Going out

This New Year's Eve we treated ourselves to Champagne and a supper of smoked salmon on toast, with asparagus and a fennel slaw, followed by squashed, roasted potatoes topped with crème frâiche and salmon roe. The little jars of roe were $13. The next roe up, American sturgeon, was $80. After that Osetra sparkled at $180.

Salmon it was. And very delicious.

First, you boil little potatoes until cooked through. Then you squash each onto a lined baking sheet using something round and heavy. A wine bottle with a flat bottom is excellent. Roast them for about 45 minutes at 350°F. They don't require salmon roe, but it's very good.
 

Dessert was a beautiful galette des rois from a local bakery (Brooklyn French). My slice had the hidden "bean" but the bean was a tiny croissant, so I got to wear the provided crown. For a bit. I let the Frenchman wear it because he looked a little crestfallen. Childhood memories.

And now, in light snow, and sub-freezing temperatures, we walk to see the fireworks at Grand Army Plaza. Squirrels, raccoons, possums, birds, cats, and dogs, cover your ears. Poor things. When will we ever learn?

See you on the other side.