Christmas and holiday meals, snacks and good times 2015

[rwsaunders]

Mrs. RW is in full automatic/holiday mode and her FitBit is having a hard time clocking the steps. I woke up this morning and the table was set for action. Let the holiday games begin...

[robin3mj]

My UK in-laws are arrived, and it’s likely I won’t have to undertake food prep any more taxing than bringing in beer/wine from the garage until I fire up the smoker next Sunday.

Pork pie, standing rib roast, spiral ham, Christmas pudding, smoked salmon, hedgehog potatoes, parsnips, and more on tap between tomorrow and Boxing Day.

[winmonster]

My wife is making red beans and rice for Christmas Eve night. Neighbors and friends are encouraged to stop buy for a bowl and a drink. For Christmas morning, I'm making Liege waffles. We'll do holiday fare at our friend's parents' house later that day.

[rwsaunders]

I made a run down to "the Strip" as it's known in Pittsburgh for a few holiday goodies. When I took a number for the deli line, I was number 882 and they just called 791, so a complimentary glass of wine "while you wait" was a nice gesture. Note the 8-point mounted on the wall...a little touch of local decor.

[theflashunc]

The Boss and I are trying our hand at Beef Wellington for the holiday, since it'll just be us till my family arrives next week.

And waffles for breakfast.

[rwsaunders]

A little homemade meatball action going on earlier this afternoon. It is so warm out that were able to pick the herbs from the garden. Just finished the lemon chicken prep and moving on to a chocolate ganache cake...pics to follow for sure.

[rwsaunders]

Final table setting before the serious eaters arrived. The meal was loosely Euro themed...meatballs with yogurt sauce, baked lemon chicken, edamame with asparagus, tomatoes with lentils, apricot steamed rice and of course, warm flat bread. Washed down with some nice red from Spain and topped off with chocolate ganache cake. All in all a very tasty and not too heavy meal. Might be a new tradition.

[winmonster]

Red beans and rice progression:

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And waffles:

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[rwsaunders]

winmonster...I'm going to post a waffle recipe that'll make your family consider a move to Brussels. The deal is that you have to post the red bean recipe...looks good. No mixer required for the waffles except for whipping up the egg whites if you want and the waffles are as light as a feather.

[winmonster]

"Recipe" incoming. My wife is afraid to put it down, since she she goes by feel, smell, etc. I am trying to convince her that it's her duty to the forum of awesomeness.

[Sbti]

I'd love to see the waffle recipe and one for the chocolate ganache cake.

[winmonster]

Sbti, you're jersey is too tight and these won't help with that. :) For the most part, I followed the recipe here: Traditional Belgian Liege Waffle Recipe | Ashlee Marie. I added a tiny bit more orange blossom honey, brown sugar and vanilla extract, because those things are delicious. I was short quite a bit of pearl sugar on this batch, but they were still awesome. Using the Croquade waffle maker set at 7, 3 minutes and flipping every once in while seems to be about perfect.

[Sbti]

you're jersey is too tight

You've got that right!

Nice. Thanks!

[Sbti]

Oh, I went to her home page and this was posted a few days ago. Looks good too!

Lemon Curd Raspberries Liege Waffle Recipe | Ashlee Marie

[winmonster]

Damnit! Why can't I edit? :facepalm:

[winmonster]

The kids are demanding pigs in a blanket, so I'm washing my hands thoroughly and wrapping the semi-gross little sausages in Pillsbury dough. The end result is a guilty little pleasure.

[rwsaunders]

The kids are demanding pigs in a blanket, so I'm washing my hands thoroughly and wrapping the semi-gross little sausages in Pillsbury dough. The end result is a guilty little pleasure.

Slice the dogs lengthwise and insert a piece of cheddar cheese before wrapping...true camping fare.

[rwsaunders]

I'd love to see the waffle recipe and one for the chocolate ganache cake.

Pretty simple, very light and crispy and I have a fairly common electric waffle iron that does the trick. I posted the final product in this week's ride report. I'll locate the cake recipe for you and post tomorrow.

[Sbti]

Fantastic. Thanks!

[rwsaunders]

Chocolate Ganache cake recipe...





sbti...note that there is not a calorie count indicated in the recipe as this cake is really rich. Down with a Cappuchino and you'll hit your Festive 500 goal in an afternoon. Enjoy