New Year's Eve

As has been our wont for the past several years, we had a small dinner party on New Year's Eve. There were only seven of us for dinner, so it was intimate enough that we could chat about everything from politics to, well, politics. It was fun.

We started off with Doreen's Famous Artichoke dip (artichokes, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese) and my sister's delicious blue cheese and black olive dip. (She brought it over for Christmas, but we didn't eat it then. Thanks, Ree!)

To go with the appetizers and the treats, we had a Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne. An outstanding bottle that seems to be a bargain along with a lot of other champagne these days.

We then had a trio of appetizers anchored with Becky's Famous Three Bean Salad, which included Black Eyed Peas for luck:

From New Year's Eve 2009

accompanied by Corn Chowder:

From New Year's Eve 2009

and Mushrooms on toast:

From New Year's Eve 2009

Sadly, as with last year, I forgot to photograph these plated. And they were so good looking, too!

For our entree we had meatloaf. French green beans with smoked paprika and almonds, cheesy potatoes, and red cabbage. The cabbage is for prosperity:

From New Year's Eve 2009

Finally, we capped it all off with a Chocolate-Caramel Macadamia Tart:

From New Year's Eve 2009

And then we talked more politics.

It was a great evening.