A Chili New Year

The new year finds us well, and you? 2009 was a busy and exciting year for us and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. We capped off 2009 with New Years Eve plans that included an early, low-key dinner with our 10 closest Chicago friends. Wine was consumed, laughs were had, and delicious Italian food was devoured. After dinner, we were lucky enough to simply wander upstairs to our pal’s condo – literally 9 feet above our heads – where we rang in Twenty-Ten. (Is that what we’re calling it, anyway?)

Today will prove to be a bit different. In keeping with a tradition we started last year, we’ll reconvene around noon for a food and drink potluck feast, where we’ll play Phase 10 and watch the NHL’s Winter Classic. Aah, outdoor hockey at it’s finest. Last year’s game featured our very own Chicago Blackhawks versus the much-maligned Detroit Red Wings, at Wrigley Field, no less. We were mere blocks from the action!

Anyway, enough about hockey… and on to the most important part of our fiesta: the food. Contributions will include homemade mac n’ cheese, cookies, cornbread, and just what we need to warm up on a cold winter’s day- a huge, steaming pot o’ chili. (Don’t worry, vegetarians, there will be an all-bean option for the non-meat-eaters.)

Our good friend Michael and I perfected our recipe last year around this time, and folks have been asking for a re-do ever since. Not to toot my own horn, but we pretty much nailed it. If you’re looking for the recipe, here it is. (Sorry, folks. It’s a secret.)

We hope the New Year finds you well and that you’re looking forward to your long weekend as much as we are. Keep an eye out for some changes around the YBH, including a new design and even more exciting giveaways (not to mention the growing list of projects my wife has lovingly bestowed upon this duo). Woohoo, free stuff to start your new year off with a bang. Sounds great, right?