I have everything in the world to be grateful for and nothing I dare complain about as 2010 turns into 2011 tonight. It was a year of firsts for me: I launched my first website/blog in February (hello sixburnersue!); my first cookbook, Fast, Fresh & Green, was published in April; and Roy and I sold our first vegetables out of our first market garden in June. Plus, in September we moved into an old farmhouse—something I’ve always dreamed of (literally—I’ve had visions in my head of just this kind of old place). Who knows how long we’ll be in the house, but for now it feels just right.

But there’s one thing that’s not new this year, and it’s the thing I think most about (and am most grateful for) every year on this day. Because December 31 is my best friend’s birthday. Eliza (who I call Lou because it rhymes with Sue—something we schemed up as kids)  lives in York, Maine, now, but we grew up together in Washington, D.C. I, in fact, was waiting for Eliza when she came along six months after I was born. Our Moms got to know each other while they were both pregnant and became good friends. As soon as we could sit up, they plopped us on the floor together, and we haven’t stopped giggling since.

Over the years, wherever we’ve lived (New York or California, Rhode Island or Colorado, Boston or Washington), we’ve never lost touch. Eliza has been my number one supporter through many crises—she is patient and understanding and the most people-smart person I know (she’s got more friends than I can count and she’s a great mom, too). And, guess what? She’s a great cook! Just a few months ago she agreed to be my chief “citizen” tester for the new book, so I am particularly grateful for her help just now. (And for Chip, Nathalie, Katie & James’ tastebuds, too.) So I’m taking the opportunity today not just to celebrate a wonderful year (the pictures tell the story), but a wonderful lifetime of friendship, too. Happy Birthday, Lou (aka Eliza Peter)! Now, what would I do if my best friend didn’t like to cook?!!!