New beginnings are the best excuse for celebration. There are many great celebration foods, but nothing says celebration and new beginning like popping open a big bottle of bubbly. Sorry, Walter: I know this is usually your terrain, but I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year, the fall harvest, my new haircut, your new job, his new lover, their new house or anyone else’s new beginning than an icy bottle of Taittinger! And no better way to start drinking than to shout it out. Celebration! And any way you choose to shout it is fine by me. To everyone’s new beginning this week no matter how big or small. Congrats, kanpai, salud, mazel tov, felicidades, Hō ta lah, cheers, l’chiam, chin-chin, skål, bravo, proost, stin iyá mas, ʻŌkole maluna, pozdravlaiu, sláinte agus táinte, gefeliciteerd. Here is a good snack in case the bubbles start to go to your head. Devils On Horseback (Make extra: these are really good.) Pitted dates Manchego cheese Pancetta or bacon Stuff the dates with a good hunk of Manchego, and wrap them in the pancetta. Bake. Voilà. Photo credit: Ruby Custin
