A NEW YEAR’S STORY – PART 2

To read Part 1 please go to’https://atzimmesrevived.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/a-new-years-story/

 

 

Elsa Sciaparelli evening silk gown. Gorgeous for any year, but this one was designed in 1949.

 

“Hello, Jake, “she greeted him with her sultry, soft voice. “Happy New Year.” “Happy New Year to you too, Honey. So what is the game plan for tonight?” “We’re going to the Roosevelt Grill and meeting some of my friends and from there we’re going to a private party at my place.” “Sounds like a plan, but if you’re havin’ a party, don’t you have to be home getting ready? Everything is already done, you’ll see. But my chauffeur is probably outside waiting for us. We’d better go.” Honey handed Jake her ermine jacket to help her put on. He obliged her while taking her in gorgeous ruby red strapless slik gown. Her sounders were so smooth and seductive, as was the rest of her. The gown hugged her narrow waist and fell seductively over her curvaceous hips. She was breathtaking. They walked out the front door and out into the cold night. At least it was clear and the stars were almost visible. The chauffeur opened the door of the limousine and Honey slid gracefully in. Jake followed her. “This is some car you have, Honey.” “Thank you. I hardly notice it anymore. It’s really a shame.” It certainly is! Especially since many of us New Yorkers don’t have cars. We can’t afford them.” “Why do I always feel so put down and rude by this man?” Honey wondered. Ï was only giving him an honest answer. Why does he hate me? What have I done to him?” Honey pouted silently the rest of the drive to the “21.” Jake was also silent, feeling put down.

They finally arrived at the “Roosevelt Grill ” and the chauffeur opened the door for them. Jake exited the limo and waited for Honey to climb out. As she did, people on the sidewalk recognized her and began coming their way. The chauffeur and the door man for the “Roosevelt Grill ” tried to protect Honey and Jake as they made their way under the canopy and into the Club.

“Hello, Miss LaRue. Happy New Year,” the maitre d ‘ greeted them. “Hello, Richard. Happy New Year to you also. How is your family? Did you and your family have a Merry Christmas?” “We had a very nice Christmas indeed, Miss LaRue. Thank you for asking. Your table is ready. The Brooks and Millers are already here. Please follow me.” “Thank you, Richard.” Evidently, I don’t exist,”thought Jake as he followed them. The maitre d’ lead them to a front table for ten people laid with white linen tablecloths and napkins, and beautiful china and silverware. Tall silver vases filled with exquisite white roses and pink orchids were centered on each table. The bandstand was ready although the band was not in attendance yet. Jake mechanically said, “Hello, Happy New Year,”to the table, not really noticing who was there. He waited until Honey was seated and then he seated. He focused on the people and gulped when he recognized Jeanne Crain. He has seen her in the movie, “Pinky”not long ago. He didn’t recognize anyone else. “Jake, may I present my friends, Jeanne and Paul Brinkman. You may know her better as Jeanne Crain. And my friends Arthur Miller and his wife Mary.” “Hello, Jake. Happy New Year,”everyone greeted him. “It’s nice to meet you all. Miss Crain, I loved you in ‘Pinky.” I really thought you deserved the Academy Award,”Jake managed to gush out. “Thank you, Jake. That is so kind of you.” “Jake is a firefighter. One of New York’s best. His full name is Jake Mackenzie,”Honey informed everyone. “What do you do Mr. Brinkman?” “Please, Jake, just call us Jeanne and Paul. I’m an actor and business man. It’s nice to meet you, Jake.” It’s my pleasure to meet you, Paul. Thanks.” “Jake, I’m Arthur Miller and this is my wife, Mary. I’m a playwright and Mary is an actress.” “Very nice to meet you both.”

