Hi everyone!
What a great day! Went to bed after midnight last night so it was nice to relax today. Got up around 8:30 (that’s sleeping in for me!) and my kitchen was totally clean! My honey got up before me and cleaned up, so nice! I made delicious omelettes around 10:00. I sauteed mushrooms, onions, and yellow peppers. I stuffed my omelet with the veggies and sharp cheddar cheese, so good! I had a little fresh fruit and a toasted cinnamon raisin english muffin. It doesn’t get much better than that!
As I am typing, the smell of BBQ beefis wafting through the air. I slapped that in the oven about 2:00 today. Should be fall apart tender in an hour or so. I’ll be serving it with whole wheat buns, garlic oven roasted potato wedges and a simple cabbage salad. Forgot to mention that I’m enjoying a little leftover Moscato…nothing like a little bubbly while on the computer:-)
So, let me tell you about last night. We had a fire going in the livingroom and a our Christmas tree lit. The smells in my house were as warm and cozy as the fire. The appetizers and desserts I served were a hit! Appetizer parties are my absolute favorite! I made most everything ahead of time. I just had to pop them in the oven and serve. Easy peasy. I always label my serving platters ahead of time so I don’t have to think about it when I have guests. I also make a “cheat sheet” that I tape to my kitchen cabinet. I’ve forgotten to serve things in the past, huge bummer.
The crab cakes were dynamite! I made a lovely roasted red pepper aioli. I did end up making fried calamari with a quick marinara sauce. This was incredibly simple. I dusted the calamari with a blend of flour, dried parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Right into the hot oil for one minute. The parmesan stuffed mushrooms went like wildfire. I baked them for 20 minutes in a small amount of beef broth in the bottom of the pan. I also served ham and gruyere swiss cheese in puff pastry with whole grain mustard, savory and delicious.
The grand finale was fabulous. I served the chilled cinnamon cheesecake squares, fresh berries with mascarpone, and chocolate chip cookies. It was perfect. Fresh berries, creamy cheesecake, and a little chocolate.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday! I’m looking forward to a schedule in my house!
Have a great evening!
Angie
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