It's Christmas Eve and the kitchen is in full swing. I thought I'd take a short break to wish you and yours a very holy and blessed Christmas season (yes, Christmas is a season, not simply one day) and to report in on what we are feasting on tonight.
We are being joined by family and friends for cocktail hour at 7:00 p.m. followed by a formal seated four course dinner. The headcount is 12 so it will be a full and lively house which is exactly what I love!
Here's what I've made for cocktail hour:
Sun Dried Tomato and Fresh Basil Cream Cheese in Mini Filo Tartlett Cups
Mushroom Pate
Spiced Nuts
Shrimp Cocktails
(yes, we're serving real shrimp, it's a Christmas 'must have' for my sister Susan.)
Baby Brie stuffed with Pesto & Pine Nuts
For the seated dinner here's what I've planned:
~ First Course ~
Wild Mushroom and Brandy Bisque
~ Second Course ~
"Salad by Peter"
(We're being joined by my chef and our mutual gardener buddy Peter who is bring one of his wonderful, unique salad creations. I can't wait!)
~ Third Course ~
Turkey
(Yes, a real turkey. Robert actually didn't want to cook one this year, but I told him he should for sake of our guests. This is the second year he has chosen to brine it, which is an interesting twist, and earned him loads of compliments last year.)
Quorn Turkey Loaf
(This is my turkey substitute. That's a picture of it at the top of this post. It's an EXCELLENT product. It is not vegan, but lacto-vegetarian. I highly recommend preparing it the "roasting bag" method on the box. I use fresh herbs - rosemary and thyme. A very, very good product.)
Cranberry Contreau Sauce ~ Brown Gravy
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Herbed Stuffing
Crosby's Carrots
(Prepared with fresh ginger and apricot marmalade -YUM)
Green Peas & Baby Pearl Onions with Dill
Fresh Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes with Amish Blue Cheese & Bread Crumb Topping
Roasted Zucchini with Rosemary Butter
Herbed Crescent Rolls
~ Fourth Course ~
(As if anyone has any room left to still eat!)
Homemade Vegan Cheesecake with Fresh Blackberries and Raspberries
Whew! A lot of food. Amongst all the food, friends and laughter around the table tonight, it will also be a bit nostalgic and bittersweet for me. It will be my last Christmas dinner in my wonderful home. I love my home, and I will be sad to have to leave it. But at the same time, I am very excited about building my dream kitchen in our new home. Oops! The timer just rang, and I need to get the crescent rolls out of the oven. Merry Christmas to ALL! And to ALL a good and joyful night!
