Hopeless that I am, I am getting giddy at the thought of another Christmas shared with family once again.
We are blessed this year with 3 of “our” 5 children and grandchildren. Two are coming from out of Province and one from here.
One daughter is in Japan and won’t be here. One son and his family are spending Christmas with his wife’s mother.
From our home to yours, God’s Blessing for peace and joy within your walls and all the best wishes for a super great 2011.
A Very Wet Sunday
Pouring rain this morning. Wow! Like it will never stop or something. Went to the game last night. Were going to take our friends out to dinner (restaurant closed for a private party) ended up in the Sports Bar….Ugly! Another story.
I was wrong the hockey team forgot to show up. the other team, from Oprah’s home town, had two players evicted from the game…one had a potty mouth towards the linesman and the other tried to out shove the linesmen. Oops!
Saturday Doing….
Today we are taking a couple of friends out to dinner and a hockey game.
The “Heat” are playing. They play good solid hockey and show up for the games all the time.
Now if only the professional teams would do the same. See you later…
Pot of Chili For Realtors
With a Realtors Showing today, I made a pot of chili for about 30. The good thing is they get to taste some of the Christmas baking I did. Wine, water, coffee, garlic toast…..things have sure changed in selling a home these days. It must be hard for them for sure.
Will let you know the results.
We have to leave now.
Trout with Calvados Cream Sauce
- This can be an elegant main course or, if smaller portions made, can be used as an appetizer.
You will need:
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup findly diced shallots
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tsp. fresh garlic, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Calvados
- 1 cup whipping cream
- salt and white pepper to taste
- 4 trout fillets, skinned and boneless
- lettuce of your choosing
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp. of the butter, along with the shallots, thyme and garlic and cook until the shallots are transparent.
Add Calvados and reduce by half, add cream and cook until a light sauce consistency is achieved (about 6 minutes). Season lightly with salt and white pepper.
While sauce is reducing, melt the other tbsp. of butter in a non-stick fry pan. Sear trout in butter until golden brown on one side. Be sure to place the right side up in the butter first (the no skin side). Brown this for about 3-4 minutes and turn over and cook for 4 minutes. This will vary if the salmon is too thick.
On a pretty dinner plate, place your lettuce, trout on top and divide the sauce over the 4 fillets. Truly amazing main course.
Ha, Ha I did it
I have finished wrapping all the presents I am responsible for. I have finished baking all the goodies I wanted for this year.
I am so happy, I just might look at the signature drinks for a celebration. I am so giddy right now. Later
Well, Are You Done Yet?
Shopping needs a list. Like most of the world, the answer is a resounding “of course not”. Do not despair, there is still lots of time before the big day.
The best way to go shopping is ABSOLUTELY go with a list.
It takes less time, less stress and the biggie….less money is spent when you go with a list and not just buy whatever you see on the shelf without thinking about it.
I feel a martini somewhere that needs to be shared with you. Later.
Day of Dinner Party for Family Friends
Table has been set (picture coming later), Apricot and Papaya Toasties are a starter with my signature drink.
Then it’s into a dinner of seafood (lobster, crab, shrimp) YUMMY!
Last minute touches, like buy candles for the table. I packed all my candles up (2 boxes) and now can’t find them. Yes, moving is so much fun.
Wish you were all here…uh, not.
Hints for the Bubbly
These tips are for a sparkling (champagne type) wine.
Always ensure sparkling wine is well-chilled to 50F before opening it. Never put it in the freezer unless you want to be seeing stars not drinking them. The cold temperature and the pressure in the bottle will easily explode the bottle. Please don’t try it. It is probably best to keep it in the fridge for about an hour.
Do not shake the bottle before opening it unless you are a race car winner. It could hurt.
Remember to TURN the bottle not the cork. The pressure in the bottle will push out the cork. It should be a whispered ‘sigh’ not a pop. Enjoy and drink responsibly.
My error
I went back upstairs and actually read what we were having for dinner. Scrap the salad and changed it for seared scallops. Wow my mouth is watering now. I just decided to have the pear martini to start. Damn, I can do this……lol
I missed a day……
I missed yesterday completely and here I am, smack into December ALREADY. I keep telling people not to panic. Yup! I have company arriving for Christmas planning on Saturday and I have a meal to plan.
Right now it is Lobster Bisque, crab/mango salad, Pad Thai Shrimp and stir fry veggies.
An awesome dessert (sorry it is Italian) cannolis. Yummy. Later I am now starting to decorate the Christmas tree. Now, where did I put the egg nog?
