Happy almost- New Year!

Mr. Foodie and I had a wonderful Christmas. It was more low key than in years past, but we enjoyed it. It is finally starting to feel like winter here in Florida. It was hot and humid on Christmas, but today it is in the 30s outside. It will be in the 50s/60s around noon. I have to say that I love living in Florida because we don't have to deal with snow and sleet, etc.

Mr. Foodie and I didn't have any money to buy gifts this year, not even for each other. Our families were still very generous and gave us many things. My Mom picked out shirts and sweaters for me that I love. She also gave me a cute PJ set that I am wearing right now. My Mother-In- Law got us the cutest Christmas ornaments ever. She always gives us at least one ornament each year. It is a very special tradition that I love. She gave us two black cat ornaments with our Cat Names on them "Southpaw" & "Katalina." She ordered them from Bronners.com.

Another favorite gift is from Mr. Foodies grandparents: Julia Child's Mastering The Art of French Cooking: Volume Two. I am so excited to read this cookbook and try a few challenging recipes. My new kitchen item came from my Sister who got me mini Cocottes from Le Creuset. They even came with a little cookbook with great recipes. I am also excited to try those as soon as I can.

I had better get back to studying. I take the Series 7 next Tuesday.... I feel I am prepared but I must keep studying to make sure. Happy Tuesday! I am very thankful for such a wonderful family and all of the great things I have in life.

Christmas Dream List

This year we don't have any extra cash to buy gifts. In order to satisfy my shopping cravings I thought I would create a dream Christmas list.

1. Dean & Deluca Parmigiano Reggiano Whole Wheel Cheese

2. Classic Di Porchetta

3. Milano Diamond Leaf Band Ring

4. Micropave' Diamond Earrings

5. Princess Cut Diamond Bracelet

6. Burberry Check and Leather Headband

7. Hermes Scarf

8. Lady Dior Leather Top Handle Bag

9. Pair of Tiffany candlesticks

10. Tiffany Diamond Bow Brooch

11. 2 Round Trip Upper Class Virgin Atlantic flights to London

12. 3 month Sail Boat Charter in the Virgin Islands

The Cranberry

Fresh Cranberries are my favorite thing about fall/winter. They are nutritious and taste great at the same time. Here are some of my favorite ways to use Cranberries this year.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Pinot Noir - I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit!

Cranberry Nut Bread - We are obsessed with this recipe. We have made it 6 times (not kidding).

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake - This was pretty good, but not spectacular. Whipped cream is a must to cut the sweetness of this cake,

This morning I made oatmeal with cranberries and pecans. I stirred in a handful of fresh cranberries in the boiling water before adding the oats. They made it taste really unique and also made the oatmeal turn pink! This would be a fun idea if you had kids.

Happy Holidays! Our Christmas Tree is in the house but hasn't been decorated because we have to get new lights. Once we get the lights and ornaments on the tree I will share some photographs.

Thanksgiving

I am so busy studying for my new job that I don't have time to post. Here is a picture of my Thanksgiving table.

Last Day

Today is my last day at my current job. A very exciting day indeed. I start the new job on Monday, so not much of a break for me!

I had a great time last night b/c my Friend "L" is in town. She cam over after work and Mr. Foodie and I made dinner for her. We make Chicken Tikka Masala, which I have posted about on this blog before. Such a great dish! Cooks Illustrated is always the best.

I went to World Market today with my 10% coupon and got chestnuts for my Thanksgiving stuffing and spices. They had a special buy 3 get one free on their organic spices which is pretty awesome!

I am so ready for this day to be over with...