A Taste of Tuesday

Is there anything that tops a dinner get-together with old friends? Don't think so. Wait: maybe my grandma playing the drums. That's pretty special.

Anyway, it was a lovely affair and I just wanted to share the culinary highlights:

The wine: Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir 2006, under $10, but definitely top-shelf taste.

The hor d'oeuvres: Momentarily blanched carrot and broccoli crudité served with miso-tahini dip & drunken goat cheese with walnuts and whole grain crisps.

The mains: Spicy chickpeas with coconut-oil simmered onions and tomatoes, seasoned with cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, homemade cilantro pesto, and fresh mint from my windowsill. Cumin-scented brown rice pilaf tinted with turmeric.

The dessert: Pears poached in apple cider with cinnamon sticks and star anise.