Is the Eastern seaboard a block of ice yet? It feels so brisk outside and I’d really rather be nowhere but home – hunkered down by my fireplace with friends, food and my pup. Over the long weekend, I spent a lot of time relaxing, watching the inauguration and cooking up a storm for a casual fireside dinner on Monday evening. With temperatures in the twenties, it was a necessity to move the dining room table to the living room directly by the fire. I cooked oxtails for about 12 hours with red wine, tomatoes and root vegetables – between two days – to create a super rich ragu to serve over homemade gnocchi. Along with a roasted beet salad and a (slightly failed) attempt to make some small chocolate almond tarts from the Bouchon Bakery Cookbook. With a decanter of Cabernet, it was a great setting and tasty menu to warm us up before the week’s start.

How are you surviving the winter storm? I’ve heard of backyard burgers on the grill on a snow day, chili, lentil soup, grilled cheese and even delivery pizza! With good friends and warm socks, I’d be up for any of these ideas!

Stay warm out there! I’ll post some recipes this week.

Hunker Down Dinner Menu:

• Beet Salad with Baby Kale, Dried Cranberries and Goat Cheese
• Oxtail Ragu over Homemade Gnocchi
• Strawberries and Mini Almond Chocolate Cakes