Christmas is just 3 short days away. The kids have been home all week, going bonkers waiting. After realizing they aren't calming down anytime soon, I decided to join them.
I had plans. Plans to make something like a fruitcake. Thankfully Gluten Free Girl beat me to it. The 'it' that was exactly what was running through my head (I love it. I've been dreaming of something like this for months). I had plans to remove popcorn ceiling in the hallway. To paint a desk and give my blog a make-over.
Plans change.
This year it really hit me that this awe and wonder of the season only lasts for so long. I want to be around all of this excitement and drink in every last minute of their overwhelming eagerness for Christmas.
We've had lots of down time to drink hot chocolate, watch Elf, smother things with frosting and candy, plotting sugary treats with friends and take some walks when we just need some space.
I'm happy that they aren't just excited to tear open every last gift. Sure, they're kids and that's part of it. But they are so ready to see grandparents, and make gifts and cards, be a part of cookie making and eating, and wrap gifts to friends and families. It's the complete Christmas package that they want all RIGHT NOW!
I've decided to make my Christmas menu so that I'm a part of it all too. I don't think we've had the same Christmas menu ever. I always change it up, but I'm always in the kitchen after the gifts have been unwrapped. I'm always finishing up something (for hours), or getting started on something simmering for hours, or baking my life away.
This year it's all about noshing and making it ahead of time. We are blessed that we just stay at home Christmas day and everyone comes to us whenever they can. I'm also making it easier on guests. No set times for brunch or dinner, just come on over and you will be fed.
So here's the menu:
Breakfast
- Butter Croissants (must be made in advance, baked as soon as we wake)
- Potatoes (technique from the Gluten Free Girl - parboil, then put on hot pan in oven with onions)
- Yogurt with fruit compote (I add 3 cardamon seeds and only cook for 40 minutes) ** Done!
All Day Noshing
- Bread made from the famous Bread in 5 Minutes a Day - one loaf with dried figs (if you haven't gotten this book yet, give it to yourself for Christmas. I have the Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day - priceless!) **Done!
- Cheese Spread with veggies **Grandma's bringing so DONE
- Cheese board
- Caesar Salad Deviled Eggs **** eggs already boiled!
- Ham (Trader Joe's Spiral Sliced)
- Wine
- Eggnog Spritzers
All Day Desserts
Most things are so simple that they don't need to be made, just set out and the rest will be done by 5:00 Christmas Eve.
Except I keep reading new recipes and "pinning" up a storm. I want to make them all!
What are you eating? A big meal, brunch, or nothing but eggnog and cookies?
1 comments:
Haha, oh my, what a lot of wonderful food. Thanks for the shout-out:)
This is the first Christmas I won't be traveling to spend under my parents' wing, and thus the first that I'll have to plan some meals for us. I'm getting my boyfriend into my yearly tradition of making lefse, and then I'll make some fruit soup and Swedish meatballs for Christmas Eve dinner. We're heading to his parents' on Christmas day, I hear there will be Chinese food;)
I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday. Your week of family time sounds magical - as visually evidenced by all the frosting on those cookies! xo
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