Holiday Feasting
Published by Valerie December 27th, 2006 in FoodA smattering of articles claim that while some Americans gain 5-7 pounds during the winter holidays, most people only gain a pound or two. Aren’t I special.
For your enjoyment, here is the menu of our very first Xmas in Key West, shared by my mom visiting from her home a few hundred miles north:
Pre-football Appetizer
Spinach and Artichoke Dip with freshly toasted pita
The Main Meal
One Butterball Turkey Breast Roast
Stuffing
Chris’ Famous Mashed Potatoes (original inspiration provided by Aunt Brenda)
Candied Yams
Brussel Sprouts
Kalamata Sourdough Bread from Boudin Bakery (Thanks, Joyce!)
Cranberry, Tanderine and Ginger Relish
Dessert
Pistachio Cranberry Icebox Cookies
Russian Tea Cakes aka Mexican Wedding Cakes aka yummy round walnutty shortbready goodness
Pumpkin Pie
Key Lime Pie
I’ve discovered that leftover turkey sandwiches on toasted kalamata sourdough smeared with roasted garlic is darn yummy! Still on the to-bake list before New Years (and friends visiting) are:
Cranberry, Orange & Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Sticks
Oh yeah - we made Lemongrass Beef and Noodle Salad for din-din last night, and tonight we’re taking Mom to Louie’s Backyard.
Chris bailed on Louie’s, his crappy 3am-noon shift this week & last are screwing with his routine. Mom and I went to the Afterdeck to absorb the ocean & sunset before our 6pm reservation - I wasn’t sure about the timing but this turned out to be perfect and I’ll definitely head there “early” again. The Afterdeck was busy but not jammed, and being at the first seating gave us the perfect table on the water! Our food selections:
Appetizers
* Mom: Florida Lobster braised in truffle butter with spinach & prosciutto
* Me: Goat Cheese Souffle with prosciutto (and assorted greenery)
Entrees
* Mom: Grilled Lamb Chop (with mini lamb kabob and lamb sausage) over polenta with a lamb and veal demiglace and fresh green beans
* Me: Grilled Tuna with soba noodles and ponzu sauce
Dessert
* Both: Bonny Doon Muscat
* Shared: Coconut Rice Pudding with caramelized bananas