I think it is safe to say we all had extra time on our hands in the last year. Some people pledged themselves to fitness goals, some people watched series upon series on streaming services (including myself; thank you, Netflix), and some people just took time to slow down and think about what “new normal” means to them.

My sisters and I engaged in a new hobby; much to our mom’s advantage, we took up cooking! We started with small victories like making our own soups and chilies, before moving on to challah bread for the Jewish holidays, sushi Sundays and homemade gnocchi, just ’cause!

Anyone in my family can attest to the fact food is a major part of our celebrations, a love language and a way to bring us all together — if there is food, we are there. We wanted to incorporate this “togetherness” in a way that was inclusive of all of our tastes and health restrictions.

This past week, we rang in the new year with a classic charcuterie board followed by a spicy pesto penne à la vodka topped with a homemade crab cake. Thanks to many food blogs and Instagram accounts, we are well on our way to more creative and fun dishes in 2021. Happy New Year, and bon appétit!

— Haley Fogarty, account executive