We gathered for a unique and unforgettable celebration, marking a special occasion and welcoming the promise of a new year. It was a moment to cherish our connections with family, friends, and our community while reflecting on the past and embracing the possibilities of the future.
I enthusiastically prepared the traditional brisket and a delightful horseradish beet dish for our feast. Our talented hosts, Dr. Eric and Robyn, impressed us with their culinary finesse, serving mouthwatering apricot chicken, comforting chicken soup with gluten-free matzo balls, and an array of heavenly kugels. Our table was a feast for the senses, boasting a variety of flavors from a vibrant vegetable salad to four indulgent gluten-free desserts that tantalized our palates. To elevate our culinary experience, we savored fine wine from our hosts’ dear friend Cathy’s winery, along with other delectable treats.
This gathering was particularly special as we all gathered around an exquisitely arranged table, courtesy of our gracious hosts. Our diverse group of friends represented various professions, including several different types of doctors, a psychologist, a police detective, a non-profit executive, a health food store chain buyer, a journalist, and more. Despite our different backgrounds, we shared a common bond – celebrating a special holiday together over a table filled with delicious food.
The effort invested in creating this memorable meal was no easy task. Our hosts dedicated days to meticulous meal planning and menu selection. We embarked on grocery shopping expeditions and meticulous preparation. Dr. Eric and Robyn transformed their dining area into a beautiful setting where we gathered to partake in this culinary extravaganza. The table featured a rich assortment of bread, including three varieties of gluten-free challah plus sourdough. Everything was organic and homemade, prepared with love and care, and the difference in taste was undeniable.
Beyond the delightful dishes and the splendid surroundings, this evening held deeper meaning. It offered a respite from our busy lives, allowing us to reflect on the holiday’s essence and our personal journeys. Some of us were just starting our careers, some in the middle of them, and others approaching retirement. We came from different corners of the world, some lifelong friends, others acquaintances, and some newly met that evening. But these differences faded into insignificance as we gathered around the table, united by our shared sentiment. This evening, marked as a time for forgiveness and renewal, symbolized our collective commitment to embracing positivity and welcoming the new year with open arms.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our gracious hosts, who consistently open their doors for such gatherings during nearly every holiday season. They hold a special place not only at the table but also in our hearts.
I wish you a joyous new year, filled with friendship, kindness, and tables laden with good food, surrounded by friends and family. There is profound magic in the relationships we share with our loved ones, and nothing exemplifies this more than breaking bread together over a table adorned with food, family, and the comforting embrace of warm friendship.
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I requested our hosts’ permission to share their recipes with you, and their response was an enthusiastic “Yes!” Like magic, those coveted recipes appeared in my inbox that very night. Without further ado, I present them to you–a testament to our hosts’ boundless generosity. Oh, and don’t forget to check out my mother’s legendary brisket recipe, as well as the enchanting horseradish beet salad that vanished faster than a magician’s trick! One more thing: I used my own homemade horseradish and mayonnaise for the beet salad, as well as my own caramel-covered walnuts. I also used my own ketchup for the brisket. So, I’m providing you with those recipes here too, just in case you want to be a little more daring!
