Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year 2012



I'm just going to say it:  I don't love New Year's Eve.  

I never have.

For me it's more of a time of reflection than of celebration.   I don't usually review what I've accomplished in the last year; rather, I set goals for the new year.   

Tonight, I'm getting together with a few close friends for a casual dinner; in fact, a friend of mine said he will cook since I made Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.  I couldn't allow myself to do nothing so I thought I'd make a baked artichoke dip -- basically chopped artichokes with a bunch of fat -- and some homemade crostini.


I love crostini.  They' so much better than any cracker.  I use a ficelle which is a skinny baguette and slice them on an angle which makes the perfect little shovel to scoop up a dip. I just brush them with olive oil, dust them with salt and bake at 375 degrees...



...until they're golden brown.

You got to watch them like a hawk to get them perfect.



These are perfect.

Hot artichoke dip with homemade crostini will be perfect
with a bottle or two of champagne before dinner.

I might even stay in my pajamas.



Whatever you do this evening, I hope you have a safe and happy time.  

And I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!

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47 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    Happy New Year, Steve!

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  2. annieDecember 31, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    I'm with you on the New Year. I hate feeling obligated to have fun. That very morish artichoke dip showed up at a Christmas Eve party we went to, warm without the cream cheese. I bought the ingredients but still haven't made it. Looking forward to seeing more of you in 2012!

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  3. AnonymousDecember 31, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    I wish the same for you my friend!

    I'll be in my pajamas all evening too but I sure wish I was snacking on hot artichoke dip with my champagne. That's my favorite snack.

    Have a wonderful evening and hope you acheive all your goals in the next year ~

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  4. ClaudiaDecember 31, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    I'll be home with the dogs - Don has to work. But New Year's Eve is never a big deal with me. I'd rather stay home. I just worry about Don out on the roads on a night like this.

    Happy New Year, Steve!

    xo
    Claudia

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  5. annie@mostlovelythingsDecember 31, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Steve,
    This is the perfect New Years Eve post! Love the photos, both of your gorgeous paper-whites and your bread or crostini...little shovels. If that isn't the perfect vehicle for a hot artichoke dip, I don't know what is! I've never heard of ficelle, a skinny baguette does seem to be the perfect choice here. I'm going to see if that's what they call them here.
    Happy New Year!
    xo
    annie

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  6. MakeminemidcenturyDecember 31, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Happy New Year, Mr Urban Cottage. It took me many years to work out how over-rated New Year's Eve is.

    I'm looking forward to seeing what you get up to this year. Amazing things, I'm sure.

    Last night we all went to bed at about 8pm as per usual. And I'll never buy another cracker again!

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  7. DianneDecember 31, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    My parents had the good luck of me being born at 11:45 on New Years Eve MANY years ago. My dad always bragged I was his best tax deduction. :) I usually spend the evening at home with close friends...not into the crowds. This year is no different.
    I hope your New Year is blessed with all things good.
    xo Dianne

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  8. CindyDecember 31, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Happy New Year, Steve! I am with you; this is my least favorite night of the year, although this year, we are having two couples over for a fondue dinner, so I am sure we will have a nice time.
    I am glad that I found your blog, this past year. I have so enjoyed all of your posts. Cindy

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  9. Cindi MyersDecember 31, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    yeah, me neither.
    when I was much younger I used to bartend and watch others get drunk and stupid. Now that I'm older, I have to work early tomorrow...so yeah, kinda don't care for it.
    I don't want to look back this year, I don't think I got much accomplished but I have Big HUGE plans for next year! LOL!
    but tonight? I think I will continue eating all the junk in my house that I have to throw out otherwise tomorrow! LOL!
    Have a great safe New Years Eve!
    see ya next year! :D - Cindi

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  10. DebDecember 31, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    I don't like New Year's Eve either. I wish I could be chillin' at your place, that food sure looks great. We're babysitting the Grand tonight so it ought to be memorable. Happy New Year! Don't stop making me laugh.

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  11. RenéDecember 31, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    A whole bunch of fat & crostini sounds great to me...in pajamas. Enjoy your evening & happy new year!

