Friends who cook...

Last night, New Year's eve, I was invited over to Susanne and Dan Kimball's home for a great dinner. Christel was invited as well but came down with what has been going around here and keeping people on the couch for a few days.

I was commissioned to make some appetizers and a bottle of wine. So I came up with a lime and jalapeño marmalade shrimp, a kosher dill spear and swiss cheese wrapped in Italian roast beef and roasted pepper and pepper jack cheese also wrapped in Italian roast beef, with a peppered garlic honey mustard dipping sauce. A Rodney Strong (Chalk Hill) Chardonnay was the wine of choice to accompany the appetizers. Dan made a bacon-wrapped scallops appetizer, as well. Along with some great cheeses from all over the world.

Before dinner we had a blind tasting of 3 Cabernet Franc from the Grass Valley Wine region. What great fun that was. We did it without being snobs. We discussed what foods should accompany each wine, which is what wine is made for. Great fun.

For Dan and Steve Jaurena made Prime Rib, homemade horseradish sauce, roasted 3-potatoes, and Dave, Dan's inlaw, made a great Spinach Salad with a heated Gorgonzola dressing. For dessert, creme brulee.

There is something about hanging out with people who love to cook, discussing foods and wines, politics, family, some dreams, and some jokes. A great way to end a year and look towards a new one. Thanks for letting me be a part of your year.

Bon Appétitt