Happy New Year!
We have a tradition of toasting the New Year around a campfire in our back yard. Not sure that's going to be carried on this year. We've shoveled a path to the firepit and dug out the ring (three times so far, as a matter of fact) but it may take a bit of work to get a fire going on the wet ground. Regardless, we'll say farewell to the 'naughts' and welcome 2010 with good friends, good food, and great wine.

This year we have the rare opportunity of toasting a Blue Moon on New Year's Eve. This occurance happens only every 19 years so it is definitely something to celebrate and the perfect drink for this is called a Blue Moon. You pour 1 1/2 oz. Bombay Saphire Gin with 3/4 oz. Blue Curacoa and a splash of Contreaux over ice in a shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Add a twist of lemon. Enjoy!

The year 2009 celebrated a great occasion in my family. My Aunt Alice turned 100 years young in August. Aunt Alice lives by herself, cooks her own meals to make sure they are healthy, and plays pool with "the boys" in the afternoon. She is a real lady, but plays a mean game of pool. Her advice for a long life is to eat healthy, stay active, and be happy.

Time to start cooking for company. Have a safe and sane holiday. Catch me next year!