I finally got the majority of our Christmas cards in the mail today. Just a few more stragglers that I need addresses for, and I can finally cross that task off my list. Whew! Now I feel like I’m making a bit more progress and ready for the craziness of “Christmas week.”
I started my baking blitz today and will do more all day tomorrow. I have quite a list of stuff planned, but I know as it gets later in the day tomorrow, and as my energy wanes and my feet scream for mercy, I may end up cutting a thing or two out. The Newlywed Neighbor is going to try and come by and help out, and The Neighbors are coming by for dinner, but earlier to do baking, so hopefully everything will get done tomorrow and I can just coast through the rest of the week. It’s always more fun baking with friends. Once I get past getting all the Care Packages out, all that I’ll have left is to wrap presents and plan the Christmas Eve menu, and then I’m free to relax. Totally manageable.
The Sister-in-Law came over for dinner tonight, and since I spent some time running errands today, I planned a very simple meal, with, of course, the requisite chocolate to heal all love wounds. I went with all tried-and-trues tonight. For starters, I did a Tapas platter, making this and this. I love tapas. In just a short amount of time, you can whip up platter upon platter of tasty nibbles, without the guilt of eating heavy food. The main course was Fettuccine with Sage Butter, Bacon and Artichokes. I love this one because it’s fancy enough that it works for company, yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Unfortunately, when I put the pasta in the pot to cook, I sat down to get the deets on The Sister-in-Law’s break-up and overcooked the pasta just a tad. Luckily not so much that it wasn’t edible, but I hate doing things like that. Also managed to burn half a loaf of French bread in the process as well, but that’s standard MO for me. I put things under the broiler and totally forget about them. Luckily, I still had half a loaf left. For dessert, I went with Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue, using poundcake, strawberries and mashmallows as dippers. I think Nicholas ate every last strawberry himself. At $4.99/container (!!!), at least they’re not going to waste. The fondue could not be simpler. Take Nutella, put in fondue pot, warm, eat. No need for a recipe and it tastes divine. And really, who doesn’t like Nutella?
OK, off to bed, early morning tomorrow. C’mon back and see what makes it into the Care Packages. Until then…
A year ago today… Rachael Ray, parties and more.
Our strawberries here were expensive, too; so, I didn’t buy any. However, I found myself wanting some today. I may have to get some tomorrow! My baking will start in full force tomorrow and I even have a gingerbread (pre-baked) house to put together!!!! :-) Have you ever done one with Nicholas?
As usual dinner was Yummy! Thanks for the Fondue, it really hit the spot.
The Sister In-Law
Claire – I can’t believe how expensive they are! No, haven’t attempted a gingerbread house with him yet, but it would be a great project. Maybe next year. We still have to make cookies for Santa!
The Sister-in-Law – :)
Your baking blitz sounded very successful. But you know, next year you can have an easy Christmas menu: just serve raclette and everybody will be happy… Especially you, as it is so simple to prepare.