Saturday, January 2, 2010

A great dinner for the start of a new year

Last evening we were invited to a large neighborhood New Year's get together. Lots of appetizers brought by all the guests and then collards and black-eyed peas, pork and sauerkraut and lasagna. Therefore we hit most traditions and backgrounds, so tonight, we were able to cook our first meal in the new year.


The Trout searched for quite a while to find just what he wanted. I received Ina Garten's Back to Basics cookbook for Christmas, so we made the Mushroom Risotto which turned out perfect. So good. In addition, a grilled steak and the fantastic creamed spinach recipe from Once Upon a Plate.

This spinach recipe is definitely worth trying. I love spinach any way, so it is a lot of fun trying different recipes. Mari is an accomplished cook and photographer, so please take a look at her blog and try this spinach recipe along with her many, many other tempting recipes.

And what goes well with such a wine? We opened a very old wine, 1999 Whitehall Lane Winery Merlot from the Napa Valley. Perfect, just perfect.

Say, what is it about spinach that makes you want to go and brush your teeth after eating it? Fear of green between the teeth or just an acidic feeling?

8 comments:

  1. Sounds as though you had all of the bases covered for a prosperous new year!

    This looks delicious! I will have to try the risotto.

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  2. Kate, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I now have a face for one of my favorite blogs. ;)

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  3. you forgot to mention our after dinner sniffner - Belle de Brillet which I found from the excellent wine Blog "bigger than your head!!"

    a blend of cognac and pear liquour - slightly sweet but just wonderful pear essence - only the french can produce such a delicacy!

    This and Marie Brizzard apricot or a nice Calvadoes goes many fine!

    good job my dear!! One more day of feasting and then the dam diet!! Love ya Trout

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  4. Hey the recipe looks worth a try! Thanks.

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  5. Happy New year Susan to you and the trout. All of your recipes look good. I have been soo busy with company that I have fallen behind with my blogging buddies.

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  6. Wow, what a great dinner. Wish you happy new year Susan.

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  7. Susan,

    Wow, my mouth is watering. Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe and thank you for making Whitehall part of your dinner table. Hope the Merlot set the tone for a great year ahead!

    Great photo too! Have you thought of sharing with everyone on our Facebook page? http://facebook.com/whitehalllanewinery

    Best wishes,
    Katie Flashberger
    Sales & Marketing
    Whitehall Lane Winery

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  8. This looks indeed to be a great dinner! Thanks for sharing :)

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