Holiday party at my house
On Wednesday, I hosted my annual Cantitoe Farm holiday party. This is a celebration of the season for all of those who work at the farm and for those provide their expert services. We were also joined by some of my friends and neighbors. Once again, I asked Chef David Malbequi to help me out in the kitchen. His food creations are quite delicious and my guests were quite happy. I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year!
1 The fireplaces glowed nicely.
2 Panettone is the Italian Christmas cake - it was not the favorite at the party - everyone wanted more rich, more different.
3 Christmas cookies, decorated by TV's Dani Fiore, were a very big hit at the annual Cantitoe Farm Christmas party. Personally, it is heartbreaking to see the head of a gnome chomped off, when it took 30 minutes to decorate!
4 On the other hand, this mocha buche de Noel was a very big hit! It was a delicious confection from Greenberg's www.wmgreenbergdesserts.com on Madison Avenue in NYC.
5 These ginger snaps were made by editor, Ellen Morrissey, and they were scarfed up immediately!
6 Different gingerbread cookies - everyone loved them.
7 Chef David Malbequi made this mushroom quiche with a black pepper pate brisee crust - very popular.
8 A triple cream French cheese was rich and runny.
9 Our new Niman Ranch ham from Costco, glazed with brown sugar and cognac, served with fresh slices of pineapple.
10 I made fresh rhubarb sauce and fresh macintosh applesauce to serve with the potato latkes.
11 These mandarins and kumquats are from my own greenhouse.
12 Betsy, my stable manager
13 Jessica and Carlos
14 Shaun and me
15 Betsy and Linda, my farrier
16 My secret ingredient for superior latkes, or potato pancakes, is beer and this year I used Stella Artois.
17 The potato latkes are fried in just a bit of safflower oil - they are crispy and tender.
18 crispy latkes with creme fraiche and applesauce
19 Blini with sour cream and caviar
20 Brioche bread pudding
21 Glasses of wonderful caramelized cauliflower soup garnished with crispy croutons
22 A very happy group
23 Chhiring
24 Shaun
25 Alfredo
26 Cheddar biscuits were great with ham.
27 Wilmer and Gelbu
28 Carlos and Sharkey
29 Fernando and Alfredo
30 Here I am with Chhiring.
31 And with Alfredo
32 Carmine and Mike
33 Dr. Elizabeth Kilgallon - my large animal veterinarian, Linda, Betsy, and another guest.
34 Dominick and Bruce
35 Gyurme, Chhiring, and Pete
36 Vivaldi found a cozy chair.
37 Dolma and me
38 One of my trees
39 What a happy little girl
40 Chewang and me
41
42 Pete and me
43 Purba and me
44 Gyurme and me
45 Fernando and me
46 Wilmer and me
47 Alfredo and me
48 Gelbu, me, Dolma
49 Michael, Laura, and Spencer
50 Laura, Phyllis, and me
51 Dr. Marty and Francesca
52 Phyllis and Francesca
53 Spencer loved the cats and spent a long time with vivaldi the cat
Enjoyed all the photos, but would like to know more about your guests and what each person's profession is. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Teresa Emrich | December 25th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Merry Christmas Martha. You have been an inspiration to me over the past year and I look forward to many more interesting shows, blogs, photos, recipes and crafts.
Posted by: Patricia Clarke | December 25th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Looked like a very nice party. Merry Christmas and a safe journey! Dream BIG for the New Year cause God is listening.
Cheers!
Posted by: K L Brown | December 25th, 2009 at 3:55 am
Martha, after everything you do with MSLO I still am so touched how often you open your home to your employees, neighbors, friends and so many guests. And to top it off you share it with the world through your blog! What a fantastic gathering, all those smiles are beautiful and the food looks so delicious. A very happy 2010 to you and everyone!
Posted by: matt | December 25th, 2009 at 9:22 am
-- Weather in Vt. 12/25/09 a.m. is somber. Thanks for sharing farm festivities. This yr. advertising to clean homes & sm. businesses resulted in only two gigs. Dept. store where I work is closed today. Hallelujah! --
Posted by: Mina | December 25th, 2009 at 9:33 am
DEAR MARTHA!
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR MAY 2010 BRING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GOOD HEALTH, PEACE, HAPPINESS, SUCCESS & PROSPERITY
BEST WISHES
ROWAIDA FLAYHAN
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | December 25th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Merry Christmas Martha
Posted by: Pam From California | December 25th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Good for you, Martha!
I know many people in different parts of the world who would never share their home with their workers ...
I hope some others take the example...in that, you Americans, you set the example to many people of the world..
Congratualtions
Posted by: Cristina | December 25th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Merry Christmas, Martha ! The Wynn suite looks great, not too gaudy. I enjoyed all of your holiday photos. Where and when may we purchase the "clean" line ?
