Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Best of Intentions

I honestly thought that with my baby-sitting duties on hiatus, that I would blog everyday.  NOT.  Oh, well.  I had the best of intentions.

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:


A few last minute grocery items to pick up and I am all ready to start my Christmas dinner.

Butter Lettuce w Pears, Walnuts, & Goat Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Three-cheese Polenta
Sicilian Carrots
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Cannoli Cake w Chocolate Mousse


Merry Christmas!

8 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. I 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.

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  2. Your 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!

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    1. Thank you. I have to cut back on how much I decorate or we would have no place to sit. Have a wonderful holiday.

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  3. Your 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.

    Wishing you a holiday warm with happiness and new year filled with joy!

    VR Barkowski

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  4. Love 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

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  5. So pretty and your menu sounds fabulous. Merry Christmas wishes!

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