“So you are a firefighter, Jake. That is a very honorable profession. Honey would do well to hang on to a man like you,” Arthur Miller said. “Thank you, Mr. Miller.” Arthur,” Arthur corrected Jake. “We’re an informal bunch of people, Jake.” “Thank you, Arthur.” A waiter arrived to take their drink orders. “We’re expected some more people momentarily.” Arthur informed him. “We will bring them right to your table when they arrive, Mr. Miller.” “Do all of you eat here often? Everyone seems to know you.” “We eat here often enough,”Honey said. It goes along with the job.” Everyone nodded in agreement. “You have to be seen and you have to be seen at the right places. This is the right place to be on New Years Eve, otherwise most of us, I’d wager, would rather be home in our bathrobes, isn’t that right, Mary? Jeanne?” I agree with that, Honey. Especially when we’re in New York. It’s so cold here.” “Not me,” Jeanne laughed. I like to be out and enjoy a drink or two with the hustle and bustle of the New York crowd.” I’d rather be home.” Jake claimed, although he was beginning to relax with these people. They didn’t seem fake to him, they seemed real and honest. He liked that. The maitre d’ escorted another couple to their table. Jake’s jaw dropped when he recognized Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe. He couldn’t believe that he was hob-nobbing it with “Joltin Joe” and his secret crush, Marilyn Monroe. He became tongue-tied when Marilyn sat next to him. Honey introduced everyone to the newcomers, not being sure that they all knew one another. “Boy, you must rate, Jake, seated between two gorgeous blonds!”Joe teased. Jake turned beat red. He didn’t know how to reply, so he just nodded his head. The others laughed at his discomfort. It almost felt like he was back at the firehouse being joshed by his friends. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. The company was certainly interesting and the conversation wasn’t focused on themselves. Soon, the last couple arrived. “Hello, everyone!” greeted none other than Rosalind Russell. “Happy New Year.” “Happy New Year, Ros. Please meet Jake Mackenzie, my date for the evening. Jake, please meet Rosalind and her husband, Frederick Brisson.” “Nice to meet you both, Happy New Year,”Jake said. The waiter was back to take the newcomers ‘drink order. I don’t know about any of you, but I’m starved!”said Honey. As if on cue, a waiter appeared to take their dinner orders. Jake hadn’t even glanced at his menu, but decided to see what was on it now. Honey ordered shrimp cocktail, a Waldorf salad, surf and turf that came with peas and a baked potato. Jake thought that sounded pretty good, but he opted for a shrimp cocktail, a house salad and the largest slab of prime rib on the menu. He was starving. They ordered another round of drinks. The talk turned to politics. Studio politics. Jake knew nothing about that subject, so he just listened and learned. It seemed to him that show business was no more fun than any other profession or job. It all boiled down to how you played the game. From there conversation turned to world politics. These people were far more educated than Jake was, although he had been in the Army during the war. He was one of those fortunate soldiers to be given the honor of liberating the prisoners from the camps. When he first saw the poor victims, he wanted to vomit. They looked so ghastly, inhuman almost. Instead he cried. But he didn’t talk about his service career much and he didn’t let on about it now. It seemed to Jake that this crowd was mostly conservative Republicans. He was a liberal Democrat. As he listened to Honey, he figured she was a liberal Democrat too. Chalk one up for her, he thought. Maybe he was selling her short. Maybe he needed an attitude adjustment. Jake decided to turn on the charm.

Dinner was served. He tasted his shrimp cocktail and it tasted fresh and sweet and juicy, just like it was supposed to taste. He’d never tasted a better one and the cocktail sauce was perfection. Just the right amount of bite for him. “How is you shrimp, Honey? Mine is wonderful.” “Mine is great, Jake. I’ve never had a bad meal here.” she replied. He rewarded her with a huge smile. It was the first time she had seen a real smile on the man. She liked what she now saw. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad night after all. At least she was here with people she really liked. She had worked with everyone except for Marilyn. She didn’t know her well at all. Two sexy blonds in one movie isn’t a good idea. But she had met her a couple of times and thought she was very nice. Joe was her friend. She was a huge Yankees fan from way back and had once shyly asked Joe for his autograph. He looked up at her and said, “Sure, Honey! Anything for you.” She thought he had recognized her although she had only been in one movie at that point. But then he shot her down, “Who should I make this autograph out to?” “My name is Honey LaRue, Mr. DiMaggio.” “No, really, what’s your name?” “My name is Honey LaRue and I’m an actress with MGM.” “Sorry that I don’t recognize you, Honey. Maybe that will change one day, eh?” I certainly hope that it does,”Honey retorted. Joe then asked her out and she accepted. After three dates they decided there was no chemistry so they parted as friends and became good friends thoughout the years. Honey hoped that Joe would find the right woman soon. She wasn’t convinced that Marilyn was that woman, but one never knows when it comes to love. Arthur was her favorite playwright and in many ways her mentor. He was brilliant and he was a man of conviction. She loved their marathon philosophical discussions. Miller was definitely a left-learning liberal, as was Honey.  Rosalind and Jeanne were consummate actresses who befriended her and she treasured their friendships. She respected their talent, their opinions and enjoyed their company. She was glad to finally bring these two women together to meet.

