January Rundown

January '09 was a big month!  We inaugurated a new president (!), traveled between Texas & California, rang in a new year, had a few too many late nights, and made some fantastic cookies.

One of the best dishes I've made in 

ages, Spaghetti with Sweet Pea Puree & Crispy Prosciutto, was a bright and easy recipe.  Luckily, 

most of the ingredients are common pantry staples for most folks too.  

Apparently I was really into "spiking" things, because I whipped up Spiked Cauliflower Macaroni & Cheese & Spiked Sweet Potato Soup.  The Mac 'n' Cheese was a wonderfully creamy alternative to the com

monly used higher calorie recipe & the soup was pitch perfect for a cold winter night.

I lamented the loss of Mother's cookies and griped about the War on Roquefort.  It wasn't all

gloom & doom though, there was lots tocelebrate in January.  A new president, Chinese New Year, my 50th post & 1st publication were all joyous occasions. 

The ever-so-brilliant Rachel Maddow taught 

us how to properly prepare a cocktail.  Inspired, I made some Mexican Martinis & Bourbon Hot Tea Toddies.  Finally, young chef, Jullian Kreusser got me excited about the future of cooking!

Here's to 2009.  Despite the drooping economy & the bitter cold winter, it promises to be a good year.  Especially here at Cloves & Cream!