After a peaceful two weeks in Florida (thanks Jean and Rog!) spent reading and working out, I’m back in Brooklyn. A few nights after getting home, I made dinner for friends using recipes from the new cookbook. It was nice to take a break from the recipes, and then come back and see that they are as good as I had hoped. I made a long list of dishes, and for dessert I served Nutty Chocolate Bark with Cardamom and Coffee. Chocolate bark is the simplest of desserts, but jazzed up with subtle Persian flavors, it’s the perfect sweet treat. Along with a glass of hot tea and fresh fruit, it’s very much in keeping with the Persian tradition of dessert, a delicate flourish at the end of a hearty meal. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you when the book comes out. Welcome to the new year, may it bring you all things wonderful and delicious!