Here is a meander through our al fresco Christmas eating. We had a lovely family and food filled day.
I made these sticky and spicy chipolatas .
I baked the potatoes in the crock pot - now that was a first for me and a successful one too !!
This was the fabulous salmon in aspic dish that my Mum made and below is her famous garden salad that I have been eating since I was a child .Those were the days when the asparagus in it was tinned and the cheese was Kraft !! Luckily we have moved on since them and the salad has only got better with fresh aparagus.
My sister always brings this great baked ricotta.
Where else would you find the Cocopop - waiting for any little Christmas crumb to drop !!
We had a gluten free pud, homemade but not by me. It was delicious. But I did make these fun choc honeycomb party spoons.
Time is forever short so my Christmas Eve is always all about getting as much prep done as possible to avoid lengthy sessions slaving over a hot stove on Christmas Day. The microwave - GASP - then really comes into its own. I have completed two side dishes to add to our buffet that I can re heat easily. So completed are my roasted balsmic and thyme red onions and a dish of parmesan and oregano topped roasted roma tomatoes. They are delicious and easy and I have to stop myself sampling !!
We are mainly vegetarian and these dishes will be part of a sumptuous spread that includes salmon, baked ricotta, umpteen salads, sticky chipolatas, potatoes in foil with sour cream, followed by traditional hot Xmas pud, a very non traditional ice cream pudding and enough truffles and chocolates to sink a few battle ships. Bring on the elastic waisted pants !!
Despite having my fireplace turned into a cupboard I have hung 2 big stockings in my backyard in the vain hope that Santa may drop by. As you can see the weather is very summery and the stockings are blocking gently in the breeze. Neon pink is not a traditional Christmas colour but is fits the alfresco feel of Christmas in Australia. Besides they will match the rose we will be drinking on Christmas Day.
Not for dieters !!
Could I eat my bodyweight in salted caramel pretzel bark ?? The answer is yes , I could !! See the pic below for what could be my lunch !!
This recipe is a dream come true to make and to eat !! Luckily it is best kept in the freezer so out of sight for me is out of mind.
Five simple ingredients can bring anyone undone, believe you me !!
No, I have not cut into the big one !! But at the weekend I took the mini version to my mum's and we all tried it. I gave myself top marks for the moist, semolina-ish texture, the gorgeous colour and perfect cutting ability but the flavours I was yearning for were just not predominant. Last year I could taste the cardomon and rose water in the one my sister made and mine was totally lacking. It will be interesting when she cuts hers to see how she has fared this year. Using essences and rosewater can be challenging as one drop too many and the whole recipe can be bitter and ruined. I definitely erred on the side of caution . Luckily there is always next year !!
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