It’s Christmas Eve! I’m not sure what you will be doing, but I know I’m wrapping presents (I’m one of those last-minute wrappers) and preparing to feast on favorite holiday foods. This year, I just have my immediate family, which is kind of nice since I have been known to feed up to 40 people at family gatherings, and that takes a whole different kind of energy. This year everyone is pitching in and I’ll be making a lot of last-minute decisions about what to eat. However, I thought if you needed some ideas I’d share some of my all-time classics.
Christmas Eve
We won’t be doing the full traditional seven fishes, but there will be lots of seafood for sure. However, there is one dish we all love that we can’t live without, and that’s my father-in-law Mr. Cinquino’s Savoy Cabbage. As an appetizer I will probably serve raw fennel, which is a clean and healthy way to start the holiday. For dessert I might make my sober fruitcake muffins, which give just enough taste of candied citrus and fruitcake in a small package.
Christmas Morning Breakfast
Codfish cakes, for sure! Maybe with a side of homemade Italian sausage! And I’ll make some Oyster Stew, too, which is good as a light snack throughout the day.
Christmas Dinner
This year we are having goose. But other years I might make glazed ham or turkey and stuffing with gravy from scratch. Goose is very rich, so I will probably keep the sides very simple and clean, and also serve a refreshing salad like my Pomegranate Salad. Dessert? We’ll see. I’m not a huge dessert person. Tangerines are always nice, and there are always cookies around.
BUT we also often like to go see a movie on Christmas day. And this year it will be Les Miserables! So I will probably make some cinnamon-sugar popcorn to take along, which I hope I won’t choke on while I sob and sing along.
My recipes are almost all very simple and easy—and from scratch! For me the holidays aren’t about slaving and trying to impress anyone, but about enjoying being together, sharing traditions together, and having fun. After all, everyone worked hard this year, so it’s time to celebrate, relax, and get ready for a whole new year.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Maria! I appreciate and LOVE you!!
Just got back from the movies. Wish I had had the popcorn recipe before hand. I will try it though.