In my {big, fat, Venezuelan} family, we ring in the new year wearing yellow undies for good luck and hold money in our hands for wealth, we eat 12 grapes right before midnight, then eat a cup of lentil soup first thing after midnight for prosperity, and in our grand finale, we run around the block with luggage hoping it brings travel... it's all totally normal.

Wishing all of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! And thank you for helping to make 2012 a memorable year - I am very grateful for your support!

Last Sunday I was lucky to work at and attend a live chocolate cooking demo by one of Miami's most talented chefs, Eating House’s Giorgio Rapicavoli.

Using Tierra Nueva Fine Cocoa’s “Cruz Chocolates” and “Coffee Thins” to prepare two original, chocolate-inspired dishes, Rapicavoli, who earlier this year became Miami’s first winner on Food Network’s “Chopped,” took the stage with chef and partner Henry Hané. Together they prepared a dish of seared scallops over a turnip puree infused with Tierra Nueva white chocolate and finished with brown butter powder, followed by a “Tierra Misu” made with Tierra Nueva’s Coffee Thins, a chocolate-free bar made with a blend of 100% natural coffee.

Photos courtesy of The Cuban Art Project.