I’ve enjoyed a fabulous and relaxing holiday break.  (Happy 2011, by the way!)  Want to see what I’ve been up to over the past couple of weeks?  Read on!

The end of the year is a great time to focus on yourself– it’s easy to get caught up in the bustle of the season, and forget to savor simple pleasures.  Take a week off (even if only figuratively) and treat yourself to good food, the company of loved ones, and enjoy a mental escape to prepare for the fresh slate that a new year brings.

The food that I’ve been loving lately?  Fresh bread, veggies, meats, and cheeses prepared in various ways thanks to our new Breville Panini Grill.  One of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” for 2010, I have to commend her high quality choice.  Not to sound like an ad that you see on tv at 2 am, but this appliance does it ALL!  Remember that George Foreman grill you had in college?  Well, this is its sophisticated over-achieving big sister.

Crusty bread, evoo, tomato, fresh buffalo mozzarella, pepperoni, basil & sun dried tomato flakes

Crusty bread, evoo, toasted goat cheese, rosemary, & garlic

Another (equally exciting) new addition to the kitchen?  Our Breville espresso machine.  Fairly certain this will cut my Starbucks tab down quite a bit.  I’ve been making lattes and cappuccinos on the daily.  I’m thrilled to be able to enjoy cafe concoctions as often as I please, in the comfort of my home.  Our previous basic coffee maker has been shunned to a lower level cabinet.  I have a feeling it will make cameo appearances in the future– but at the moment it’s quite difficult for me to deny that frothy milk and crema.

And what would Christmas be without my mom’s famous mince pies?  The secret lies in the flaky butter crust.

I truly hope that each and every one of you had a beautiful December, and have an optimistic eye on 2011.  Thanks for sticking with me throughout 2010– your comments, tweets, and support mean so very much.  :)

I’ll end my thoughts with a happy memory from this fall– Alex and I at the Jazz Standard in New York.  Cheers!

xoxo Emma