Ending the Year On A Delicious Note

As my daughter said of the entire decade: it was a son of a bitch.  Truthfully, I'm finding it challenging to recall much further back than the start of this crappy year, but at 16 her memory is better than mine so I'll go with it - an overbroad summation though it may be.

I can happily say, however, that 2009 appears to be ending with an upswing (and a Blue Moon), which is something I wasn't sure I would say 3-4 months ago.  For example: I know four couples who are recently engaged, this year is as close to being over as it's ever been, and I managed to find a job (other than updating FB and scrutinizing the job postings on Craig'sList) that has reawakened my love of cooking (and perhaps more dubiously - of eating).  To wit: Judy Rodgers' (French Green) Lentils Braised in Red Wine; produced by me despite a wicked weekend bender in which I dared to think of myself as capable of functioning in the kitchen following back-to-back nights of excessive revelry (see most recent post below).  And I almost was.  What a shame that I forgot the drizzle of olive oil at the end that would have renewed the sheen they had during braising.  Dammit.

Ah well, what's done is done.  (Like 2009!!!  FINALLY!)  The lentils were their peppery selves and slightly sweet, with just a hint of thyme - and they held their shape and texture beautifully despite having been made the day prior and then reheated.  They are an easy, delicious, somewhat unusual, and remarkably healthy (are you reading this Yolanda?) alternative to many other side dishes.  A perfect winter meal accompaniment (if one remembers the olive oil drizzle).

The company holiday party was an enormous success!  Thank you Bibby!  With roughly 10 dishes made from the Zuni Cafe cookbook, and not a single dud among them, this was an incredible meal!  From the grilled skirt steaks with 4 (count 'em) accompanying sauces, to the roasted beet and mache salad (see above), to the absolutely-must-serve-at-my-next-grown-up-dinner-party Citrus Risotto, it was phenomenal.  Enough so that I was quite easily able to let go my despair that no one had chosen to make the hallowed Roast Chicken with Bread Salad.  And yes, this is a cookbook I must now own.  As should you.  You can find it for a steal here.

And in case you're interested, this is my Dream Spice Shelf. Situated at eye-level, lit from within, alphabetized, clearly labeled (and dated, I'm sure), on little risers built to suit.  Sigh.