Tonight’s discussions centered on the on-going problems of the foundling State of Israel with whom they were all in sympathy with, the Smith Act Trials which had just begun* , the studio system and just plain ordinary gossip. They only difference here was that these people didn’t just read about these things, they lived it. They knew more about the real story than most people did. Jake was fascinated. He was surprised that these people agreed with his own views, for the most part. Jake was also a liberal Democrat. When the discussion turned to the topic of the Cold War and the Russian testing of the nuclear bomb, a chill went through both Honey and Jake and the group grew quiet. The fear was palatable and real. Everyone saw the pictures of Hiroshema. They knew weapons would only get worse as time went by. Enough depression for tonight!” Honey demanded. “This is New Years Eve. Let’s celebrate it like there is nothing but fun in the air!” All agreed and from that moment on they partied.

 

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers 1940s

At 10:00 p.m. Guy Lombardo and his band began playing. They began the first set with “Some Enchanted Evening”from the play that was appearing on Broadway, “South Pacific.” It was starring Enzio Pinza and Mary Martin. Jake loved the play and politely asked Honey if she would care to dance. She accepted his invitation and he lead her onto the dance floor. Jake held Honey tightly as they gracefully floated to the music. It was as if they had danced together all of their lives. As the number was ending, Jake, caught up in the moment, leaned down and kissed Honey. Flashbulbs burst into a wave of fireworks. Now what had he done! He knew that meant the newspapers would blow things all out of proportion and that spelled trouble for him. Honey weakly smiled at him in sympathy, knowing that most men in his position would not be too keen about the publicity.

Your turn! Please write the next section of this story and send it to me! The best entry will get published in the continuing post, which will probably be on Sunday. Please note that there will be no post on Monday due to aDr.’s appointment and some other errands that will keep me away from my computer.

FOOTNOTE: In 1940 the Congress passed the Alien Registration Act of 1940 (known as the Smith Act) which required all non-citizen adult residents to register with the government, and made it a crime “to knowingly or willfully advocate … the duty, necessity, desirability, … of overthrowing or destroying any government in the United States by force or violence … with the intent to cause the overthrow or destruction of any government in the United States….”[3][4] – http://www.wikipedia.com

Well, the contest is over and there are no winners, sad to say, as no one entered. Just think, if you had entered, you would have won. Guess my money is safe, but I don’t feel good about that. I wanted someone to get something nice.

If anyone can come up with a better idea for a contest or a better prize, please contact me.

For today’s recipes, I thought I would post some old-fashioned cocktails:

 

 

“French “75” Cocktail

 

2/3 Dry Gin
Juice of 1/4 lemon
1 spoon Powdered Sugar
Pour into Tall Glass
Full of cracked ice
Fill with Champagne.”
—
The How and When: An authoritative reference guide to the origin, use and classification of the world’s choicest vintages and spirits, Hyman Gale and Gerald F. Marco [Island Press:Chicago] 4th revised edition October, 1949(p. 146))

 

 

 

Mint Julep

 

2 oz. bourbon
1 tsps. sugar
4 sprigs mint

 

Mash with muddler. Fill the silver mug with shaved ice, Stir until the outside of the mug is frosted. Decorate with sprigs of mint and serve with straws. Add green cherry.”

—The Stork Club Bar Book, Lucius Beebe [Rinehart & Commpany:New York] 1946 (p. 106)

 

 

 

Pink Lady (adapted from Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails by Ted Haigh)
makes one cocktail
1 1/2 ounce gin
1/2 ounce applejack or apple brandy
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 egg white*
2 liberal dashes of (approx. 1/4 ounce total)
Optional garnish: Maraschino cherry
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
*If egg whites faze you, you can leave this one out, though do I encourage you to give the idea a fair shake. The egg doesn’t affect the flavor of the drink, but does gives it a luxuriously frothy meringue-like texture.

