Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and delicious 2012 filled with miracles.

My 2011 will be remembered in much the same way as the previous three years have been noted for big life changes. Only 2011 brought the biggest life change I've experienced yet: the birth of a very special child, my first one. It will also be noted for a couple of personal challenges and a move from one of the densest cities in the world to a quiet suburb in Pennsylvania, much like the one in 2009 which took me away from San Francisco. Perhaps the biggest lesson 2011 has given me is to hold the reins more loosely on this wild ride we call life, one that I have not fully embraced, but should because every step has taken me to a happier place. What 2012 has in store for us, I don't know, but I'll look forward to savoring every moment of it one day at a time. 

Moroccan-Style Meatballs to Ring in the New Year

Did everyone have a nice holiday? There's still one big celebration around the corner, and the question is how will you ring in the New Year? Will it be a glamorous bash streaming with glitter and bubbly champagne? Or will it be a quiet evening made special by the company of good food and the ones you love?

continue reading...

Christmas 2011

Yes Santa, I do believe I have received the best present I could have asked for.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a blissful holiday and new year!

Dear Alex

Dear Alex,

A couple of months ago your father asked me how I viewed you. I replied, "I still look at him as our friend, he's just hanging out with us until he can take care of himself." Clearly I was trying to be funny, but there was more truth than comedy to my answer. Motherhood did not happen to me overnight, it had to mentally grow on me.

Over the past few months I've been surprised by the tenderness that has come over you. The sleepless nights, colic and crying has been replaced by sweet giggles, loving hugs and drooly kisses. My heart swells just thinking about it. What I find most riveting is the way that you look at me. The way that you cry inconsolably until you reach the comfort and safety of my arms. The way that your face lights up and legs kick with excitement when I walk into a room. It's more than a friendship. Somewhere along the way we fell madly in love with each other and that love has only deepened and from what I understand this bond is irreversible.

continue reading...

Dark Chocolate Mousse

Plush and dark, chocolate mousse is a melding of contrasts, bringing together the decadent lusciousness of whipped cream and the overpowering austerity of bittersweet chocolate. The addition of strong coffee augments the irresistible earthy flavors of this chocolate mousse. If bittersweet dreams could be a good thing this would be it.

continue reading...