For auld lang syne

This weekend was busy (and it's still not over!). Wednesday, we celebrated Christmas with the Miller/Schier family who gave Gatsby a gift in the form of a donut, sprinkle shaped treat. I couldn't get him to sit long enough to even begin to take a picture of him. He also scored two squeaky toys that I did record a video of him playing keep away which I sent to the kids. They obviously loved it, and being responsible for hiding two toys was exhausting for him so it ended up being a win-win. I also set up my brand, spankin' new mixer which I already love, clearly. I randomly walk by it and pet it to the point that Gats is even getting jealous. We headed to Austin for the afternoon Friday where we drank a beerita at hopdoddy and ate a piece of pizza at Home Slice with HP's brothers and a couple of friends. Jealously is allowed. New Year's Eve, I made homemade pesto to top our homemade pizza (along with shallots, asparagus, orange bell pepper, turkey sausage, and mozzarella cheese). Huynh rolled out the dough with a wine bottle; mine was heart shaped :). We toasted 2012 with a Moscow mule courtesy of Oprah. It was as delicious as she raved - and yes, served in a cappuccino cup so no judging. Sunday, we made homemade brioche rolls to eat with pork barbacoa. Yay for resolutions.

That was, of course, served with a side of black eyed peas, in the form of Texas caviar. Yum-to-the-o.

Texas Caviar
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2-3 jalapeno peppers, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (8-oz) bottle zesty Italian dressing
1 (15-oz) can mexi-corn, drained
1 (15-oz) can black-eyed peas, drained
1 (4-oz) can chopped green chilies
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1-1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

In a large bowl, mix together everything, excluding cilantro. Cover and chill in the refrigerator approximately 2 hours. Toss with desired amount of fresh cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.

Oh yea, Huynh finished working on Gats crate - meaning the staining part - and I really cleaned. I mean, really. We also took down the Christmas decor. Is it really January? Happy Monday.