On the last day of 2017, I may have chosen a cliché of a film to feature, but I thought it would fit the spirit regardless. “New Year’s Eve” was a 2011 film that we can watch, and look back on that year as well. I had not realized the exclusive ensemble cast this film envelopes. “New Year’s Eve” boasts every celebrity from Zac Efron, John Bon Jovi, and Ashton Kutcher to Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, and many more. Watching this film again, I was reminded of some of the young actors like Abigail Breslin and Jake T. Austin, who are all grown up now. The film even features big name comedians like Russel Peters and Sophia Vergara, not to mention little touches like small cameo roles by names like Matthew Broderick and Jim Belushi.
New Year’s Eve is a comedy engaged on with New Yorkers who’s lives intertwine throughout the day culminating on the celebrated night with promises of hope, forgiveness, second chances, and love. The film doesn’t focus just on average New Yorkers, however, it depicts the lives of ambitious back up singers, Radio City Music Hall costume designers, record company owners, and even Mr. Times Square himself, Ryan Seacrest, makes an appearance. He even eludes to the history of Times Square hosts while under pressure saying: “This would never have happened to Dick Clarke.”
I particularly enjoyed Ashton Kutcher’s role as Randy, a jaded book illustrator who hates New Year’s Eve after his girlfriend left him on a date. He has a poignant line that I think we should all take to heart and try and do better through the year when it comes to friends and acquaintances. Please excuse the explicit in this quote, but I think he has a point. While ripping down New Year’s decorations from the halls of his apartment, Randy leaves a message for his friend:
“Another thing that chafes my ass about the holiday season is all the fake messages. Like today, I received fifty text messages with a generic ‘Happy New Year’, from people who had sent it to their entire address book. Most of them I haven’t heard from since last year!”
Watch “New Year’s Eve”
Ultimately the film is about remembering kindness on this evening and throughout the year. For tonight’s meal I’m inspired by Katherine Heigl’s catering as Laura who is catering her “first event with linen napkins.” Lots of pretty petite dishes are served at this New Year’s Eve event, but I thought throwing down chocolate truffle parachutes with the announcement of “dessert is served” was cute. I wish you and yours a Happy New Year and may you make your own this gift of Hand-Rolled Chocolate Truffles.
Ingredients
4 oz. quality dark chocolate chopped
8 tbsps. heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract (optional)
2 tsp. pure cocoa powder
Method
- In a small heavy saucepan heat cream to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and add chocolate
- In a separate bowl place chocolate and pour cream over it.
- Add flavoring extract (optional).
- Stir until mixture is smooth.
- Allow to cool and then place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Roll out small one-inch balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly so not to melt it from the heat of your hands.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerator overnight.
- Roll in cocoa powder and serve.
Notes
This recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed.