 

 

 

Grasshopper
This sweet after dinner drink has been around for over
50 years.  If you like mint chocolate chip ice cream, then
this sea-foam green colored concoction will certainly be to
your liking.  Be forewarned, they are very addictive.

 

Ingredients
1.5 oz. Creme de menthe
1.5 oz. Creme de cacao
3 oz. Cream (half & half, etc.)
Garnish optional……(cherry, shaved chocolate, mint sprig)

 

Directions
Combine the liquid ingredients into an
ice filled cocktail shaker.  Cover and shake
vigorously.  Strain into a chilled Martini glass
and garnish accordingly.  With these ingredients
being so inexpensive, it certainly makes this
tasty treat worth a try!

 

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT DUE:

Red gown photo – http://www.pinterest.com/jfukalova/red-dress-and-coat/

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers photo – http://www.pinterest.com/pin/392868767463684208/

 

 

PLANS FOR THE NEW YEAR

 

 

 

No resolutions. They only make me feel like a failure when I break them. I stopped making them years ago. So I thought, what could I offer you today…the brink of a new year…new beginnings, some endings…new goals to strive for…

 

My new beginnings – this blog is really a new beginning for me. I have a different focus that I’ve never had before. My focus is to really explore my thoughts and writing and to keep at it. Another new beginning is to keep writing my first novel. No matter what. It’s not coming easily to me. I’m bogged down on technical stuff instead of writing. I know that. But I need to learn the technical stuff too. So for my new beginning I’m going attempt to make a balanced schedule. With my hubby not telling me we have to do this before it is too late for me to schedule things, it is difficult. With my mother wanting some attention, which she does deserve, it is difficult. When the phone rings and I have to answer it, it is difficult. When I don’t feel good or my my arthritis kicks in, it is difficult. These are just some of the things that distract me and get me off schedules. I need to tell people about MY schedule. MY needs. A new project for this blog is underway for February. I am excited about it and hope it comes to fruition. I think you will enjoy it if it does. I know I need to make lots of time for this too. Otherwise it won’t work. Oh, yes, another new beginning…I have a new hair color and a new hair style for the new year. I now need a new figure and a new body. Any suggestions?

 

Inspiration – Where shall I get it from? I know that the best inspiration comes from within. Maybe I’ll find it there, but I shall look outward too. I will seek inspiration from you, my readers, especially those of you who chose to communicate with me. I will seek inspiration from the books I choose to read and from other writers and bloggers. I will seek inspiration from my friends and family. Maybe I’ll begin to talk to them the way I talk to you. Openly, more meaningfully. Here are some words of inspiration I have found writing this post that I’d like to share with you:

 

 

Arnold Bennett so wisely had this to say:

“The chief beauty about time
is that you cannot waste it in advance.
The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you,
as perfect, as unspoiled,
as if you had never wasted or misapplied
a single moment in all your life.
You can turn over a new leaf every hour
if you choose.” (found at: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/new-beginnings )

I am a terrible procrastinator. If it can be put off, I put it off. Most days I’d just rather go back to sleep because the effort of doing anything is so great. I just like to be left alone. But this coming year, it is a habit I would like to break. I doubt if I will choose to turn over a new leaf every hour. Can you imagine how exhausting that would be? But, I would like to maybe turn over one new leaf every year. Now that should be doable, right? So, head Mr. Bennett’s words and put them to use in your life.

 

 

Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.
Jim Rohn
Motivational, Health, Learning

(found at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/beginning.html#tE7U1IIiq10GG6gm.99 )

I love learning. I want to learn everything about everything. It is this thirst for knowledge that keeps me going. So I totally agree with this quote from Jim Rohn. I urge all of you to keep learning and if you are lucky enough to be in school, stay in school. If you are lucky enough to go to school, go to school. If you aren’t, find a way to learn. Read all you can from every source you can. Learn from people. Do everything you can to learn.

 

 

“One step must start each journey.” Author Unknown, from Just One ( found at http://www.wow4u.com/beginnings/ )

This quote is pure genius! Now to put it into action. The question though is this, what is the first step? Each of us has to decide that for ourselves. My first step is to make and stick to a schedule, as I said earlier in this post. Do you know what you want your first step to be? What journey will you take? My journey is a trip into the world of writing in two of it’s forms, novel writing and blogging.

