Happy New Year: Brunch – Annie Campbell

This brunch was all about the bloody mary and the egg sandwich. I can’t decide which was my favorite: pork belly and fried egg on a maple syrup drenched waffle or honey baked ham, blackberry jam & scrambled egg on a buttermilk biscuit. Both winners. And Greg’s bloody marys, with touches of fennel and lemongrass, made for a delicious toast to the end of the holiday season, and the start of the new year. All of the citrus at the farmer’s market has been beautifully piled which inspired the simple centerpiece of sprawling tangerines. 2012 was pretty amazing with more cooking than I ever imagined and incredible theme parties that were as much fun to create as to attend (Out of Africa was a clear highlight). In 2013, I look forward to more celebrations, big and small. I want to challenge myself to explore new cooking techniques, stay organized in the kitchen (clean as I go!!!), and cook for pleasure as much as for work. I want to have more small gatherings, do spontaneous get togethers, and continue to celebrate the “off” holidays: Chinese New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, May Day and more. And hopefully travel will inspire new traditions, ingredients and recipes. Looking back on last year, I feel overwhelmingly grateful to Greg, my partner in crime, without whom, the success of 2012 wouldn’t have been possible. I had so much fun cooking with, drinking with, eating out with, cooking for and throwing parties with him. It wasn’t always pretty (it was usually a mess) but I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else. So, thank you Greg for doing so many dishes and for helping me stay calm. Cheers to more good in 2013!