Posted by: Bea Trainer | December 25th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE!!!
Merry Christmas, Martha!
And Merry Christmas to fellow "Martha bloggers" and MSLO family.
My family just finished our holiday dinner and I thought I would digest my meal while I peek at your blog. I really didn't expect anything from you today but "you never know with you"....LOL
Your party had many smiling faces and lots of fabulous foods!
As usual Martha, you treat everyone with equality. You are a special person to always take time for others ... including your blog followers and twitter followers. I do follow you on twitter but I never write to you on twitter because I'm sure that you are swamped with tweets.
The coming new year 2010 is going to be another successful year for MSLO.
Happy Holidays!!! Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | December 25th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I think the Friesians should have been invited in the house...
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | December 25th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Matt @ 9:22 a.m. 12/25, said it all for me. I've watched your show for years. You have my "utmost" respect. May 2010 meet all your expectations. Please keep on truckin'.
Posted by: J Williams | December 25th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
While I have made a personal chose not to celebrate the holidays, I do wish you a good year to come!
Posted by: Mr Myers | December 25th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Hi Martha, What a pleasant, lovely blog! I love that you had a special party for your farm workers and others who do things to help operate your fantastic farm. The food you had for them was absolutely delicious looking and I'll bet it was all eaten in no time at all! You are such a great person who does fabulous things to show how much you appreciate the work on your farm as well as at MSLO! Franny and Sharkey sure looked like they were having fun and so did Vivaldi. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that New Years and 2010 will be the best ever!!! Where is that new baby?! Happy New Year! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 25th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Hello, and Merry Christmas from Florida. I am asking a question about the pasta maker Martha displayed on her show, it is a Kitchenaid, and I have looked on the website and it is not available. Can you help? Thank you in advance. Rona
Posted by: Rona Brunner | December 26th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I would like to know what Dominick and Bruce do at your place . Do they take care of the horses?
Must be a very exciting Job.How lucky for them.
Posted by: Kay | December 26th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
I enjoyed the photos but am dismayed that people did not like panettone. It is an essential part of Christmas for me and a great Italian tradition. I don't think your guests understand what it is.
Posted by: Carol Spagnola | December 26th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I could not get enough of these pics!
Posted by: Claudia | December 26th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Dear: Martha
I know you don't need me to tell the domestic diva what to do. It was a few years ago we were having a fire, where out of the blue the straw broom caught fire. We had the screen closed but somehow the spark got out and sent the broom a blazing, We quickly put it out. Martha you never can be to safe. Happy New Year to you and MSLO!! Good Things rule the day!!
Posted by: kristin svens | December 26th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
It all looks so cozy and comfy. I love your blog and the honesty of your real life. This is the sort of party that any of us could have attended or put on at one time or another throughout the holiday's. The food looked wonderful and it is so nice to thank those who make life so good. Happy holidays to you and the people that help you share all of the beautiful things that you do.
Posted by: Robin | December 26th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Everything looks beautiful and delicious!! Fabulous job as usual Martha:)Happy Holidays...xo
Posted by: Nicole Carpenter | December 27th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I sense that it was lovely party. Your farm employees are so famililar to me from following the blog throughout the year. Happy 2010 to all! I do enjoy their work via the blog. The CNN story by Alina Choe was inspuring. I want to vist the center. Do they give tours? I will have to call and see. I wish you good health and good living in 2010.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | December 27th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
You are such a inspiration to us all around the continent. You are a warm person and so happy to see you sharing your home with employees, friends and guests at Christmas. I really enjoyed the photos and everyday I watch you on the show. God bless and Happy Holidays, from chilly MI.
Posted by: Kim Loose | December 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Martha - Merry Christmas to you and all your team! The blog picks are so great to watch and the decorations/food are my favorite!!!
I have every single copy of your magazine since it started, every book you have published and cherish them all. I constantly refer to them for ideas (food, craft, cleaning, etc.)
I wish for you to publish a book only on preserves/canning, etc. I have bought many - but your recipes are truly the best. Many young women do not do these tasks anymore, but many others do and it is sometimes hard to find really yummy, heirloom recipes...please consider doing this! I would be the first to buy...and am certain many others would.
thanks for everything!
J
Posted by: Josee | December 27th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you. Love the photos and would
like to know where I can purchase your green products. Also watch your show each day and love all the hints you give. Thank You and Have a Blessed Healthy New Year
Posted by: kay malone | December 27th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
A lovely party for those who work so diligently at your farm...i am sure they loved being feted like this during the holidays. Yum...such good offerings of food and friendship!
Posted by: sherey | December 27th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Is the recipe available for sharing for the brown sugar and cognac glaze used on the Niman Ranch ham from Costco?
