Exhausted as I am from this year, I was really pleased that we received so many invitations to celebrate the new year with friends.  But then the invitations were followed by culinary orders, and what with the family holiday dinners we’re also preparing, I am overwhelmed.  Yes, I can do it, and I’ll be sharing some of the recipes we’ve been cooking up (I am an amazing cook when I feel like it – but banal when I don’t) but all I want to do for this holiday is play with my grandchildren for a change.  

So if anyone has an inspiring recipe for a new year’s salad (due tomorrow) I’d really appreciate it.  I’ve got the apples and the pomegranates and will get the dates and lettuce and green onions in the morning.  What else.