Goodbye 2009

I’m a big fan of New Year’s Eve. I’m a fan of the little push it provides to review the last 12 months and plan all the new things to do in the next year. I’ve been super lucky in 2009 – I made new friends, visited some great spots, cooked new, fun dishes and managed to do all three at once occasionally!

One of the best parts of 2009 for me was the launch of Food52.com, a site that lets home cooks share recipes and build bonds over food, and compete a bit for a place in the Food52.com cookbook all the while. I’m in love with most everything I’ve made from that site and am so grateful for the chance to get to know amazing food fans. To show a little love to the Food52.com community, I’m cooking a New Year’s Eve meal almost entirely-inspired by winning recipes from the site. I’ll be sure to share how it all goes. Here’s what I’m trying tonight:

NYE Cocktail: Ginger Grapefruit Bubbly

This drink is entirely concocted from a Twitter conversation with @MrsWheelbarrow, a great lady I met via Food52.com. I plan to rim old-style champagne glasses with grapefruit zest & sugar, and make ginger simple syrup that I’ll mix with some homemade grapefruit-elderflower marmalade. I’ll put a tablespoon or two in each glass and top it off with sparkling wine.

Small Plates:
Smoky Fried Chickpeas
Citrus-Herb Feta & Olives
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Walnut Pesto on Toasts

Main Course:
Cowboy-Rubbed Rib Eye with Chocolate Stout Pan Sauce
Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions & Bacon
Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Dessert:
Mascarpone Crema with Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies

I hope you have a great time tonight. I wish you an amazing 2010!