I am cooking everything myself this year for Christmas dinner. For the past 10 years I have catered my holiday dinners. I did this not because I can't cook, quite the contrary, I am a chef by trade. I am a formally trained chef. I catered holiday dinners because I hated being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else was having a good time. I catered holiday dinners because I hated being exhausted with all the preparation, planning and shopping for EVERYTHING by myself. It just made sense to pick-up items fully prepared from Restaurants that I loved to dine at. So my now-estranged husband and I would make a menu and order. I was happy, he was happy, our friends and family were happy.
Usher in sweeping change; reversal of fortunes; limited resources--ah make that no resources. I am back to prepping and planning and preparing food...and I am loving it. Let me make it clear, I do not expect to take this on every year. But this year I am. Not because I am totally broke--because I am, but mainly because there is a sense of divinity in making a meal and sharing with loved ones. My friends are amazed and anxious to see what happens. Yes, they know I have skills, but a full Christmas feast...well that is another story. I am ready. I created a budget, I have poured over countless cookbooks at my house and online. I have narrowed it down and created a menu. I shopped for the freshest ingredients and have begun the prepping. Even my kids are fascinated with my focus--they are ready to help and I am going to let them.
So here is my menu:
Roasted Turkey, stuffed with apples, garlic, thyme, oranges and onions,
Jazz Stuffing--not quite traditional, but not haute cuisine either,
Potato and Sweet Potato Torte
Potato Gallette
Sauteed Collard Greens
North African Spice Carrots
Mediterranean Herb Green Salad
Vegan Baked Macaroni and Cheez---this is made without cheese--it is delicious!
Vegan red velvet cupcakes for dessert
Happy Birthday #54 to ME!
8 months ago
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4 comments:
Wow! Sounds delish! Merry Christmas lady...i'm cooking too! Although i will be spending the day with the family...i still cook a dinner for home...it is the one thing that reminds me that it is Christmas...enjoy!
Happy Holidays Sister!
I am tired as I blog. I think the cupcakes may bite the bullet...I am thinking since the kids are on vacation maybe we can make them next week. I am TIRED! and I have to make like Santa and get the gifts put under the tree. Merry Christmas!
Merry belated Christmas, Babz!
Good God that food sounded delicious. I'm sure it was as delicious as it sounded. Feel free to ship any leftovers to my house. ;-)
Everything was delicious. I nixed the north african spice carrots and the vegan red velvet cupcakes---went with a apple pie instead the kind you toss in the oven---it was vegan!
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