As the sun rose this morning I was greeted with its warmth and light reflecting off the newly fallen snow.  I’m enjoying watching the ‘golf ball’ size snowflakes fall from the sky along with my second espresso of the morning.  The house remains quiet, only the occasional rush of warm air from the furnace to break the silence.  There is certainly a little something different about this morning, in fact it is unlike any other during the course of the calendar year because today is Christmas Eve!

For me, the paper pad in hand does not read as a list of ‘naughty or nice’ more important it covers my responsibilities for the Holiday weekend festivities.  I look forward to carrying on and sharing with family and friends food tradition of the past and creating new dishes inspired by the  food influence I experienced this past year.  There is comfort knowing that most of the items on this long list of foods have been crossed off, things such as bread, artisan cheeses, Panettone, mixed case of wine, smoked and cured meats including Speck, Prosciutto, Salami and new to this year’s menu, Guanciale (cured meat from hog’s cheek).

I am excited about this afternoon and the opportunity to push myself away from the desk for a few days and welcome a smile to my face as I approach the kitchen with open arms knowing I’ll be behind the stove for the reminder of the day.  I am adding a new recipe to the menu this year utilizing the Guanciale, ‘Bucatini all’Amatriciana’.  This dish is taken from the very classic and traditional Italian pasta recipes. The excellent dish is from the town of Amatrice, which is located in central Italy.

Bucatini all’Amatriciana is a simple zesty tomato sauce dish classically made with Guanciale, however it is common to substitute a favorite Pancetta and have the same wonderful results.  This is a new recipe I’m working on. Once it is perfected this weekend, I’ll look forward to posting and sharing it with everyone.

I find that time in the kitchen is always good for the heart and soul.  There is something magical about food – their textures, colors, flavors along with the aromas that bring a sense of comfort.  I wish everyone a very happy and joyous Holiday season.  Merry Christmas!!  Buon Natale!!

Cheers to family and friends…..

Michael