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  12. Amy ChalmersDecember 31, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Happy New Year Steve. I will be in my jammies, and agree that it is a time for goal setting and thinking of all the things I want to accomplish in the coming year. A little reflection and gratitude as well...your crostini looks amazing. I am starving!

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  13. SHERRY HARTDecember 31, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    Happy New Year Steve. I agree, I despise NYE. so much pressure to stay up. Tonight we will have dinner with friends and then enjoy a bonfire on the beach. Hopefully I can make it to 10 pm. They will yell at me when I retire early. Don't care.

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  14. ErinDecember 31, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Wishing you a very happy new year! I know the last few months of this one have been more enjoyable since I found your blog, it really inspires me! As for New Years celebrations, I am totally with you. I would much rather spend the evening with a good craft project and delicious food that battle the craziness going on in the outside world. Hope you have a fabulous 2012!

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  15. webbDecember 31, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    PJ's it is! So glad we met earlier this year. Have really enjoyed your blog and your comments.

    The crostini look wonderful, and I love artichoke dip - the perfect contribution. What time did you say to be there?

    Cheers!

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  16. UnknownDecember 31, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    New Years is the only holiday that I don't celebrate. Don't like it, never did. Only time I feel sad rather than optimistic...I understand...
    BUT...have a great new year Steve! :-)
    **Tami

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  17. Kerry Steele- Design du MondeDecember 31, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Mmmm. Looks delicious.I am not a huge fan of New Years eve either.
    Best wishes for 2012!

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  18. lizaDecember 31, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    Thank you for making me laugh (about the artichokes with fat and a bottle or two of champagne before dinner - not about how you feel about NYE - I don't love it either). We're watching Star Wars with our son -pizza, popcorn, ice cream, izze, the force. And a little champagne for a change, maybe.

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  19. lizaDecember 31, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    And Happy New Year to you, Steve!

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  20. LANADecember 31, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Happy New Year, Steve. I agree with you, crostini and champagne in pajamas sounds great. I've never felt obliged to party on New Year's Eve.

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  21. flwrjaneDecember 31, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Us too. Home after an 8 hour shift in the hospital fighting over who get to hold the baby.

    Now we're home with Nika and Balu, Nika's "cousin", the Hai rushed off to the hospital showered and shaved, bottle of champagne in hand.

    Us? Food and sleep. And to all a good bight.

    And to you a Very Happy New Year. And what a year you've had!

    xo jane

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  22. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesDecember 31, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Happy New Year! My neighbor brought over the hot artichoke dip! LOL!!! I'm all for the pj's!

    Enjoy!
    Mary

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  23. Blondie's JournalDecember 31, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    I love a low key New Years Eve, too. On New Years Day I really do a lot of cooking and we celebrate the new year. Your crostini looks wonderful and perfect for the dip, which I haven't had in ages.

    Have a great evening and Happy New Year! :-)

    XO,
    Jane

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  24. Sunflowers With SmilesDecember 31, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    I am not a big celebrator for New Years Eve either...I prefer to stay home with friends and family....Your crostini sounds delicious!

    Happy New Year!

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  25. Linda@ Lime in the CoconutDecember 31, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    I would imagine you have a TREMENDOUS amount to relect about this year, you incredible being, you!

    And a recipe for yum...taboot.

    You, Sir, were a FAVE of 2011....and I have no doubt it will be even more so in 2012.

    A toast to you...and yours! Thanks for your wit and your wisdom...your inspiration and beauty. Your vellum sails and your barnacled anchor.

    A votre sante!

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  26. WindlostJanuary 1, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    Happy New Year Steve - I have never been a New Year's person either. I try to avoid the parties and think of it as a time of renewal and recalibration, a time to look forward. Tonight David and I ate salads (much needed after all the carbs and sweets excess) and drank a bottle of white wine and went out for a crisp cold walk after watching two episodes of Downton Abbey (last season, which we have watched about three times). I must get to bed so I can start the year off rested...

