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!

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