 

Goal setting comes next. Setting goals in not my strong suit. I hardly ever set goals. But, I have two goals for 2015. My first goal is to keep this blog going by writing at least once a week. My life is too helter-skelter to promise to write every day, so that is not a realistic goal for me. Once a week is hard enough. My second goal is to finish 3 chapters of my book by next New Years Eve. Is that realistic? I don’t know, but it is a goal. What are your goals going to be for 2015? Just remember, a goal isn’t a promise and goals can change. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet your goals. And, PLEASE, remind me of that when I beat myself up for the same!

From http://knowledgeempowered.com/five-golden-rules-of-goal-setting/ I found the following information. It sounds like pretty good advice to me.
Set Specific and Clearly Define Goals

Make sure your goals are concrete, concise and attainable. You should clearly define your business goals from the very start, which should be  specific and well defined. The point is for you to articulate exactly what you want to achieve.

2. Set SMART Goals
We have heard of setting “SMART goals” already. But do we always apply the rule? Simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this – goals should be:
Specific.
Measurable.
Attainable.
Relevant.
Time Bound.

3. Set Goals In Writing
By clearly defining your idea, your imagination, heart and intellect can begin to work together to make it a reality. The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible.  So, we should write our goals down. The act of writing our ideas down, or say, keying them into our laptop, will force us to think in concrete terms. It will also spark additional ideas. This is the birth of our action plan. And, goals are nothing more than what you “plan” to accomplish.
4. Make An Action Plan
The best, perhaps the only, way to turn an abstract goal into an attainable reality is to create an action plan. By writing out the individual steps, and then crossing each one off as we complete it,and with this we’ll realize that we are making progress towards your ultimate goal. However, we don’t need a complete plan in place to rise to the challenge and embrace its possibilities. Achieve greater success by continually updating our action plan and integrating the new information and ideas we uncover.
5. Stick With It!
Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity not just a means to an end. Build in reminders to keep our self on track, and make regular time-slots available to review our goals. Our end destination may remain quite similar over the long term, but the action plan we set for our self along the way can change significantly. Make sure the relevance, value, and necessity remain high.

Interesting stuff. However, remember, don’t set goals that are impossible to accomplish, don’t set yourself up to fail, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t reach your goal. Remember goals can be changed at any time you desire and goals can be eliminated if they aren’t working for you. They are merely a blueprint for completing something or attaining something. They are not a legal binding contract. Nor should they be. They should be a helpful tool.

Here is a recipe for a Rainbow Cake that inspires my creativity. Hope it does the same for you! It looks gorgeous, doesn’t it!?! I discovered it on the blog In Katrina’s Kitchen.

 

 

 

Rainbow Swirl Cake
Yield: 1 cake
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
This rainbow swirl cake is easier to make than you may think!
Ingredients:
Yellow (or white) cake batter, divided
Gel food dye (I use Americolor)
Buttercream frosting
Directions:
1.Prepare your cake batter as you normally would and divide into however many sections that you would like.
2.Use food dye to color your cake batter. If you use gel or paste then you will only need 1 drop per section for a brilliant, deep color.
3.Drop your batter into the pan one color at a time and bake as normal.
4.Frost and enjoy!

 

I used Americolor GEL food coloring which can be purchased online or at Hobby Lobby (Amazon link provided at the end of this post).

 

Food color gel is NOT decorating gel.
Wilton also makes gel food coloring (available at Wal-Mart, Michaels, and JoAnne’s). I do not prefer it but it is more readily available and would produce better results than using liquid food color found in most grocery stores.
You use one teeny tiny drop of Americolor gel food coloring to get these vibrant colors. To get a vibrant color with liquid food coloring you may have to add up to a teaspoon of coloring (which I do NOT recommend). The color may still not be as vibrant and adding that much liquid will change the consistency of the dough.
I am including the links to the basic color pack and the “electric” colors. I use both sets in my kitchen. To see some more colors check out my Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies.  (MSS NOTE:  For these links, please click on the link to In Katrina’s Kitchen below.)
Source: http://www.inkatrinaskitchen.com/2012/04/rainbow-swirl-cake.html#comment-43330

 

Don’t forget to enter the contest for a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com. To enter, go to the December 27, 2014 post about Kwanzaa and scroll past the recipes till you get to the link for the Rafflecopter entry blank. You do need to subscribe to my blog in order to qualify for the prize. Contest ends at noon on 1/2/2015. Winners will be announced no later than 1/3/2015 by 10 pm. They will be announced by email and on the blog post for the day.

