Ahh! The Beautiful Passage of Time

This month, just about everyone has asked me how it feels to hit that all-important decade birthday. To be honest, it feels great. I'm not going to lie, I'm not crazy about the sprouting gray hair in my eyebrows or the delightful hormone-induced layer of belly fat, but all-in-all, I love the stage of life that I'm in and if that requires a trade in of normal monthly cycles, so be it. This month has been a month about me and I want to thank everyone for playing along. Especially Kevin. He has helped to make my birthday month extra special and I really appreciate it.

The celebrations began with the actual day. I didn't really want a present because we are preparing for the best present -- a house remodel. But we were sitting reading the Sunday paper and Kevin leaned over with a kiss and said, "Let's go to the sporting goods store. We're getting you a new ski parka and helmet." Unless you live in my skin, it's hard to understand the momentousness of this moment. Truth to tell, I have been skiing in my daughter's winter jacket that we purchased when she was twelve (a little over a decade ago). I have been riduculed by more than one person about my lack of stylishness on the slopes. So a new coat was a dreamy present.

Then Kevin asked me what I wanted to eat for my birthday dinner? Now, many people go out for birthday dinners but I can assure you, it often a much better experience just to stay home. I opted for home-made Cioppino. I confess,this is not a recipe for whimpy cooks. It is expensive and luxurious and takes a lot of time, multiple steps and many willing hands in the kitchen. But it is worth it. I was able to find our particular recipe on line. So if you are brave enough, follow this link for the Lobster and Shrimp Cioppino http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2001/10/lobster_and_shrimp_cioppino. When you read through the recipe you will know that I am spoiled.

Now for the birthday party. Kevin is a great, great cook, but not as easy in his role as party planner. So, thanks to Kelly and Karin for helping. (If anyone was omitted from the party list, I am very sorry. It was not on purpose. I didn't help a lot with the planning). Ok first of all, it was fun, fun, fun for me. Loved the warmth and kindness of the evening. And can I say that Kevin went all out for the menu? And then Kelly and Karin filled in the rest.

• Beef and Chicken Satay -- Best if marinated 24 hours in advance.
• Roasted Vegetable Terrine
• Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Roasted Tomato Terrine
• Veggie Platter
• Apples, Grapes and Blue Cheese Dip
• Marinated Mussels
• Cured meats from Bosnia
• Assorted delicious finger foods
• And...Linzer Torte (I made the cake because I really like to make cakes)
  

I'm having a hard time getting the recipes on the blog. Email me and I'll send. It's good to be celebrated. May your birthdays be as lovely as mine! Happy 2011.