New Year’s Eve Osso Buco
One more week of crazy, busy holiday socializing ahead of us and I can’t wait! This last week has been perfect as far as holiday seasons go and instead of being exhausted by all of the activity as I often am, I’m feeling energized. So bring on the last week of 2014 and let’s ring in 2015 right!
Of course, all of this socializing means I’m not much help in terms of a cooking dinner menu this week. And the couple of days I do have to eat at home I’m pulling some beef barley soup I made over the weekend to use it up and save on groceries. It was a total impromptu, DIY recipe using things I had on hand…so chopped up beef that I marinated in an old bottle of red wine in the fridge, smashed garlic, black pepper and rosemary. Then I dried it off, tossed it in some flour, salt and pepper, browned it and then deglazed the pan with a bit more red wine. From there I simply added beef broth, cooked barley (that’s been in the freezer forever!) and chopped up carrots, corn, peas, string beans, fingerling potatoes and spinach. Season to taste and there you go…easy breezy, delicious soup to use up some of those leftovers and feed you for days to come!
Typically for New Year’s Eve I cook one of my all time favorite meals, Osso Buco with Cheesy Polenta. But honestly I have a few options to consider for this year and while I’m not sure which one I’m doing just yet a dinner party doesn’t appear to be in the cards. While usually a girl of traditions like me would be sad about this, this year I’m embracing it. Out with the old and in with the new! You all know I’ve had a really tough year so I’m looking forward to 2015, a new me and new traditions to make this one of the best years yet. Happy New Year everyone…be safe, happy and healthy…and may 2015 ring in a year of fantastic cooking and eating for you and all of those you love!
As always, if you need a few more recipes visit my menu archives and recipes to find other meals to round out your week. Happy cooking…