A lovely new year celebration with Corinna last night. We ate pretzels, cashew nuts, mini sausage rolls, Vincent’s Goulash and a divine Sachertorte made by Corinna. We watched Dinner For One as is tradition (Corinna reckons she as probably seen this every year for about 20 years – it’s a must in Austria on NYE), a film more or less about my single life:
and an episode of Mad Man. I do so love traditions.
The goulash was goud… As I did for NYE in 2010 I made it with venison which was gorgeous and tender and flavoursome – yum. The recipe is here if you fancy trying it. It’s funny seeing the resolutions I made for 2011 and I may haul one back through two years and reinstate it:
“I have decided that I shall only get involved with the following kind of man in 2011.
a) someone that I am really keen on
b) someone that is really keen on me
Either one will do. No half measures!”
But I think for 2013 I would like someone that fits into BOTH categories, not just a.
As is traditional on New Year’s Day I’ll be thinking a lot about the year that has just gone by and the year to come. I have a brand new kaftan. I am ready.
My favourite dinner party of 2012 was the Silver Screen Sunday – Vincent Price “Bounty of Paradise” Polynesian Party
My most surprising recipe? Gene Kelly’s Greatest Man Sandwich in the World
My least successful recipe? Tony Curtis’ Toltot Kaposzta
Biggest crowd pleaser? Vincent Price’s Chicken from the Delights from the Sultan’s Pantry Party.
I love my blog and the people I meet through writing all this nonsense. I’ve made the acquaintance of two wonderful people across the pond in 2012 – Yinzerella at Dinner is Served 1972 always makes me laugh and the culinary efforts of Brian at Caker Cooking ditto – laughing out loud, quite a lot. I also met a blogger IN PERSON this year that I like very much, Amanda from Glamorous Glutton. It’s nice to have such inspiring blog-ether-chums.
One of my favourite magical moments of 2012 happened when I was mooching around Sainsbury’s on a Bank Holiday in a bit of a zombie-like daze. Someone I had never seen before in my life came over and said, “Are you Jenny?” I said that I was and the man introduced himself as John Dingle – one of my earliest blog readers. John lives in Ireland and we’ve been corresponding on and off since 2009 and he regularly comments on my posts. He was visiting his sister in Muswell Hill and recognised me from pictures on the blog. It really made me SO HAPPY to meet him in person.
I absolutely love the connections I have made with people all over the world though this project and I am so very thankful for their friendship. I send all my readers heartfelt good wishes for a wonderful 2013. Happy cooking and happy living. Cheers!
Why did you have to mention Sainsbury’s?! I was just pouting that I couldn’t run out to the corner and get a Sainbury’s croissant. They need a Wichita location. Waitrose, too. We’re snowed in and it would be great to have grocery delivery! I guess we’ll have to get out sometime soon because there’s nothing to eat in the house (except a pint of Haagen-Dasz coffee ice cream and 1/2 a head of red cabbage).
Anyway, glad you had a nice NYE and Happy 2013!
Oh my goodness! Snowed in with just cabbage and ice-cream?! I’ve never had a Sainsbury’s croissant but I shall keep my eyes peeled for one on your recommendation! All best wishes for 2013 xx
It was great to meet both you and GG at Blogger connect this summer. Your blog never fails to cheer me up.
Aw thanks Sally – great to meet you too! Happy 2013 in Dubai xx
Thanks Jenny for mentioning me as one of your magical moments.
It was indeed a pleasure to meet you in person even for such a brief moment and brightened up what was a dull day! God knows what would have happened if you were not Jenny, if you understand! Has it really been 2009, time flies.
It shows how much happiness you bring to people and hope it continues.
Best wishes again for 2013,
John.
Thanks John – time does indeed fly. But you know what Groucho Marx says: Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana” – boom boom!