So, how has the new year been for you so far?
I’ve been easing into it with friends enjoying a piece of paradise on the island of Lana’i…. regrouping, recharging, soaking up the scenes of swaying palms, endless indigo seas, lava cliffs and white coral balls; savoring the scents of plumerias and tuberose and sleeping peacefully to the roar of the tradewinds and the whirl of the overhead fan.
We’ve been waking up early each morning, to beat the heat and play a little tennis as the sun rises. Then, after a hearty brunch, our families spread out over this remote island to hike, snorkel, scuba or relax on the beach. On the last day of 2013 we had Croque Madame’s for brunch, a favorite comforting sandwich I’ve always associated more with lunch or a casual bistro dinner ~ but what a perfect choice to serve with fresh fruit and a green salad for a brunch. Our chef finished the sandwiches in the oven making it relatively easy to serve a big, hungry group.
To read about the technique from the experts at Saveur mag, click on Croque Madame. BTW, it’s the poached or fried egg that makes this sandwich feminine, without the egg it is called a Croque Monsieur.
Have you enjoyed or dreamed about any great comfort foods this year?
Sounds dreamy! Enjoy. M.
I am extraordinarily envious, Emily!! I would love to be in Hawaii right now…it is COLD and snowy here in Connecticut!
I received my gorgeous Antica Farmacista fragrance and all of the wonderful Splendid Market goodies just in time for New Year's. Thank you SOOOO much!!!
Enjoy the sunshine and have a lovely weekend! xoxo
Lucky lady…Lanai is sooo beautiful and peaceful and untouched. I am not going to complain however we are still in California enjoying one last day of bliss…before we head back to heaps of snow and single digits. Happy 2014…enjoy!
Well that's the way to start the new year. So glad you're enjoying!!
Sounds like a perfect start to the year, Emily! Sunshine and Croque Madame in paradise, how lovely!
I indulged in too many comfort foods in the last days of the old year, so I've been turning over a new leaf. I did make an acorn squash stuffed with quinoa and winter greens that was quite comforting and very healthy last night, though.
Happy New Year – looking forward to a fantastic 2014. Let's toast it together soon! XOXO
Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us in 2014, Emily!
Your post inspire me, and I love going along for the ride!
Happy New Year, friend!
Teresa
xoxo
Sandy, so pleased you received it and love it, stay cozy, sounds like it it still quite extreme back there!
Tina, good luck getting home, sounds like the system is quite congested! Happy New Year.
Jeannie, love the sounds of the squash w/ Quinoa and greens. Yes, dying to gather!
Happy New Year Teresa, thank you for your kind comments. I am on a mad organizing bend right now, with a tennis match tomorrow, I may take a bit longer hiatus!
Happy New Year Everyone I love all of my blogging friends!