Well, having my mother move to town one week before Christmas, followed by my visiting three sisters & their entourages for the New Year proved to be CONSUMING (in so many many ways). and FANTABULOUSLY FUN. and VERY MESSY.
One of my favorite quotes which I can unfortunately not ascribe to anyone in particular is this:
An aspiring culinary student inquired to the master chef — “What is the most fundamental thing I should learn to make?”
To which she replied, “A Mess.”
I like to remind myself of this as frequently as possible.
We had a nonstop flow of home-cooked yumminess (for 20+ people!) all through the New Year. Too bad the photo-documentation is poor. Rest assured we cooked, we connected, we shared, we celebrated.

chopping chopping chopping
- Avocado Christmas trees, as it turns out, are rather resplendent
As always, if you have a cooking conundrum or want me to blog a particular recipe, please ask! I’m always very inspired by a cook in need…
Happy New Year!