It Won't Be Long Til Happiness Steps Up to Greet Me

Leftover Casserole

A leftover turkey casserole layering stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, shredded turkey and cheese.  This was incredibly satisfying and after cooling a bit, settled and cut into nice slices that could be served with extra gravy, like an after Christmas, Thanksgiving Lasagna, if you will.  This was an excellent way to use much of the leftover stuffing, something I always have too much of.  It would be good to add a bag of frozen vegetables to one of the layers, like peas, corn or spinach.  It's super filling so one slice is enough but it was also great for lunch box meals and I was able to freeze portions for a rainy day. 

Rains have replaced snow storms this year and the water was the highest I've seen when I checked the area behind work, even flooded a bit in Red Hook.

Happiness and Cheer

If there is anything better than a special holiday dinner it's the plate you wish you would have eaten the day before if you hadn't been so over it by the time it was all ready.  And better than that, Holiday leftover snacks heated up and presented on a platter with the Yule log burnin' on repeat!  

 

Oh That We Could Always See

Christmas Eve Dinner

Crock pot mashed potatoes, Giblet Gravy, Herb Roasted Turkey, Citrus Cranberry relish, Sausage Cornbread dressing, Green Bean Casserole, Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprout with walnuts and garlic

Traditional Green Bean Bake

Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Ye Ole Herb Buttered Roasted Turkey

morning prep of stuffing with mushrooms and herbs

Snacks of Pesto Shrimp Toasties - Delightful!

Too tired to settle on a recipe, I invented these quick and super easy bites.  Simply cut a baguette into coins, spread on a baking sheet, brush with pesto, add a bit of Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, 1-2 uncooked shrimp on each simply seasoned with salt and red pepper flakes.  Bake for 8-10 minutes and finish with drops of fresh pesto and squeeze of lemon. These are highly
 addictive.  It's okay to use prepared pesto to save time like I did. 

Jalapeno Chorizo bites and fresh hot sauce
I make these for most holidays because in my opinion that cheap little pepper becomes infused with high-end taste when roasted.  Split in half, (par boil for just a minute to soften) drain and dry.  Brush the insides of the peppers with olive oil, lightly salt and pepper beforehand.  Then add a mixture of shredded cheese of choice (mixing two is better), tiny diced chorizo, minced garlic and onion, salt and pepper.  Into a 350 degree oven until soft and bubbly.  Double down tip:  To fancy these up, you could drizzle on crema and top with sprinkles of Cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing.  Leave the tail on for picking up like a spoon.  

When motivated by special food, it's surprising how resourceful and energetic one can be. 

Pecan Pie with freshly Whipped Cream