Posted by: Carol | December 27th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
it's so cozy... btw, you can search "fireplace" on http://www.decomyplace.com , here got some cozy photos too.
Posted by: jerry | December 28th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Everyone must have thought, so much good food so little time to taste it all. Stick that little gnome in the pocket for a snack later. Nice to see your farm can support so many people.
The party and food surely established a time of festive spirit and good will. Hope Christmas was merry and bright for all.
Posted by: Margie | December 28th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Martha, your photos are just fabulous! The true spirit of the season has been captured in this gallery today.
.
You have wonderful folks that work for you and also whom share camraderie - I consider these folks your extended family, as it takes ALL of them to be an effective team there at Cantitoe Corners. I know that you raise the bar with them and have high expectations, but, painful as it can be for the 'employee' sometimes, this is actually a good thing. They can say that they've worked for the very best and are viable and competent employees should they ever decide to move on. I believe you are very fair, as well as generous, as your blog posts have proven over time. What's most rewarding to me is seeing simply the smiles and happiness that emanate from within. That cannot be duplicated or faked!
.
Well, earlier today you were on your way to Bangkok. Enjoy your R-n-R...it's muchly deserved.
.
(I'll miss you in the meantime...)
.
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 28th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Love love love your cat photos. Could you maybe take some pics of your cats, and what they do throughout the day...and how you keep them out of your plants and scratching your furniture???
Thank you!!
Posted by: Julie | December 28th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Martha....your show is still very inspiring...your not getting older your getting better..you are quit a wonderous individual!!!!Keep up the good work and Happy Holidays to You and God Bless America...
Posted by: Elaine De Lisle Membrino | December 28th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
It's too bad the Pannetone wasn't popular at your party. We had a Pannetone trifle this year and it was absolutely delicious. The perfect combination of English and Italian Christmas traditions.
Posted by: Christine | December 28th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Merry Christmas, Martha!
That gnome cookie is FABULOUS!!! I'm saving that for my "idea file."
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | December 28th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
You are a person with a good heart ie. to enjoy Christmas with your staff . Some of my previous boss doesn't even any parties with their employee .
Keep up the good work .
Merry Christmas , Happy New Year and God Bless You and Family .
Posted by: alan james | December 29th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year !!! I am surprised that so many think that sharing your home and Christmas party with your hired help is unheard of. Who else keeps your farm running, your gardens beautiful, your plants healthy, your animals in great health, etc., etc. Because you are this way is why people love you. You are creating a legacy like no other wealthy person I have ever read about. Keep up the good work. You have many friends.
Posted by: Sylvia | December 29th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Hello Martha, I too am impressed with your continuous ablility to give away what you have and what you have learned. I am always inspired, as many others can agree, with all your skills. I was disappointed this fall when many of the dish networks that we have did not run your program. September 14th came and went and I'm still waiting to watch my first '09 season show. I did buy a subscription and now I can learn to use my on-line site to see what I missed. Thanks for all you do, and all of God's best for the New Year. Janie Gillis, Swift current, Saskatchewan, CANADA
Posted by: Janie Gillis | December 30th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Hello Martha,
Happy newyear from a special fan from the Netherlands. May all your wishes come true...
Marco
Posted by: Marco | December 31st, 2009 at 2:35 pm
i'm a big fan of yours. I always visit your web site to get a few great recipes!I live in Italy so I don't have the chance to see you on tv. I hope one day your program will be sent on here too!!! Excuse me if I correct your italian fettucine(not fettucini)love your white tartufo fettucine!!!!delicious!wishing you a happy and healthy new year. lizia rotondo
Posted by: lizia rotondo | January 3rd, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Happy New Year from snowy Montreal Martha!Much happiness, health and love this year!
When are you coming back to Montreal? I am sorry to hear the panetone was not a hit..Wasn`t a big hit in my family either until I tried something new this year. I made an ice cream cake out of it! Scooped out the interior, refilled with layers of chocolate and vanilla ice creams, put the top back on and froze for a few hours. I served it with a nice warm, brandy caramel sauce. My guests loved it. I made bread pudding with the scooped out remains the next morning..
Posted by: Pierre | January 3rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Hello Martha
I noticed you cook with Stella Artois ! Do you know where it's made? It says it on the bottle: LEUVEN, the city where I live in Belgium ! Woohoo I have something in common with Martha Stewart ! I love your show, I watch it on the web almost every day. And I am so excited when sometimes, I find your Living magazine in the International Magazine Store in town ! You got it together Martha !
Best wishes for the New Year
Diane
Posted by: Diane Allard | January 4th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Love anything Martha.
Posted by: Margaret Schrader | February 15th, 2010 at 2:22 pm