Sunday, December 19, 2021

A beauty of a Christmas menu.

Everyone seems to be saying it: "can you believe it's already the end of the year? Came up fast. Always does. I like to think that in the busy of December, we're making time to . . . breathe. To remember the reason for the season. And to share in lovely time together with our people. A dinner gathering can be done without making ourselves cray cray. I've learned from wonderful hosts that fewer dishes on the menu is more than fine; it's an excellent way! A perfect app or cocktailing tid-bit: Warm Almond-Stuffed Dates with Lime Zest. Stuff them, put them in the pantry, then they're ready when you are to warm and go. Serve them with Mulberry Manhattans and Orange Blossom Gin Fizz to much excitement. For dinner, juicy, rich lamb chops, rubbed with Mint Salt and seared (finish with more Mint Salt...). Make them ahead if that helps take the pressure off; reheat in a snap in a skillet. With the lamb, a salad of arugula, pancetta and sugared cranberries is both gorgeous and delectable. Lemony mashed potatoes are so good with the lamb, or try Mom's Special Rice or Lebanese vermicelli rice.. That's a nice plate, no? Dessert, you can go Showstopper with a Toasted Marshmallow Chocolate Cake, or simple-yet-luscious with a Dark Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Rose Whipped Cream. Of course, a plate of cookies + cup coffee are always welcome, and if you are keeping a stash for you as you bake to give away, they're at hand. Oh, also: I'm posting lots of reels (short videos) on Instagram, showing how to make my baklawa recipe (butter pour-over method) and other fun things. Hope to see you there!