PREP

Christmas Eve.  Slept 9 hours last night, got up at the very reasonable hour of 7:30, downed a giant cup of coffee, wrapped the last of the gifts, checked the piles, felt no panic, went to Crossfit for a fantastic WOD.   Quick trip to Trader Joe's, last trip to CVS, then HOME and no more leaving.

Pandora's traditional Christmas carols station is on, the kids are milling in and out.  Doug, unfortunately, had to go to work but will be home soon.  Life is so good.

The rest of the day is about food prep.

First up, tonight's dessert: peppermint ice cream pie.  Get yourself a graham cracker crust, heat up some yummy hot fudge sauce that JoEllen made for you, soften up some ice cream. Spread a layer of hot fudge on the crust, then some ice cream, then refreeze.  When you're ready to serve, heat up some more hot fudge for the top, and a little whipped cream if you're so inclined.

Next up:  tonight's meal:  Lebanese Food!  SO EXCITED.  I've already blogged about the how-tos, so here are just a few pictures to add to the general excitement we feel around here.

KIBBEE

LOUBE

 TABOULI

Next up: apps for Christmas dinner tomorrow at the Vaskos

 Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce  

Thaw the shrimp (2 lbs lg)

mix with 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt & pepper, roast for 10 min at 400

YUUUUUMMMMMM

Do not settle for store bought cocktail sauce.  It's easy and delish:  ketchup, chili sauce, lemon juice, horseradish, worcestershire, tabasco, salt & pepper.  

Second appetizer:  goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in basil & prosciutto

Buy some pitted dates, stuff each with about 1/2 tsp goat cheese, wrap in a basil leaf then roll in half a piece of prosciutto.  Roast in a 350 oven for about 8 minutes, until the insides are heated.  You can broil for a minute at the end to get the prosciutto crispy and to make your kitchen smell divine.

Last but not least:  breakfast for Christmas morning!  

Breakfast Casserole:  Brown 1 lb of bacon or bulk sausage.  Drain well.   Mix in a bowl 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, dash of tabasco, dry mustard (1/2 tsp), couple dashes worcestershire sauce, 1-1/2 cups sharp cheddar & 6-8 pieces of bread, cubed and the sausage.

Throw in a 9x13 overnight.  Cook for an hour at 350, until the eggs are thoroughly set.

(if your daughter is lactose intolerant use Lactaid and only put cheese on 3/4 of it!)

We are ready to go!

Merry Christmas to you and yours.  Enjoy the holiday season, whatever you celebrate, and here's to wonderful times with family and friends around the table in 2015!!!