Happy, Merry Kitchen

There's nothing like the holidays to inspire me to become Martha Stewart (sans the jail time and redwood forest up my backside, of course)!

OK, well, perhaps it isn't MY holiday per se, but that doesn't mean I can't find the Christmas spirit stove-side. Besides, I've been invited to partake in a holiday feast tomorrow at my decidedly Christian friend Christine's house.

Baking and cooking in preparation isn't just in order, it's downright peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.

So earlier today I broke out my Pecan Pie recipe from Camellia Grill and baked away. (Photo of a fully-formed specimen above.) Then I took to stirring up a pot of lip-smacking Creamed Spinach graced with freshly grated nutmeg - the perfect accompaniment to Christine's planned Christmas dinner of Kobe beef. I also whipped up my Champagne Shallot Vinaigrette for tomorrow's salad.

And, later tonight I'll pull a real "Stewart" by preparing a few dozen Asparagus Blue Cheese Bites - for freezing.

Will they end up gracing my table on New Year's Eve? Well, according to the latest news, Beluga Caviar certainly won't. So, I best be prepared.

What a great mantra: Be prepared.

Maybe I should join the Boy Scouts in 2007.

It's a thought. But before then, I have more baking a cooking to get to.

Must make Martha proud!