Between Jeff and I we have lots of branches on our family tree, so there are lots of opportunities to do stuff. This year we have agreed to host his step-dad's family gathering at our house. Usually we can expect anywhere from 7 to 16 people for this little shindig. When we did it two years ago I decided to change things up and do something different because I figured everyone would be getting tired of the same old stuff over and over. While the meal was good, it wasn't what I had hoped it would be and I decided that from now on, a more traditional approach will probably be more well received.
So this year, this is our menu -
Finger Foods - I have changed the "name" of this a dozen times. It's not exactly antipasti (although I'm giving parts of it a bit of an Italian flair) and it's more than just a relish tray. Right now it'll have homemade pickles and pepper rings, blue cheese stuffed olives, marinated mozzarella, and garlic toasts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pesto.
Spiced Nuts
Roasted Turkey Breast - basically the same one I did last year
Ham (this is still iffy) - I think this is my Mother-in-law's contribution to the festivities
Macaroni and Cheese - a new variation on an older recipe. No crock pot.
Dressing and Gravy - Yes, the gravy is coming from a jar. I can only do so much!
Green Bean Casserole - Old faithful
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with assorted toppings - What I hope will be a happy marriage of various traditions
Watergate Salad
Sour Cream Biscuits
I will probably make a peanut butter pie, a caramel pie, and maybe a key lime pie for dessert, plus I know Jeff wants to make some cookies and candies. Stay tuned for the recipes. I'll eventually link to all of them here.
OK OK, since you guys faff around with TWO holidays in winter, you need to know how it's done.
ReplyDelete1. Eat all the chocolates from the tree before breakfast. Cup of tea.
2. Breakfast is bacon sandwiches. Cup of tea.
3. Dinner: roast turkey wrapped in bacon, stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, roast carrot, roast parsnip, brussel sprouts and peas. Gravy. Wine.
4. Dessert: Christmas pudding. Wine.
5. Afternoon snack: Lindt chocolates. Wine.
6. Tea: no one can face it. More chocolate. More Christmas pudding. Cup of tea. Wine.
7. Supper: wine. Chocolate.
Guaranteed to make you feel AWFUL for a week afterward, but worth it :)
Feel free to share the recipes for everything. And what are chocolates doing on the tree? Shouldn't they be in your stocking?
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