    Those crostini look divine - bread and dip is a definite winner around here. Happy New Year and I wish you the very best for 2012 - I have a feeling it will be a very successful year for you. xo Terri

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  27. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowJanuary 1, 2012 at 2:32 AM

    Happy New Year Steve!! Thank you for sharing your ideas and style, I appreciated every post.

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  28. Carol@6WilsonBlog.comJanuary 1, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    Happy 2012 my friend! Thank you for all the beautiful inspiration last year. Cannot wait to see what is up your sleeve for this year! Ok. So add photography to your new career.

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  29. ShannonJanuary 1, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Happy New Year!!!

    I wish I could have stayed in my PJs for the countdown!

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  30. UnknownJanuary 1, 2012 at 10:17 AM

    It sounds fabulous. Especially the pajama part! Hope it was warm and peaceful! Happy New Year, Carla.

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  31. KarenaJanuary 1, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    Happy New Years Steve & All the best in 2012! Thank you for a special friendship!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  32. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Happy New Year to you! I love homemade crostini, too. I agree they are so much better than any cracker. Try a a bit of freshly cracked pepper to your seasoning. I love it. Or rub with a clove of garlic. Delicious!

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  33. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 12:52 PM

    Your blog has been a joy and inspriration to follow this past year and I look forward to another year of your renovations and creativity.

    May the New Year bring you much joy, love, prosperity and peace.

    Thanks Steve.

    Bridgemor

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  34. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    Really, having met a man even through bloggerland, who knows the word 'ficelle' gets a thumbs up in my book. Where were you when I was single? Ah yes probably in your cradle.

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  35. MirandaJanuary 1, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    Sounds like you've hit on the perfect way to celebrate the end of the year/beginning of the next. Thanks for the gorgeous photos and the crostini tutorial! Good luck w/all your projects in 2012... will look forward to your continually inspiring posts!

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  36. SusanJanuary 1, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    Yum! We had pomegranate champers cocktails at home-too much ice on the highway to make it into town safely.

    After dinner, we put a bow tie on the dog, and made him pose for pics-which he adores doing.

    From my fave greeting card of the year: "Fortune be Thine" !

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  37. DonnaJanuary 1, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    Well I went out but am paying for it today!!! Happy New Year to you and all your readers.

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  38. CatherineJanuary 1, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    Happy New Year Steve! Hot artichoke dip sounds SO GOOD! Will have to put that on our 'must make' list.
    xoTrina

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  39. AnneJanuary 1, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    Looks delicious. Happy New Year!

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  40. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Can't help wondering if your kitchen is on that goals-for-the-coming-year list. What a treat it will be to watch that transform!

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  41. VictoriaJanuary 1, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    I am not a fan of New Year celebrations either, but I am a fan of crostini and artichokes for that matter. All good wishes to you, Steve, for a very happy 2012.
    All the best...Victoria

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  42. Barbara@HausDesignJanuary 2, 2012 at 2:16 AM

    I'd trade any NE celebration for crostini with artichoke dip! :)

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  43. Puttin' On The GRITSJanuary 2, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    I am so glad that I stumbled onto your blog. Beautiful home! One of the reasons I might love it so much is that strangely enough, it is nearly identical to mine. I just moved into mine the week before Thanksgiving so the interior decor is meager at best but I hope to use your blog for inspiration. I haven't posted any pictures of the front of my house yet- my porch is just a little deeper than yours but that's about the only difference! I look forward to following along with your blog!

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  44. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    Wow Steve. This paper white tip is my New Year's present! We still have a bag in the cold chest at work. If I'm up to it next week I'll plant some up.

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  45. shiree segerstromJanuary 4, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Thank you for the Hot Artichoke dip! I am throwing a retirement party for dear friends next week and I will do your crostini and artichoke dip. Shiree'

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  46. Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries®January 5, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    Belated Happy New Year to you and your kitties Steve!
    Warmly,
    Tracey
    x0x

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  47. JodyFebruary 18, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    Steve, I miss your voice in the blogging world. I hope all is well and you are only taking a little break and will be back telling us all about your wonderful house and your plans for it.

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