Happy Almost New Year

My year was filled with endless food moments, most of them cooking with friends and family.

The one that most stands out is when my daughter Sofia asked me about her favorite pasta -- Peekaboo Pasta. She has always loved the way the petit peas, zucchini and yellow squash hide inside small shells, with a yummy surprise in every bite. She's been eating and loving this meal since she was four years old. This year, to my sheer delight, at the age of nine, she asked me if she could make this dish with me so that she could learn how to do it herself one day for her children. So, together we chopped, sauteed and simmered her favorite pasta as she asked me simple, yet revealing questions.

Another food highlight was baking holiday cookies with my friend Jenn, a master baker. Together, we iced, sprinkled and piped gorgeous sugar cookies to give away to teachers and neighbors. She surprised me with a basket full of decorating tubes, icing paste and sprinkles for next year's tradition to continue.

Then there were endless mornings making scones, granola and biscotti with my playgroup friends -- Jackie, Suzy and Jenn; frenzied fun with other friends -- Kathe, Liz and Christina preparing meatloaves, chicken tenders, meatballs and lasagnas for family dinners; and adventurous moments cooking and baking foods like bread and ravioli.

I ended my year making creme brulee and molten chocolate cakes with my friend Debbie. Although we'll be ringing in our New Year's separately with these sweet indulgances, this time creating together the day before was our way to celebrate the New Year together.

My year wouldn't have been the same without these moments with friends and my family wouldn't have been as well fed. I look forward to a 2010 filled with cooking, laughing and fun times in various kitchens with friends (both new and old) and family.

Thanks everyone to a great cooking year!

Alison