 

The serial story will be continued in tomorrow’s post. If you haven’t read the first installment, check yesterday’s post.

 

Hope you and yours have a very Happy, Healthy, Creative, Successful New Year!

 

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:

Clock clip art – http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/63300/63357/63357_clock_1150_lg.gif

Goals clip art – http://www.myfdw.com/

THE DAY AFTER

Tis the day after Christmas and the gifts are opened, the wrappings thrown away. The leftovers are in the fridge and the kids are probably playing with new toys and games. You are probably exhausted and want nothing to do except relax, but I bet you are off to the mall for post-holiday sales and gift returns. I don’t envy you that at all. I refuse to go near the malls until after New Year’s Day. I made that decision when I discovered online shopping years ago. Now we are beginning to think of our New Year’s Eve plans, resolutions and how to keep them, goals and plans for a better year. What are you thinking about today? I am thinking about this blog and how to make it more interesting for you. Wondering what recipes you might like. Wondering how to help make your new year more wonderful.

So, I thought I would do some surfing and try to find some words of wisdom to pass on to you and perhaps a poem and a recipe or two.

Happy New Year

Author: Catherine Pulsifer

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life. – Find the good in all situations
A ttitude is just as important as ability.- Keep your attitude positive
P assion find yours this year! – Do what you love and you will never work
P ositive thoughts make everything easier.- Stay focused and stay positive
Y ou are unique, with special gifts, use them. – Never forget you have talent

N ew beginnings with a new year.
E nthusiasm a true secret of success.
W ishes may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by to quickly, enjoy them.- Wisdom from your elders, listen
E nergy may you have lots of it. – Take care of yourself
A ppreciation of life, don’t take it for granted. – Live each day
R elax take the time to relax in this coming year.- Keep a balance in your life

source: http://www.wow4u.com/happyny/index.html#dHC16iJDVHWQsXyO.99

“Let our New Year’s resolution be this: We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.” — Goran Persson

“New Year’s resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.” — James Agate

source: http://www.ibtimes.com/new-years-quotes-25-inspirational-sayings-celebrate-2014-1523392

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.

So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” 
― Neil Gaiman

“Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” 
― Brad Paisley

“May Light always surround you;
Hope kindle and rebound you.
May your Hurts turn to Healing;
Your Heart embrace Feeling.
May Wounds become Wisdom;
Every Kindness a Prism.
May Laughter infect you;
Your Passion resurrect you.
May Goodness inspire 
your Deepest Desires.
Through all that you Reach For, 
May your arms Never Tire.” 
― D. Simone

“Honor to the earth,” the abbot said, “honor to the dead in the passing of the year; honor to the living, in the coming of the new. A Great Year passes tonight. A new one begins. Let the good that is old continue and let the rest perish….” 
― C.J. Cherryh, Fortress of Owls

source: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/new-year

I just read a great article for the new year at “Times of Ti” and I am urging everyone read it and let me know your thoughts. The article is entitled “New Year – New Era/Thoughts from Behind The Pressline,” written by Daniel Alexander. I found it very thought provoking. The article is about our relationship with Cuba and Korea and about the new movie, “The Interview,” which truthfully, I had no intention of going to see. It just seems stupid to me. I may be wrong, and if you saw it and found merit in it, please let me know. The URL for this article is: http://www.timesofti.com/news/2014/dec/23/new-year-new-era-thoughts-behind-pressline/?page=1&

Now onto lighter thoughts, entertaining for the new year. I love cocktail parties. Not for the drinks, not for the banter, definitely not for the noise level, but for the appetizer-type of food. Yes, I love to see my friends and families, but when it comes to finger-foods, I’m there! So let’s see what my brain comes up with for a drink and a goodie for your New Year’s Eve party.

Home Cookin Chapter: APPETIZERS 2014

BACON-WRAPPED SHRIMP

====================

ACTIVE: 20 mins.

TOTAL: 40 mins.

