Christmas Dinner Ideas

It's almost Christmas time!

(amazing tree huh?)

Have you planned your Christmas Dinner?  Well, if you are still looking for some easy main courses to serve I have a few for you.  I know that a lot of people cook a turkey or ham as their primary meat, but we tend to do something with "Beef".  For years, and years I made a Beef Tenderloin.  Love them, but not quite as much as I love steak.  It has a different texture when cooked, more like a roast, rather than a steak.  

So in recent years we've been mixing it up serving various cuts of steak as our main course.  You know what, it's wonderful, special, and EASY to do!

I've learned that you don't have to put on the biggest, best, spread around...you just need good food, and good people.  And why not make it easy on yourself and treat yourself to something you love and don't eat very often.  Steak is it for us.  It's more of a special occasion dish since we don't eat it very often.  But, boy...do I love me some steak!

I've brought some of my favorite dishes, that are all relatively easy to prepare and present a wonderful dish for your holiday meal.

Hope these inspire you!





Braciole - A great dish for entertaining!  Tastes great and has a beautiful presentation.



Rosemary and Flat Iron Steak - succulent, tender beef with the flavors of the season.


Filet Mignon with Bearnaise Sauce - My favorite steak....it melts in your mouth and the sauce is divine!



Teriyaki London Broil - This will feed a crowd.  Tender and flavorful.  Perfect for a holiday.


Herb Rubbed Flank Steak - another of my favorites!  This is a wonderful cut of meat that will feed a large group or may be cut to size to feed a family.  Very easy to make and the taste is out of this world!

Have a wonderful Holiday and an exquisite dinner.  Remember, the holidays are about family and friends and not about lavishly perfect meals.  Entertaining is about hospitality, not fussy perfection!

Happy Holiday!

Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas

 

Breakfast Ideas Special Enough for Christmas Morning

Each year we gather around the tree and open presents first thing in the morning.  Since this can usually take a while, I usually wade through the mounds of wrapping paper toward the kitchen to make our Christmas Morning Breakfast around brunch time!

Traditionally I make my Jolly Breakfast Ring every year. (which I have yet to share...it's coming, promise!)  However, sometimes I do like to alternate and make some other quick yet festive dishes.

Here are a few of my favorites:

This is my new favorite pancake!  Holiday Pancakes are a variation of my ever so popular Farmstyle Buttermilk Pancakes with the addition of holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.  Excellent for Christmas morning! (See below for the recipe)

 
This Italian Breakfast Sandwich will be quick and easy to put together in the morning.  A wonderful combination of flavors for an easy breakfast.

 
A pretty presentation and tasty treat for everyone, this Tropical Crescent Ring is very festive.  You can change out the fruit and nuts to fit the holiday...cranberries and pecans anyone?

 
This is a perfect breakfast as it is made in the slow cooker.  Toss the ingredients for my Apple and Granola Breakfast Cobbler in the slow cooker while you open presents.  In know time you'll have a hot and comforting breakfast. 




Rosti, perfect for a crowd.  Scrumptious and hearty this potato and tomato dish rocks!

Holiday Pancakes

Adapted from Aunt Grace’s Farmstyle Buttermilk Pancakes

1 c flour

2 T sugar

1 t baking powder

1/2 t baking soda

½ t cinnamon

¼ t ground nutmeg

1/2 t salt

1 c buttermilk

2 T vegetable oil

1 egg

In a medium bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.  Stir to combine.  Make a well in the middle and add the oil.

In another bowl whisk together buttermilk and egg. 

Add to dry ingredients and mix together until just moistened.  Batter will be lumpy.

On a pre-heated cast iron skillet, ladle batter onto skillet for each pancake.  Cook until golden brown and holes begin to appear on top.  Turn on the second side and cook until golden brown.

  

Pear Sparklers

Holidays are for celebration.

What better way to celebrate that with a refreshing sparkling drink!

This drink is non-alcoholic so the whole family can enjoy.  We've also made an alcoholic version with Citrus Vodka which was delishhh!  I think rum would be a great addition as well. (I'm partial to rum drinks!)

This is very quick and easy to put together.  You can have a whole tray of drinks ready in a flash when guests arrive.  What a great way to greet people don't you think?  It makes them feel wanted and it is a very hospitable way to welcome someone into your home!

Enjoy!



Pear Sparklers

Serves 8 to 10
Ice cubes as needed
1 1/2 to 2 cups bottled pear juice (such as Kern's)
4 to 5 cups sparkling water, chilled

Place ice cubes in tall glasses. Add about 3 Tbs. pear juice to each glass and then pour in about 1/2 cup sparkling water.