Cooking for the Holidays

We had it for Thanksgiving, it's really really nice! Not a lot of duck in it.

ooh, thanks!  Is it in the frozen bit?

ooh, thanks!  Is it in the frozen bit?

Yeah.  MIL wants to try the three fish one they're advertising... anyone tried that?

I melt white chocolate then add in peppermint extract, peppermint pieces, and peppermint snaupps - sometimes add food colouring, sometimes do it all in the microwave- easy peasy and comes out fantastic!!

Mmm, I hadn't found any other recipes that added peppermint schnapps, but it's a great idea.  I'll definitely have to try it out.

I melt white chocolate then add in peppermint extract, peppermint pieces, and peppermint snaupps - sometimes add food colouring, sometimes do it all in the microwave- easy peasy and comes out fantastic!!

I think I am going to make this instead of my great-gran's peppermint cake, as I am already making a chocolate nut cake for christmas, and 2 cakes would be too much for the 2 of us. I think I will make the bark as a treat for Christmas eve to have after our cheese plate. 

For New Years Eve, I'm roasting a duck and serving it with sour cherry sauce and carmelized butternut squash, followed by raspberry cheesecake for dessert! YUM! Should be a nice little romantic dinner for 2 with some champers after the little guy goes to bed, since we can't go out. 

For Christmas Eve my family always did the Italian tradition - Feast of 7 fish? I think that's what it's called... However, I'm much more picky about my seafood. So I think for me and DH, I'll just make Shrimp and maybe some salmon? Plus Angel hair with Marinara sauce - a Christmas Eve must.

Christmas day - FIL cooks a ridiculous amount of food, including a Turkey, Ham, Roast beef, Roasted potatoes, roasted veggies (parsnips, carrots, broccoli), Sprouts, yorkshire puddings, Chipolatas, and I bring over my homemade stuffing and green bean casserole...

They always have Christmas Pudding and mince pies. I don't like either! Yuck, raisins... So I bring over some homemade Cheesecake. We also used our mini chocolate fountain last year. Far too much food. My hips aren't looking forward to it!

We did butternut squash stuffed with garlic, goat's cheese and cherry tomatoes yesterday... mmmmmm

OMG that sounds delicious *drools*

We're having a 3 bird roast and homemade sage and onion stuffing (with bread, sausagemeat and black pudding).

Boxing day is glazed ham.

And the 27th is "leftover pie", which is probably the best bit 

Okay, so I'm still messing about with my breakfast menu but I think Caramel Apple Sticky buns may have made it on there! mmmmmmmmm
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/caramel-apple-sticky-buns/

And if I don't make pumpkin pancakes, I'll have to use up my can of pumpkin on these muffins - http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/moist-pumpkin-spice-muffins-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

Damn Ree and her amazing blog!

Also, some lovely chicken gave me the idea for making Kolaches for my boy, so I might have to try them out (with sausage, Jalapenos and cheese )  and will make them if they go well.

Love having all these new recipes to try!

Im still looking into christmas eve dinner, I'm thinking about making a big pot of texas chilli, homemade tortillas, and lots of dips But maybe I'll go with something a bit posher, I'm not sure yet!

Also, some lovely chicken gave me the idea for making Kolaches for my boy, so I might have to try them out (with sausage, Jalapenos and cheese )  and will make them if they go well.

Im still looking into christmas eve dinner, I'm thinking about making a big pot of texas chilli, homemade tortillas, and lots of dips But maybe I'll go with something a bit posher, I'm not sure yet!

Heheee.... I wonder who could put you up to such a thing! 

That Christmas Eve dinner sounds FAB!!!! I think you should go for it. With fresh guacamole, of course!

I think the texas chilli idea sounds awesome(sauce)!

Heheee.... I wonder who could put you up to such a thing! 

That Christmas Eve dinner sounds FAB!!!! I think you should go for it. With fresh guacamole, of course!

Possibly my other favourite texan

I think it will be quite fun for my family as they haven't eaten it before, I might make some coriander and lime rice as well OR make cornbread.
Fresh guac of course Jewlz , some good salsa and then have sour cream + grated cheese on the table

A nice one pot meal will be cool as well and less hassle for me DB thinks my chilli is a bit thick, and calls it Texas Curry, but that doesn't stop him asking when we're going to have it next at least once a week, so I think it's acceptable to serve 
 
It also gives me a chance to use my tortilla press which has been sadly relegated since I cut the carbs

Possibly my other favourite texan

I think it will be quite fun for my family as they haven't eaten it before, I might make some coriander and lime rice as well OR make cornbread.
Fresh guac of course Jewlz , some good salsa and then have sour cream + grated cheese on the table

A nice one pot meal will be cool as well and less hassle for me DB thinks my chilli is a bit thick, and calls it Texas Curry, but that doesn't stop him asking when we're going to have it next at least once a week, so I think it's acceptable to serve 
 
It also gives me a chance to use my tortilla press which has been sadly relegated since I cut the carbs

Awww...  Thanks! Well, if you want a more Texas-style chili, I am more than happy to donate some tips your way. Mine gets rave reviews from the hubster, though it tends to get less spicy every time I make it because it was too much for him the time before. I'll never forget the time I slipped in a tin of Rotel with habaneros from the cupboard.... LOL! I thought his head would explode! I don't do anything fancy, though, so it's really easy and adjustable.

Awww...  Thanks! Well, if you want a more Texas-style chili, I am more than happy to donate some tips your way. Mine gets rave reviews from the hubster, though it tends to get less spicy every time I make it because it was too much for him the time before. I'll never forget the time I slipped in a tin of Rotel with habaneros from the cupboard.... LOL! I thought his head would explode! I don't do anything fancy, though, so it's really easy and adjustable.

Cool, I'd love some tips, I've sort of figured out mine from scratch as DB is useless at describing things

Does rotel have tomatoes in it? Jake would shake his head and say in his Dad's (very texan voice) "it just ain''t right"  if any form of tomatoes got anywhere near the chilli! Ditto Beans. 

I can't remember what I do exactly as I'll adapt depending on what I have, but mainly it involves chunks of seasoned floured beef, butter, good beef stock, chilli tea (made from dried jalapenos and whatever else I have), oregano, cumin, fresh and dried coriander (loads of it) shallots and a little white wine vinegar.

Does rotel have tomatoes in it? Jake would shake his head and say in his Dad's (very texan voice) "it just ain''t right"  if any form of tomatoes got anywhere near the chilli! Ditto Beans. 

I can't remember what I do exactly as I'll adapt depending on what I have, but mainly it involves chunks of seasoned floured beef, butter, good beef stock, chilli tea (made from dried jalapenos and whatever else I have), oregano, cumin, fresh and dried coriander (loads of it) shallots and a little white wine vinegar.

Exactly... genau!
No tomatoes, ever!!!

Rotel is tomatoes!

For the peanut butter blossoms, I use the Buttons instead.  Works out fine!