We've feasted our way through the holidays. Goat curry, grilled lamb, peanut butter pie, prime rib, stewed hare, homegrown prosciutto, homemade ice cream, samosas, fruitcake (4lbs of dried fruit!), and surprise pomegranates from our fabled boss. I finally met Brett, the kingpin of the arctic, benevolent and busy man. There were other cooks happy to provide this onslaught of tastiness, so I just made dozens of naan breads and a few sweets.
Through the miracle of modern technology/a series of tubes, I got to join Pixley xmas and watch my nephew dole out presents to the family. My niece, age 2 1/2, toddled around cutely and happily mashed the couch cushions. And I got exactly what I hoped for: a book, chocolate, and socks. And a few days earlier, I got the best toffee I've had from the best ukulele player I know.
I worked a pretty easy night on Christmas, and was off to enjoy champagne and festivities for New Year's. We meant to have a fire but it was about -40F, steam and exhaust suspended in the air, a small band of aurora was visible but fleeting. The temperature has eased up a bit but the heater that keeps the walk-in fridge above freezing is on non-stop, and the pantry, with an outside wall, is so cold potatoes on the bottom shelf froze solid.
