Without forgetting the unhealthy end...

The New Year's Eve party wasn't exactly super healthy, though. How could it be? 2007 had to end in a drunken, fried food, calorific bang, right?!

I wasn't really as prepared to host as I have been in previous year. I had lost my mojo in between being trampled by tourists and finding the best bargains at packed-to-the-gills retail stores. In the end, I couldn't bear to be undercatered so I made two types of canapes, another antipasti dish, and something I was especially excited about -- fried ravioli! I had seen Giada make it on the Food Network, and it is also one of my favorite things to eat as an appetizer at the Olive Garden. Giada dips the uncooked fresh mini cheese ravioli in buttermilk, and then she coats these in Italian-style breadcrumbs.

Then, the ravioli are fried in olive oil for a few minutes on each side. They are served with marinara sauce or any type of spaghetti sauce.

These were a BIG hit at the party! I had noticed they went cold fairly quickly, but actually tasted quite delicious even when cold or room temperature. They were perfect dipped into the sauce. This is one of those party foods I'll happily make again and again.. I unfortunately never got a shot of these beauties, but there are some odd pictures to share from that night. HAPPY NEW YEAR!


That's me with the antipasti platter -- I wonder when the day will come when my face won't be as round as a bowling ball. Hmmmn.


My mom and Paki with Rafa's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink Sangria.

The clan -- well most of them -- peaceful clash of cultures. Where the kielbasa meets the chorizo. :)