Happy 2009, and a Little Catch-up

Happy 2009!

May it bring you peace, prosperity, good health and the happiest, most productive year ever.

And before I start sharing how our year is starting out, I thought I'd give you all a peak at our very quick trip to Toronto to visit family and friends. I do regret not being able to see more people than we did while we were there. Blame it on the weather, and the difficulty in getting around...lots of snow, rain and challenging driving/walking/public transit. None of these challenges stopped us from eating way too much, though...

I didn't get to take too many photos, but we did enjoy lots of tasty meals... several at the in-laws, a couple of simple meals at Sharron's (I got to have two sleep-overs with my daughter - hooray!), tea and delicious party sandwiches, homemade prune cake, chocolate meringues that my cousin Carole risked her life (okay, but only a slight exaggeration) shopping in a storm to get some essential cream of tartar just because she knows they're my Honey's favorite dessert treat.

We enjoyed a couple of tasty meals out ....Korean BBQ at Sejong Restaurant on Bloor, fantastic Vietnamese (not sure of the name but it's on Dundas just east of Brock and worth the trip), some roast beef sandwiches at the St Lawrence Market and we picked up some Portuguese custard tarts to bring for tea. (Just an aside...too bad there are no Portuguese shops here in Halifax, guess I'll have to find the perfect recipe on line and make my own).

My cousin Arlene"whipped up" a wonderful feast with all the trimmings for us. Here are the only pictures I took all trip, and please disregard the fuzziness and look beyond the poor photography...everything tasted amazing.

Roast Turkey from Donna Hay


Breadcrumb & Pancetta Stuffing also Donna Hay


Rapini & Green Beans with Bacon and yes...Donna again

Unbelievable Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Icing from Bon Appetit

I don't have any of the recipes yet, but I'll keep bugging Arlene until she sends them and then I'll update this post. Ruth's sheepish note: Arlene sent the links the next day. Enjoy.

Is it any wonder that we're ready to start our only (at least MY only) 2009 "To-Do" resolution - back to healthier eating habits?

Plus one "Not-To-Do" resolution, that I found in this month's Real Simple (1-year)

Quote from Donna Robinson: " Worry is like rocking in a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."

I do hope your holiday festivities were fun and that you're well rested and ready for a great 2009....I know I am!