Christmas Food Prep

Dark Chocolate Bark... not quite done yet...
it needs another layer of dark chocolate...

We've begun our food prep for Christmas Day... 

Sheila started with making some candy... a Dark Chocolate Bark with Candied Orange Peel, Pistachios and Dried Cranberries.  This is the first time Sheila has made this but I'm sure it will be good. That being said, we did encounter some minor issues so we'll make a few minor changes the next time we make it.  

I par-boiled a bunch of potatoes for a big pan of Home Fries for tomorrow morning's breakfast... it will have the usual mix of green peppers, onion, bacon and some spices.

This evening, I'll be preparing a Breakfast Egg Casserole. I've made this casserole the past few Christmases and I adapt it each year. This year, the bottom crust will be flavored French Toast bread... and the casserole will contain chunks of sausage, ham, green peppers, and cheese... an egg mixture poured over it... refrigerated overnight...  then I just need to place this in the oven early in the morning when the grandchildren start opening their Christmas gifts. It should be ready by the time everyone is finished opening gifts. 

Also, for breakfast tomorrow morning will be some fresh local thick-sliced smoked bacon... and some hot Cinnamon Buns.  

After the kids leave for Daddy's house, we'll be cleaning up a houseful of boxes and gift wrap and then starting on preparing for the afternoon shift of adult festivities and celebration.

We'll start with preparing some Hot Spiced Apple Cider in a slow cooker. I'll make sure the beer is on ice... glasses ready to go... 

Frank is bringing a bean dip and tostada chips. We'll have some cheese, crackers, sausage, and probably a few other little snacks.

For dinner, I'll be roasting a well-seasoned Ribeye Roast... my mouth is watering just thinking about this! Add in some homemade gravy... mashed potatoes... Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin Casserole... and some delicious light, fluffy homemade Yorkshire Pudding. Now that should be a delicious meal!

Christine is bringing a homemade Blueberry Pie for dessert and we'll also have a Christmas cookie assortment. 

It should be a great Christmas Day with far better meals than that nasty, slimey, stinky poultry on Thanksgiving! (I am not a fan of poultry nor am I a fan of the Thanksgiving holiday, in general.)