Our first pick of 2012 is Sigrid Nunez’s Sempre Susan.  Watch as Sigrid Nunez makes Szechuan green beans — perhaps slightly reminiscent of some Chinese takeout she once shared with Susan Sontag, who was not big on cooking or other domestic comforts. 

Also, we have comments now (thank you Alice!!) I already know thanks to the Awl comments on this one that I should have worn a more flattering outfit, so no need to be redundant.  But in general, your comments are treasured.