Christmas Eve Menu 2010
For the first time in 10 years I am pleased to announce…
A NEW CHRISTMAS EVE MENU!
I have wanted to change the menu for years, but for fear of disappointing anyone or scaring those afraid of change, we’ve kept it basically the same. This year, however, I have been given permission to try out a new menu. Every year we say we will make less food and have less options, but somehow at the last minute we resort to old ways.
The Christmas Eve menu this year is simple, straightforward, and lovely. No one will have to slave in the kitchen all week prepping, and likewise no one will have to spend that night taking out and then putting away food. If I plan it right, the leftovers will be minimal but the food will be plentiful. It is a lighter but more cohesive version of the past.
It can be difficult cooking in a somewhat foreign kitchen. My dad doesn’t cook much, and much of my mom’s pots and baking pans are mysteriously missing. That means a bit extra planning in my packing this year- my kitchen will be coming with me! It also means keeping my dad away from the Italian delis and nice supermarkets where he tends to buy a lot of a lot that then goes to the uncared-for world of leftovers.
Oh, and this isn’t my first thought at the menu… I’ve had a Word document for weeks, and emails back and forth to auntie and others for days!
I am really excited about this menu, and I hope you are too. Merry Christmas season!
Christmas Eve 2010
Appetizers:
Assorted mixed nuts (around the house)
Shrimp Cocktail (ask Auntie to make)
Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Tomato
Cheese & Crackers (ask SIL to make)
Dinner:
Roast Tenderloin
Ina Garten’s Spinach Gratin
Zucchini
Roasted Potatoes
Stuffed Grape Leaves (made by the cousins & an aunt)
Salad with tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, shredded carrots, lemon oil dressing
Pita & French Bread
Desserts:
1 Pastiche Southern Pecan Tart with vanilla ice cream
1 Pastiche Cranberry Raspberry Tart
1 Pastiche classic Fruit Tart
1 Whole Foods Tiramisu
Drinks:
Wine
Liquor
Large bottles of water, sparkling water, Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke
To do:
Now:
Order meat from the butcher
Order baked goods
Confirm with auntie and SIL about appetizers
Ask dad to buy the wine and pita
Ask cousin to bring bags of ice
Sunday, December 19th:
Pack- include any kitchen tools needed
Monday, December 20th:
Fly to Rhode Island
Check/buy plates, napkins, plastic cups
Buy large bottled waters, sodas
Market shop for myself for the week.
Tuesday, December 21st:
Set up house (tablecloths, find coffee thing, find electric knife, serving dishes, find ice bucket, etc)
Dinner with my girlfriends
Wednesday, December 22:
Market
Roll grape leaves with the cousins after work
Thursday, December 23:
Make spinach gratin, roasted potatoes, zucchini
Pick up roast
Friday, December 24th:
Dad or bro pick up Pastiche desserts
Pick up Whole Foods bread & tiramisu
Lunch with Lynne & E, who just got engaged!!!
1-1/2 hours before guests arrive:
Put in roast
1/2 hour before guests arrive:
Make tray of prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes
Market List:
nuts
4 tomatoes
fresh basil
1 stick unsalted butter
4 large onions
1/2 cup flour (ask auntie)
2 cups heavy cream
4 cups milk
9 10-oz packages spinach
2 cups parmigiano
1 cup gruyere
small colorful potatoes
zucchini
roma tomatoes
garlic
parsley
mixed greens
grape tomatoes
cucumber
kalamata olives
shredded carrots
lemons
Shopping from Federal Hill:
1.5 lbs prosciutto
6 balls mozzarella
roast (two 4 lb tenderloins)
Misc:
Plates, silverware?, funky napkins?
Centerpiece?
Other Christmas Menus
16 Responses to “Christmas Eve Menu 2010”
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I LOVE your menus!!!!
haha- I just started to type what Jessica wrote 🙂 Seriously- I am going to find a way to be invited to one of your parties one day 🙂 I’ve never tried Ina Garten’s Spinach Gratin, but I bet its just amazing. I need to put it on my holiday menu. And the desserts sound so good- fruit tart is one of my favorites.
what a great sounding menu! sounds simple in a way but still lots of selections for each course
I love these types of posts! I book mark them for when I need to have dinner parties:) Sounds like you’ve got everything covered for a successful party!
sounds perfect, s! i love the simplicity of it, but the dishes are all going to be outstanding!
it’s so cool for me to see what other people eat on Christmas eve! we always did chili and tamales…and then had a big traditional meal on Christmas day!
You are just the BEST.
@Philly Boy, I just noticed your name was linked to a blog. It is SO FUNNY! 🙂 I think I read at least three blog pages worth of posts… I was literally laughing out loud at my desk. Thanks for making today “an awesome totally gnarly dudical day.” 🙂
I love your organization! So impressive. And your menu sounds divine. I also love your husband’s comment above mine – too cute. 🙂
Wow, you are so organized! Your menu looks great and I love the fact that you picked things that are easy to make and you wont have to slave over all Christmas Eve! More time to spend with the family is always great! : )
Ah this looks awesome, Sabrina! Love how organized you are 🙂 You inspire me.
This looks fantastic! I really like that you share your menus with us.
The only thing I would add to the agenda is to stop by here before or after lunch with Lynne so we can have a quick visit! Josh always asks for you! XOXO
Pastiche=Amazing! Looooove their desserts!! 🙂
I know what you mean about changing it or saying you are going to and then resorting to old habits/menus. This menu looks great! Full of wholesome foods. I am going to check out that spinach gratin for a side now. 🙂
Oh my goodness, I only wish I could be this organized!
I love Christmas Eve, not only because it’s Christmas Eve, but also because it’s my dad’s birthday! We traditionally spend it with family having a big ol’ Tex-Mex feast, but this year I’m going to be with my boyfriend’s family. Although it will be different, I’m also looking forward to it.