Christmas 2011

Christmas Day, 2011, came and went in a flurry of busy good cheer.  If I had time to sit here a few minutes yesterday morning that was the only time.  An early phone call requesting our attendance curfewed my sitting and thinking there would be time for that.  There were gifts to be opened!  Why was I thinking that would wait?  Silly me.  It went on from there.  Laughing, sitting, cooking and being together.  The day was clear and not the rainy, rainy of the day before and even now.  It cleared for the day.  Of course, it did.  It was Christmas!
There was plenty of time and not enough.  The day started early and ended late. And then there was food...

A trio of dips consisting of (from left to right) Artichoke Pesto, Black olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade and Cannellini Bean style hummus.  There was the star attraction of simply boiled Gulf Shrimp with horseradish dipping sauce.  Just enough to nosh while the main attraction roasted in the oven.

Salad of fresh spinach and curly endive started the meal.  It was dressed with home-made Italian dressing, pecorino-romano cheese and home baked croutons.

Prime Rib roast out of the oven and perfect temperature.  Let it rest and then cut into it.  We like our beef rare so don't fidget at the sliced meat.

Asparagus and artichoke hearts sauteed in olive oil and fresh garlic.

 Oven roasted red potatoes.  They were popping them in their mouths before the meal!

 I made a white sauce separately.  Sonny cooked down fresh spinach then we added the white sauce and prosciutto.  Have you had creamed spinach like this?  Mmmmm...

Have a plate.  We did! 

 Then dessert.  My first try at Tiramisu and everyone, yes, everyone liked it!  Jay said he didn't.  But then he ate all of his and then half of mine! 

 Then the chocolate molten cakes...They sat just a little too long...got a little dry...but were eaten just the same.  Sweet chocolate...easy recipe.  I should have cut into it so you could see the creamy center.  Oops.

  

You see, I dunked a square of white chocolate into the center that melted and stayed inside. 

All in all, good food, great day!

Merry and Happy for all!

TT