It's on.

I won't post kitchen update pics until after the party...but things are moving fast. Functional is going to happen! The upside of that: we won't be serving Pizza Luce, which was my Plan B. Instead, I want to take you all on a little trip over the river, and through the woods, to my Grandmother's house. With a slightly non-traditional, but super supper-club-friendly twist: we're eating the Moroccan food she liked to make. I'll be making Moroccan chicken three ways, and I'll have a couple quick side dishes. Please feel free to jump in with couscous dishes, veggies, and desserts that sound appealing. And if this is too late of notice -- just bring yourself, and enjoy.

Can't wait!

Minutes - Antipasto

(Doesn't this look amazing! Brussels Sprouts salad and... the star of the night... NOG! Thanks for the picture, Em. Stunning!)

Thanks everyone for another amazing "meal." The night was heavy on antipasto and light on cookie baking. We did get one batch of spice cookies baked, and JAM brought some vegan almond cookies that were - yes I'm going to say it - really good despite being butter-less. I'm looking forward to trying Jules' Splendid Table cookies next week (in the yellow kitchen!). Can I request the world-famous Dickoff sea salt/honey caramels too?

Among the highlights of my life, er, night...

• Aforementioned Brussels salad:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/brussels-sprout-leaf-salad-recipe/index.html

• Jules' Prosciutto wrapped quince paste - whoa!
• Tuna-sauced eggs and cannellini bean pate
• Randy and Caro's cheese/tapenade/peperoncini trio wrapped in delicious salami(?)
• Kris and Carol's toast w/cheese and something else delicious : ) (PLUS... You guys take the cake! Cross country skiing through the mean blizzard streets of E. Lake!)

I know I'm missing stuff! Must have nogged too hard!

In conclusion: Antipasto and eggnog feast = a smashing success! See you all next week!

A Preview

John and I are hosting on Sunday...and right now, our kitchen looks very similar to this photo. It's a soon-to-be-gorgeous, evolving, chaotic zone, and it is not yet functional. And we are so excited to have you all in it!

That said, our theme will be announced shortly. When I have a slightly better grasp of exactly how functional it will be.

I did want to forewarn you though. If you are interested, there will be a gift exchange. The $ limit is $20 and the theme is amazing food. We want you to bring the food item you love most that costs less than $20. Maybe it's an amazing curry spice. Or something you canned yourself. Or a bottle of wine. Or a lemon zester that gets you perfect tang without any of the bitter white stuff. Whatever -- but bring a gift and we'll trade favorites.

Cookies in Italy

Welcome to Holiday Cookie Baking Extravaganza + Italian Antipasto Festival (so we can focus on baking cookies!). Promises to be epic...

Wilders will host beginning at 6 p.m. Menu so far:

Marinated Baby Aubergines with Raisins and Pine Nuts
Cannellini Bean Pate
Prosciutto with Melon
Hard-boiled Eggs with Tuna Sauce

If you need ideas, let us know. We have a cookbook with assorted marinades, terrines, crostini, fritters, etc. As always, assorted cured meats and cheeses are always an option.

We might do a dessert as well depending on what other people are bringing. For cookies, we might do a Biscotti or other tea biscuit-type cookie plus some toffee, fudge, etc. Affogato anyone?

And if you're in the 'hood early for Gingerbreading, feel free to come whenever that wraps up.

See you soon!