A Recap of The Holidays as New Year Approaches

Not in chronological order TOP (from left to right):
Betsy Cerula celebrates graduation from a Masters in Integrative Medicine as well as her birthday with family, close friends and business associates

An evening with the Handel Choir of Baltimore at the home of Leslie and Bruce Greenwald

BOTTOM (from left to right):
Peggy Sue Atterbury, Annapolis, Md., hosts a wine and cheese fund raiser for St. Johns College

Barbara and Michael Powell have a quiet dinner at home as renovation of Towne Hall nears completion

Dickeyville in the News 1935

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I am in the midst of planning the next cafe germaine event from the tattered, food spotted pages of my mother's old cookbooks that arrived on my doorstep Christmas eve, a gift from none other than frere Martin! There's a first edition "Joy of Cooking," "Wine and Dine" the Lake Roland Garden Club cookbook, and "Helen Corbitt's Cookbook."

Most intriguing are the newspaper clippings and hand-written recipes my mother scribbled in the margins; and the advertising managed by my own grandmother, Charlton Gillet, are a historical treasure trove! Who knew that Jack Lederer's Orchestra played at the Oriole Cafeteria at 11 East North Avenue? Happy Hour at The Oyster Cove in The Hotel Rennert was from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with mixed drinks at 25 cents.

So here's the plan -- I simply flip open a page and see in my mother's exquisite hand-writing, "Tuna Tango" (better choice than frozen tuna salad on the same page), scalloped frankfurters and potatoes, and "Blushing Bunny." (free admittance to the first person who can tell me what blushing bunny is.)

I'll serve martini's and we'll listen to Big Band music. Stay tuned for the date and time, but for now I'm preparing for home stretch of 2007!

THANK YOU & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Thank you for your unending support and encouragement. Three thousand cheers (as is our custom) to Dickeyville and her people.

germaine

Tomato Tart Provencal

HOT OFF THE PRESS
Have you thought of this for the person who already has everything -- a tomato tart provencal with fresh thyme or how about a special holiday spinach quiche with cranberries and toasted almonds? Looks festive -- taste festive, and goes especially well with champagne!

Christmas Greens or Let It Snow

Poor me -- like ole ms. brer rabbit, "oh please don't throw me in the kitchen on a snowy day in Dickeyville, with a load of greens, carrots and all the other fixins for pot roast, and ma mere's creole chicken stew.

Well, it's here if you want me to put some on the side for you. Remember, no cafe germaine events planned for December because I know your calendars are booked, but a little comfort food (frozen or fresh) might hit the spot and keep you out of the milk lines at the supermarket.

I do have some irons in the fire for scotch tastings! I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, be safe and let our marathon begin. Stop by if you're in the "lower-hood" and have a cup of tea.