A new year with so many delicious things to discover and enjoy in Kelly’s Kitchen. But of course as we start January with five fun things, it really was all about the last few weeks and Christmas vacation with the family.

1. Let’s start with what hasn’t changed in the food world; what they feed you (or don’t) on those jammed flights up north. C’mon guys, a single bag of peanuts?  If I’m going to take that 2-3 hour flight sure would be nice to have a little something more.
2. And before you can say it, let me first. Sure, we can buy something airside to bring on board. But it you’re going to make your food of choice McDonald’s fries, you’d better buy enough to share with the rest of the cabin. Do you know what it’s like to smell that heavenly aroma and not being able to sneak just one?!
3. For those of you who follow me on Facebook you know it was also all about the cold! Sure, Cleveland sets a record for consecutive days without snow. Then I come home and it’s a blizzard warning. But that meant stocking up on what I’ve developed a real taste for. Chai Lattes. Lots and lots of hot chai lattes. Usually followed by my sister Tricia’s chocolate covered Oreos.
4. Loved our Christmas Dinner this year – it was an Italian feast of sausage and peppers, pasta and sauce, fantastic salad…and more sausage and peppers. Just about the best I’ve ever had. And thanks to my hosts Dave and Denise, and nice slice of Key Lime Pie to make me a little homesick.
5. Finally, since my trip home was slightly hampered by the blizzard with a flight cancellation, my personal thanks to Potbellies at Chicago’s Midway Airport and one very filling, satisfying Mediterranean sandwich in between flights. Oh, and those flights? Thanks to overbooking and the chance to make up for the extra cash I spent just to get out of town before another storm hit, I volunteered to give up my seat in exchange for a free round trip ticket and a $300 travel voucher! But that also meant going from Cleveland, to Chicago, to Raleigh-Durham, and finally eleven hours later, home to Tampa. Guess how many hours I slept over the last weekend?

It’s good to be home. But it would be even better if my family were along for the ride back. Happy New Year everyone!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” – Edith Lovejoy Pierce