Reasons to Gather: Friends, Risotto, and Pinot Noir

Our friends Kimberly and Scott invited us over for a taste of Scott’s famous risotto and some very special boutique wine (who could say “no” to that?). Alexander greeted us and gave us a whirlwind tour of their family’s holiday traditions: the tree decorating, the stockings (hung on the windowsill, not on the hearth), the nativity scene hand-made from corn husks by his grandmother, the nutcracker painting made by his brother Patrick, and the Elf on the Shelf game.

Meanwhile, Kimberly and Scott were preparing a knock-out blue cheese, grape, and walnut pizza (Kimberly is not a fan of blue cheese, so when I heard her rave about this pizza, I knew it had to be a winner). Scott corked some Road 31 Pinot Noir (formerly Green Truck Cellars), and we sank our teeth into the first bite of a very heavenly meal.

When we arrived, Scott had been preparing the risotto on the stove, but the boys – Alexander and Patrick – were in for a special treat: spaghetti and meatball marinara all the way from an Italian market in Cincinnati, OH. It had me wishing I had a seat at the kids’ table.

Scott didn’t let us adults down. We have been hearing rumors of his risotto for the past two months, and finally, the winter break from classes afforded us the opportunity to dine chez leur. The risotto (which included a full two cups of Albariño and a generous amount of freshly-grated Parmesan cheese) was topped with a warm sautée of sausage, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Divinity!

Kimberly wasn’t about to let her husband steal the spotlight. She prepared a rich, yet fluffy, Mexican chocolate cake with walnuts. Served with a glass (or two) of Tawny Port, it was the perfect way to top off a holiday evening with friends.

We left Kimberly and Scott’s home with full bellies and a long list of restaurants and B&B’s to try in Charleston, NC. Thank you for a wonderful evening. The next one’s on us!

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New Holiday Traditions

My husband and I got hitched in October of 2010, but we were together for three years prior to our nuptials. Thus far, we’ve spent one Christmas apart and two together. This year, we’ll return to the snowy Midwest to be with my folks. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of figuring out who to visit when and how to balance time between families, we’re trying to shape some of our own holiday traditions, as well. My favorite new Harpins tradition is by far the cartoon and breakfast cereal chow-a-thon.

(image credit: sceneunseenpodcast.com)

Typically on the 22nd or 23rd of December (before traveling to visit family) we savor bowl after bowl of kid-friendly (read: sugar-coated) cereals. Frosted Flakes, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch always make an appearance, and this year, we might even bust out the Count Chocula. While indulging in the sweet flavors of childhood, we watch holiday classics – like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Elf. Lounging in our PJ’s by the “fire” (aka, a space heater), we store up on much needed R&R before heading off to busy airports and packed houses.

(image credit: abc.go.com)

What are your family’s holiday traditions? Please leave a comment. Follow this link for a video Holiday Greeting from Harpins!

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