Many, many moons ago, *back when I was a single, raven-haired brunette living on West 12th Street in the Village!* I threw a HUGE Halloween party. A few months later, I followed it up with a Feast of St. Lucia’s Winter Solstice party. Both times my sweet little apartment was decked out in all kinds of Holiday finery. There were twinkling lights, tasty homemade food, holiday cookies piled high on vintage china and oodles of perfect flower arrangements on tabletops throughout my cozy nest. On Halloween, I served beef stew, pumpkin spice cake and spooky cut-out and frosted sugar cookies.

For St. Lucia’s day, I invited my guests to drink my *Auntie Judy’s special recipe* eggnog or to sip champagne. They were also invited to nibble all the homemade Holiday bakery items that they desired. There was Nun’s Cake, Swedish Tea Ring and of course all the Holiday bakery recipes from my childhood. Needless to say, my party guests were dazzled and quite enjoyed my “The Hostess with the Mostess” attitude. Late on the night of the St. Lucia’s party, my friend Jaime (a comedian by trade and filmmaker for kicks) offered to put together a video of me cooking. Perhaps it was the eggnog talking, but he thought it would be brilliant if I won “…this new show called the NEXT Food Network STAR…”

I figured “Why not? Martha is in jail (it was 2004!) and someone has to take over, right?” I proceeded to invite him over for a filming session the following Saturday afternoon. In return for the time he spent filming and editing the video, he received a delicious dinner. Once you try One-Pan Whiskey-Flavored Pork Tenderloin, you’ll realize that was more than a fair trade – it’s just soooooo delicious! Think = “Thanksgiving Dinner.” It is fabulous.

I am naturally a blonde, I just had a “dark moment” after 9/11. I guess I thought if I changed my hair all would feel better in the world. Naturally, it didn’t make a difference in that respect – however, I must say it was awfully fun to make such a drastic change! Here’s a funny thing: given all that Mr. D and I have been through over the last several months the idea of going brunette (again) has passed through my brain many, many times. It must be something about ME wanting to have a hand in changing the energy of the path my life is taking!

What is it that saying they say? A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? The old wives’ tale may be true! I am pretty sure I “caught” Mr. D with a recipe trifecta: Chicken Marbella, my very favorite Bow-Tie Pasta dish, and One-Pan Whiskey-Flavored Pork Tenderloin. Don’t you worry, I will be sure to pop back in a bit with that recipe -but first- don’t forget our little blog-iver-sary giveaway. How I wish I had a Hip Hostess Apron and Tea Towel set when I was shooting my video! {winkwink}

Posted by ABCD / Holiday Decorations and Nesting and Personal and Uncategorized and totally off topic