I was on a search yesterday, as per usual, for something or other, in my many accordion files stuffed with recipes. And once again, what I was looking for had been misfiled! I hate it when I do that! Anyway, when I began checking the other sections in the file, I stumbled upon a section of memories: memorable meals from Christmas season’s past shared with family and friends.
The first thing I found was a menu from our annual Christmas Eve open house where we always served Tourtiere, salad and a selection of hors d’oeuvres. Looking at it now I see the difference 14 years can make in one’s energy level…whew! And there was the menu for Christmas dinner the following day, keeping it on the simpler side but still there was the roast turkey, stuffing, gravy and a couple of vegs. Luckily I could make the Danish red cabbage a couple of days ahead, as well as my gravy base and prepping a couple of pounds of green beans doesn’t take too long.
Those were the days! I had made a Christmas pudding well ahead too. I have to say that I kind of of missed having Christmas pudding this past Christmas!
And last but definitely the best find, was the menu for New Year’s Eve 1998 with two very good friends! It was a lot of work but so delicious! We even made the duck confit a few weeks beforehand!
Duck Confit Salad
*Amarone della Valpolicella 1990
Homemade Fettuccine with Wild Mushroom Sauce, Drizzle of Truffle Oil
*1995 Canoe Ridge Merlot
Pan Seared Veal Chops, Apple Bourbon Sauce
Haricot Vert with Lemon, Shallots & Parsley
*Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 1996
*Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc 1995
Steamed Lemon Pudding with Orange Brandy Sauce
*Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
*Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest Riesling
Aah, those were the days! Sitting down to dinner at 9:00pm and still going strong well past midnight. As I mentioned earlier, we had a lot more energy 14 years ago and stayed up to ring in the New Year and then some…now we just ring in the New Year as it’s happening in some other time zone because we usually can’t make it to ours!
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Joyous New Year! Felice Anno Nuovo a tutti!
WOW! And here I’ll be with some Prosecco, cheese & crackers and lentil soup! (14 years ago…omg I don’t remember! LOL)
Happy new year, my friend!
xo
I would not have remember either if I didn’t stumble upon the menus I made up for everyone! Are you kidding!!! It was pretty simple here this year…fantastic crab cakes, stir fried beef and Chinese noodles with veggies. But there was some really nice Prosecco and Riesling! BTW…what Prosecco do you usually buy? We really like the stuff from Bastianich Winery in Fruili (Joe Bastianich). Love the design on the bottle!
An amazing menu. Happy New Year, Phyllis!
Felice anno nuovo to you Frank! Here’s a toast to fantastic “blogging” in 2015 for both of us! That was a great New Years Eve dinner to be sure! This year we cooked a Chinese meal and managed to stay up until 11:00! We made a really great dinner on New Years Day for two of our really good friends, had some terrific wine…so nice to have such great friends! Especially as these ones not only love food but own one of the top resto’s. in Vancouver!
Looking forward to “talking” with you! I really do love to receive your comments!