and All—Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Bon Natal, Joyeux Nöel, Buon Natale, and Merry Christmas! Yes, I know there are a ton more options, both from a linguist and religious standpoint. But, alas the language matters not, it’s the sentiment, the warmth and the joy of the Season, whichever holiday you and yours celebrates, that matters. Let’s join hands around our tables, look across those tables and see the best in each other. We all need to be seen in our best light.
‘Tis the time of year, and as you know, The Goddess loves her cranberry sauce. She loves homemade cranberry sauce. She loves the stuff in the cans, too. She’s been pining for cranberry sauce for months, so she began by making a double batch. Hey, cranberries are only around for a short time, but cranberry sauce can be forever! Well, almost…. 
Sweet potatoes or yams, I honestly don’t really know the difference. I know there is a difference. But, if you mash ’em up with some bourbon, top ’em with bacon and pecans and a good drizzle of maple syrup…well then, I don’t think it matters one bit. 