The Way To Someone's Heart...

Most adults could finish that proverb.  Actually it's "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" but for Valentine's Day we won't discriminate.

We have plenty of love to go around.

Preparations are under way:  pretty packaging, ribbon, bows, hearts and more hearts.

Heart cookies, heart cakes, heart pies. Pot pies in heart-shaped red pans and pans of delicious Italian entrees with red sauce (amore!).

Red wine, white wine, and no whining from the kids because we've thought of them, too.  Why not wake them up with our homemade pop-tarts?  The slightly crisp edges and crumbly crust give way to fillings that we've been testing for a couple of weeks now.  Apple-cinnamon, brown sugar and pecan, s'mores, just to name a few.  Need something a little more adult for your sweetie pie?  Try our fruit and nut granola over honey-flavored Greek yogurt.  It's a delicious and healthy way to start your loved one's day.  Great as a snack.

  How about heart-shaped, chocolate covered marshmallow lollipops? 

Or a pink box filled with chocolate peanut butter brownies?  Not a chocolate lover?  A pink box with raspberry filled butter cookies.  Pick up a romantic dinner for two.  Or for the whole family.  Everything is made with love.  From us to you.  From you to them.

Resolutions

Does anybody really enjoy making and trying to keep New Year's resolutions?

Some years it's the same old ones I've made before. Some years I'm more optimistic and energetic than other years, but the truth is I rarely get through January before I forget what I've resolved to do. Then I rack my brain, recall what it is, and give it another go.

It makes me feel good to at least try.

I think the key is to strive for improvement. Not a very deep thought, I know, but surely it's what keeps us going. A yearly reminder of the power of positive thinking. A mental exercise program. Something to talk about with strangers at holiday parties.

Everyone at Tres Market shared their resolutions with each other. They range from being on time to getting their spouse here from a foreign country. I wish them all luck. Me personally? I resolve not to eat so many chocolate chips and I will quit procrastinating.

I also resolve to send more pictures from the kitchen. Starting now. Happy New Year to all. Thank you for an excellent 2012. We wish you an even better 2013.

Harley hasn't seen his beautiful wife in a year. He hopes to have her here soon!

John's not only going to try a bunch of new recipes we've been talking about, but he's going to work on getting up from this push-up. (We all could use a little more exercise in 2013.)

Jules will have her whole life in order before the year is out. (She is young.)

Jeannine vows to get more sleep so she'll look younger(?).

Charlie is our Protein Specialist. He wants to do less parenting (ha!) and drink more wine. (I think he means free wine at Tres Market.)

Will works for our linen service. His goal is not to write 2012 on checks (we're going to get him a debit card). He says that's enough because he "doesn't want to dream too big or have any far-fetched goals."

Finally, our latest construction is finished. The new goal is to fill the tables with customers enjoying our food, wine, and Texas craft beer!