It is just that I got busy with 'life'. I went to my former week-day yoga classes and caught up with my yoga buddies. I even had time to sit and have coffee.
I got busy baking my Christmas cookies so that I could drop them off to folks on Friday. But not content to give away just cookies, I ended up making hot cocoa mix and homemade marshmallows. (no pictures now, but I'll take some this week). And more cookie baking and tasting yesterday. (I was on a sugar high)
The house is all decorated. Or at least decorated with what I was willing to drag out this year. The tree is up and all the gifts are wrapped:
I bought this hand-sewn Nutcracker ornament in Moscow when we attended the ballet
and found this carving of Father Frost in St. Petersburg:
The fireplace mantle holds my stone houses from Estonia. I decided not to put up my Christmas village so these will suffice this year:
The dining room table is set with the good china and a selection of my Depression era glasses:
Butter Lettuce w Pears, Walnuts, & Goat Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Three-cheese Polenta
Sicilian Carrots
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Cannoli Cake w Chocolate Mousse
Merry Christmas!
Sounds good Denise. Unusual tree topping. I never thought of buying tree ornaments when I travelled. Too late now, don't go anywhere any more. What are Sicilian Carrots? And how do you make a fruit and cheese tree? Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your family.
ReplyDeleteI added a link for the cheese tree. Thought it was clever. Sicilian carrots are a Jeff Smith recipe. They are sauteed with olive oil, garlic and oregano and finished with Marsala and Parmesan. I also use his polenta recipe. I have some old cookbooks around here.
DeleteYour house looks beautiful! Even though I've blogged about cutting way back on holiday decorations and gifts, I still enjoy the decorations of others. Caramelized brussel sprouts sound yummy!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have to cut back on how much I decorate or we would have no place to sit. Have a wonderful holiday.
DeleteYour home looks stunning and the menu sounds delicious, Denise. I particularly love the ornaments and decorations you've collected on your travels. What a wonderful way to celebrate those memories.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a holiday warm with happiness and new year filled with joy!
VR Barkowski
Thank you and have a wonderful holiday.
DeleteLove Father Christmas in front of your tree and love your neat decorations from around the world. Your menu sounds great. We are having the norm-Turkey, mashed potatoes, veggies....oh yes and gravy and dressing
ReplyDeleteSo pretty and your menu sounds fabulous. Merry Christmas wishes!
ReplyDelete