And a happy new year...

Well, for the third year in a row (at least; it seems longer!), we got the three musketeers together for a new year's eve party -- our son and two other kids we've known since they were babies, all born within a few weeks of each other. The package includes a few others as well (e.g. parents and baby brother) and this year Ron and Elsa joined us, as it was our turn to host.

It was a dinner party for twelve -- yes, the kids count, even if they don't eat much -- and I'm pretty sure a good time was had by all. (G-man and the Juj are still asleep, so I take that as a good sign.) The adults stayed 'at table' for the better part of four hours, while the kids played and watched Polar Express (the three big kids) and Thomas (guess who?!). We wrapped by counting down to midnight Eastern Time, which is as late as we've ever made it, and everyone went home before the real party-ers hit the roads.

• Cheese tray (nibbled before and after) -- Amadeus, year-old manchego, a nice blue - with caramelized walnuts, fig & almond "cake" and fig jam (thanks, Cynthia!)
• Smoked Salmon & Watercress Salad with Lemon-Caper Vinaigrette (and Pumpernickel Croutons) courtesy of FoodTV; Chuck nailed this one with a rose sparkler whose label escaped me
• Tomato & Fennel Soup (this and the entree were from Anthony Bourdin's Les Halles Cookbook -- delish; even the kids ate this -- with leftover pumpernickel croutons)
• Roti de Porc Au Lait (Pork Roast seared then braised in milk -- also scrumptious -- I did cook it off in the oven rather than stove top for more even heat); for the main course, C brought a delicious triumvirate: German white (Dr. F. Weins-Prum 2003 Estate Reisling), and two contrasting reds "Catherine Deneuve" and "Sophia Loren" -- I'm with Jen that "Sophia Loren" smelled of B.O. even if she was delicious with the manchego... (2005 Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone & 2006 Domain Chignard Fleurie "Les Moriers" -- not necessarily in that order)
  
• Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon Roasted Carrots (both courtesy of Whole Foods; made the evening pretty effortless, especially when paired with dessert delegation)
• Barley-Wild Rice Pilaf

Southern desserts, courtesy of the guests (woo-hoo!)

• Green Mold (something sweet and fluffy involving lime jello, pineapple, and ?? -- quite yummy, although not to be paired with the after dinner Quinta de Roriz 1999 Port)
• Buttermilk Pie (awesome, Sarah! and surprisingly good with the port)
  

With the old year escorted out in style, we now wish all our family and friends a fabulous 2008!

And who knows -- we may yet get out a holiday card; the current issue of Martha Stewart Living says the French exchange new year's greetings cards through the end of January, so now Los Guerreros can pretend to be French and have a whole extra month to catch up!