Christmas Wrap Up (and a Yummy Recipe)

Hi Everyone!

Whew!!! It has been a whirlwind around here the last few days.  Mr. Bluebird had total knee replacement surgery last week, we had to say goodbye to our 17 year old cat as he lost his battle against cancer, and of course, we also celebrated the birth of our savior. Stress, sadness, and great joy - all wrapped into one. So goes life!

We live in a two story home and with Mr. Bluebird being unable to navigate stairs, we currently have a twin bed set up in the living room....not a decorator's dream this time of year, but of course, comfort is key - and really is what home should be all about.  I have jazzed it up with some Christmas plaid flannel sheets - trying to make the sow's ear into a silk purse!!! 

I just have a few pics to share today of our Christmas wrap up - cookie making on Christmas Eve (Have you seen the all ready rolled sugar cookies?  What a time saver!! I also have to say that I have never found a good sugar cookie recipe - ever - so I am happy with this product!)

All ready for the oven!  The horse and Scottie dog shapes are made from cookie cutters my mom used when I was a little girl, so although not Christmas-y, I would never think of leaving them off my annual holiday tray.

The three of us spent a low-key Christmas Eve at home, so after the cut out cookies, my daughter and I assembled a fun gingerbread house kit.  I think these things are pure genius - and it was only $7.98!

We did learn that, even with an easy kit, we are by no means cookie decorators, lol!  But I love the charm of it and it was fun to work on together.  Lots of laughter went into the making of this house!

We dined on lobster tail, bacon wrapped tenderloin, and wine.  We finished the evening off by watching, "It's a Wonderful Life."  Before we knew it, it was time to fill the stockings, lay out the presents, and head to bed.

We had my dear mom over for Christmas day lunch.  I filled my pretty pottery vase with burlap poinsettias and holiday greens.

I like to use my old Currier Ives winter plates for at least one holiday meal each year.  I like how they look with the poinsettia runner and table cloth.  The salad bowl favor is just a $2.00 ornament from Wal-Mart.

Sweet treats to nibble on.  I also served spinach artichoke dip with pita chips as an appetizer.  Yum!

Our main course was garlic roasted chicken with twice baked potatoes, but the biggest hit of the meal was this yummy salad.  I just found this recipe in the Milwaukee Journal last Sunday and I am so glad I decided to try it.  So easy to make and such a colorful salad for this time of year.  I am including the recipe below in case you would like to try it.

Spinach, Pear, and Pomegranate Salad
1/3 cup walnut pieces - toasted
3T apple cider vinegar
2T olive oil
1T Honey
1t Dijon mustard
1/4t salt
1/8t pepper
8 ounces baby spinach
2 ripe pears, cored and sliced
1/2 cu pomegranate seeds

Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl,  combine spinach, walnuts, pears and pomegranates. Add dressing to taste and toss gently to mix and coat well.  If desired, top with bleu cheese. Serves 4.

Milwaukee Journal 12/21/14
(Williams-Sonoma.com)



Lastly, a picture of myself and my partner in Christmas crime!

We are hosting a large party on Sunday for my extended family, so preparations are underway for that.  I have a super yummy main dish sandwich recipe to share with you all in the coming days - it's what I will be serving on Sunday.

For the most part, I am pretty sure this is the last of Christmas posts for me....2014 is in the books and I am turning my thoughts to the New Year.  Oh, I might sneak a Christmas pic or two yet....but then again.....!

Thanks for stopping by,
Jane

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