2013: The more things change...

In preparation for our 35th annual New Year's celebration,  Linda took a look back at previous years' memories, as best they can be chronicled, by way of this blog.

She discovered the following:

1. We always talk about planning our menu ahead, and every year "ahead" means about 24 hours before. At best. 
2. We always say we'll do something simple. Sometimes we mean it.
3. We always say we get too full on appetizers and next year will prepare fewer of them. We never mean that. 
4. It's been five years since we first gave Julia Child's Gratin Jurassien a try. Who knew how good a few simple (cholesterol-laden) ingredients could be? The menu has been built around this heavenly dish every year since. You don't mess with fabulous. 
5. The faces may change, but the tv view of people in Times Square -- the revelers and the hosts/guests of the rockin' eve extravaganzas -- consistently offer an interesting anthropological study.
6. We routinely discuss doing the next New Year's Eve on a cruise. And yet, here we are.... 

One year long ago, while watching Linda Ronstadt sing in a strapless sequined gown on a tv special, Vonnie and Linda pledged to similarly outfit themselves on a cruise for the 25th anniversary. It is a blessing to the cosmos that the 25th anniversary came and went sans strapless sequined gowns.  We're still talking about the cruise, and can only hope the strapless sequined gowns remain an unrealized aspiration.

You might call this being stuck in a rut.  We prefer to call it honoring tradition. And a beautiful tradition it is:

Our 2013-to-2014 table. Gratin Jurassien potatoes front and center, where they unquestionably belong. It was good to have Vonnie's mom, Doris, join us.

Last year's menu was a success, so we repeated most of it this year: Cotes de Porc Poelees (Julia Child's pork chops), fresh green beans and salad.  Preceded by cheese, salami, crackers and lavosh, stuffed mushrooms and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, then topped off with coffee kahlua, pre-prepared creme brulee, and a champagne toast at midnight. 

Tom wields the blow-torch to carmelize the creme brulee topping.

Waddling to the family room we tuned in the televised Times Square festivities, catching a glimpse of Jenny McCarthy in a giant lips-and-tongue costume and a large photograph of Kim Kardasihan's needle-studded face promoting the joys of acupuncture.  That was enough of that, and as the clocked ticked toward midnight we opted for a re-run of Doc Martin on PBS instead. We'll leave the anthropological study to someone else. 

The New Year's Day breakfast was straightforward and delicious. Scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, toast, leftover potatoes and mimosas.  On Vonnie's mom's pretty Christmas plates. 

You'll just have to imagine the hot cinnamon rolls that were inhaled before we could get the cell phone cameras out.

No new recipes to share this year, but here's a look at 35 years of source material: 

Someday, Linda will add a few of the tasty finds in these favorite tomes. Just not today. 

Truth be told, 2013 was no picnic, and we're all glad to put it behind us. We can't know what lies ahead but we'll hope and plan for the best.  A new grandbaby for the Clarkes, yes.  Possibly a reconfigured kitchen as well. That New Year's Eve cruise? Maybe. Strapless sequined gowns? Probably not.  New trials and new joys? Most likely. 

But whatever else 2014 brings, we will hold dear the bonds of life-long friendship that withstand change over time and help us greet each new year with fresh expectations. 

And full bellies.