SERVES: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

Juice of 1 Lemon

1 clove Garlic; GRATED

1 tsp. Paprika

1 tsp. FRESH Thyme

3 tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Kosher Salt

1 lb. (about 24) LARGE Shrimp; PEEELD AND DEVEINED, TAILS INTACT

12 slices Bacon; HALVED

.

DIRECTIONS:

POSITION A RACK 3-4″ FROM THE HEAT SOURCE AND PREHEAT THE BROILER.

Whisk the lemon juice, garlic, paprika, thyme, olive oil AND 1/2

tsp. kosher salt in a SHALLOW BAKING DISH. Add the shrimp AND

toss to coat; MARINATE IN THE REFRIGERATOR for 20 mins.

TURN THE SHRIMP IN THE MARINADE TO COAT WELL. ONE AT A TIME,

REMOVE EACH shrimp AND wrap with a piece of bacon; secure with a

TOOTHPICK, if desired.

Place SEAM-SIDE DOWN on a baking sheet. Spoon any remaining

marinade over the shrimp. (MSS NOTE: I would cover the entire

baking sheet with aluminum foil BEFORE I put the shrimp on it.)

BROIL, TURNING THE SHRIMP ONCE, UNTIL the bacon is SLIGHTLY CRISP

AND the shrimp are cooked through, about 5 mins.

source: pg. 65, Food Network Magazine, Nov. 2014 issue, Volume 7,

No. 9.

Servings: 0

Exported from Home Cookin 8.59 (www.mountainsoftware.com)

Home Cookin Chapter: * Imported Recipes

Clean Slate Cocktail

====================

By Colleen Graham

Cocktails Expert

The Clean Slate Cocktail by Cody Frederiskcon – Photo Courtesy: ©

Cody Frederickson

The Clean Slate. Photo Courtesy: © Cody Frederickson

The Clean Slate is a fantastic cocktail worthy of New Year’s Eve

that was created by Las Vegas

Bartender Cody Fredrickson. It was chosen as the winning cocktail

in the December 2013 New Year’s Eve Cocktail Contest.

The drink is a nice balance of flavors that begins with one of

Ciroc Vodka’s newest flavors. Their

Amaretto vodka was released in 2013 and is a cherry-almond

infusion that has a hint of vanilla, a flavor That, to date, is

unique to the market. In The Clean Slate, Fredrickson paired that

with elderflower and cherry liqueurs as well as a housemade

apple-cinnamon syrup. The flash of the drink that brings it all

together is the Champagne and golden sugar rim. It is a stunning

drink.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 1 Cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 ounces Ciroc Amaretto Vodka

1 ounce St. Germain

1 ounce Cherry Heering

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 ounce apple-cinnamon simple syrup *(recipe below)

Top with Champagne

Garnish: Sugar and edible gold flake rim

.

PREPARATION

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except Champagne,

shake vigorously. Double strain into chilled white wine glass

rimmed with gold flake and sugar. Top with Champagne.

*Apple-Cinnamon Syrup

Cut four (4) apples and remove the core.

Boil them in 2 1/2 cups of water until they are soft and stewed.

Add 2 cinnamon sticks and stir for 10 minutes.

Add 2 1/2 cups of sugar and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Drain and double strain the syrup.

You can also blend the apples and cinnamon sticks for a sweetened

apple cinnamon puree to use in other cocktails.

source:

http://cocktails.about.com/od/Flavored-Vodka-Cocktails/r/Clean-Sla

te-Cocktail-Recipe.htm

Servings: 0

Exported from Home Cookin 8.59 (www.mountainsoftware.com)

Home Cookin Chapter: BEVERAGES – NON-ALCOHOLIC

Hilerie’s Party Punch

=====================

Recipe by HILERIE

“This is a quick and easy punch. I have served it at both family

functions and at work celebrations. In

Fact, this punch has been demanded for all co-workers birthday

parties for over a year now.”

PREP: 10 mins

READY IN: 10 mins

Ingredients

2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen white grape-peach juice concentrate

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen white grape-raspberry juice

concentrate

1 (12 ounce) package frozen raspberries

16 fresh mint leaves, or as desired

.

Directions

Mix ginger ale, white grape-peach juice, white grape-raspberry

juice, raspberries, and mint leaves together in a punch bowl.

source:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hileries-party-punch/detail.aspx

Servings: 28

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