Movie Night: When Harry Met Sally

January · The First Year Date Passport

Happy New Year, you two! January's movie night is all about the original "can friends fall in love?" story, set against autumn in New York and ending on New Year's Eve. Tonight's menu brings the deli to your living room, so grab a blanket and get cozy.

Tonight's Menu

• Meal: Pastrami on rye, deli style

• Snack: Quick deli pickles and kettle chips

• Drink: The Auld Lang Syne Sparkler, or the Midnight Kiss Mocktail

• Dessert: Warm pecan pie, ice cream on the side, the way Sally would order it

Your Game Plan

1. The day before or that morning: Make the pickles. They need at least an hour in the fridge, but overnight is even better.

2. 3 hours before the movie: Bake the pie. It needs about an hour in the oven and two hours to cool so it slices clean.

3. 20 minutes before the movie: Mix your drinks, then steam the pastrami and build your sandwiches.

4. Right after the New Year's Eve scene: Warm two slices of pie, scoop the ice cream into a separate bowl, and dig in.

Pastrami on Rye

Serves 2 · 15 minutes

The secret to a deli-worthy sandwich is warm, steamy meat piled high. Ask the deli counter to slice the pastrami thin.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb thinly sliced pastrami

• 4 slices seeded rye bread

• Spicy brown mustard

• 2 slices Swiss cheese (optional)

• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Loosely pile the pastrami in a skillet, add the water, and cover. Steam over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until hot and tender.

2. Lightly toast the rye if you like.

3. Spread mustard on every slice of bread.

4. Divide the pastrami between two slices and top with Swiss, if using. Close the sandwiches and cut them in half.

5. Serve with a pickle on the side, obviously.

Quick Deli Pickles

Makes 1 pint · 10 minutes, plus 1 hour to chill

Ingredients

• 3 small Persian cucumbers, cut into spears

• 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 tsp dill seed, or a handful of fresh dill

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Pack the cucumber spears, garlic, and dill into a pint jar.

2. Warm the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small pot, stirring just until the sugar and salt dissolve.

3. Pour the brine over the cucumbers, add the pepper flakes, and let it cool on the counter.

4. Seal and refrigerate at least 1 hour. They keep for about 2 weeks.

5. Serve with your favorite kettle chips.

The Auld Lang Syne Sparkler

Makes 2 · 2 minutes

Pour 1/2 oz pomegranate juice into each flute, top slowly with chilled champagne or prosecco, and drop in a few pomegranate seeds. Clink glasses at the countdown.

The Midnight Kiss Mocktail

Makes 2 · 2 minutes

Pour 1/2 oz pomegranate juice into each glass, top with chilled sparkling apple cider, and add a small rosemary sprig.

Warm Pecan Pie, Ice Cream on the Side

Serves 8 · 15 minutes prep, 1 hour bake, 2 hours cooling

Yes, it makes a whole pie. Leftovers are part of the fun.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Press the crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.

2. Whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Scatter the pecans in the crust and pour the filling over them.

4. Bake 55 to 65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has just a slight jiggle. If the crust browns too fast, cover the edges with foil.

5. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.

6. To serve, warm each slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Ice cream goes in its own bowl, on the side.

Part of The First Year Date Passport from Flower City Ceremonies.