1. Our appetizer spread started out simply. 2. Even if watermelon radish didn’t taste amazing, I would still love it for its color. 3. We cleaned out the old pickling experiments so we’d have enough mason jars for drinking.

I’ve never met a new year celebration I didn’t love. The year we ran through Times Square, trying to make it home to Queens before midnite? Loved it. The years I grumbled about the cold, watching fireworks in Prospect Park while drinking champagne from the bottle? - Loved them. The year we spent with Jon and Kim in our dingy Astoria apartment when Bill and Lori ditched us for warmer weathers? Loved it.

My point is: I can think of no better way to end a year than with the ritual of a day spent cooking rewarded with a day with friends. This year was no exception. We ate, drank, and of course, we were merry.

The Menu

Chocolate Chip Espresso Shortbread Cookies

Bloody Marys

Lobster and Seafood Coconut Stew

Shrimp and Sausage Fideo cakes

Rosemary Popovers

Salt-baked Stuffed Clams

Baby Octopus with Olive Oil, Capers and Lemon.

Kim’s “Anis” Cookies

Spicy Spicy Sweet Bacon

Ginger Posset

Smashed Pea Shoot Dip

Lori’s Pickled Jalapeno & Relish Deviled Eggs

Smokey Oyster Dip

Grilled Bruschetta on Home-baked Bread