Leek Soup – Dina Avila, Photographer

I probably shouldn’t be the one writing a New Year’s Eve post. Mostly because we’re not really doing anything this year to celebrate. Last year’s imbibing lead to a New Year’s Day hangover strong enough to peel the paint of walls and a nasty vein pulsing migraine. Then and there I told myself that I would not do the same thing to ring in 2011.

Also, Adam and Champagne don’t mix. Granted there was much wine and little food (on his part) before the Cava was opened on the eve of 2010, but, again, Adam and Champagne don’t mix. Part of me wishes I could remember what on earth he was saying that night. The other part of me is very glad I can’t. What I do remember was thinking, “Who are you?” as he babbled (possibly) philosophical nonsense to, fortunately, a drunken table of friends.  As I understand it, I should really start worrying when he incoherently starts rambling in German, which he barely speaks.

If that’s not enough, another one of my reasons to forgo the party festivities, is that I’ve just entered my 39^th year on this glorious planet of ours, partying like a rock star on New Year’s eve is just not my bag anymore, man. Granted, one can easily partake of New Year’s celebration without said imbibing, but well, and we can all agree, it is very easy to fall into the swing of things, and before you know it, you’ve had nearly an entire bottle of wine to yourself. Before Champagne.

So this year, in lieu of braving Portland’s streets and winter weather, Adam and I will be in our jammies watching a post-apocalyptic movie starring the gorgeous Viggo Mortensen and sipping wine. In bed.

In light of my reader’s upcoming celebrations, I thought I’d share a little hors d’oeuvres treat that will win you friends and appease your enemies.

Cheers!

Eggplant and Walnut Crostini

Amanda Hesser’s, The Essential New York Times Cookbook, provided the inspiration for this recipe. I didn’t change too terribly much, as the recipe is perfect as is. I traded walnuts for pine nuts and omitted the basil for an extra pinch or two of mint.

By the way, if you haven’t picked up Amanda’s book, you are missing out. I absolutely love this cookbook. Not only is it an eclectic mix of NY Times recipes spanning 150 years, her tidbits and stories make it a highly entertaining and amusing read.  Lately, when I am at home, this book rarely leaves my side.

What you’ll need~

1 medium eggplant, about 1 pound, trimmed, peeled and sliced to about 1/2 inch thickness

Olive oil

1/3 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled

Sea Salt

Juice of one lemon

Black pepper

Handful of freshly chopped mint

Handful of freshly chopped Italian parsley

Toasted baguette slices or crackers of your choice

Preheat your broiler. Brush olive oil on each side of the sliced eggplant and place on baking sheet. Make sure your  rack is about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for about four minutes, until golden. Turn slices and broil side for four minutes.

Remove from broiler and stack eggplant. Hesser’s trick for allowing the steam to finish cooking the eggplant.

Place walnuts, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt in your food processor and pulse until mixture is smooth.  Coarsely chop your eggplant and add to walnut mixture. Blend. Stir in lemon juice and herbs. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Serve on crackers or toasted baguette slices and garnish with a mint leaf. Pair with, yes, Champagne.

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