Christmas plans gone awry!

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As we come to the close of 2024, I reflect on a year that had its ups and downs—much like our holiday celebrations! They say that the best-laid plans often get away from you, and this couldn’t be more accurate for my Christmas dinner. 

Not long ago, I excitedly shared my vision for a perfect Christmas dinner. Picture me crafting a stunning 1000-piece puzzle, only to have someone flip the table upside down! Our plans took an unexpected twist when we decided to extend our stay in the beautiful Georgia mountains. Upon returning, I found every local grocer completely out of prime rib—truly a holiday conundrum!

Embracing the shift, I turned to plan B: a spectacular crown pork roast. It’s been years since I prepared one, but the idea rekindled my excitement. I paired it with creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green bean almondine, rich pork gravy, a delightful charcuterie board, and burrata as appetizers. I also included my beloved Italian wedding soup and, of course, Reis’s macaroni and cheese.

Just when I thought I had everything under control, Ron’s friend surprised us with a package of special Portuguese delicacies from Boston: chourico, linguica, and bacalhau! This reminded me of cherished memories from my past, so I eagerly added Bacalhau Gomes Sa and grilled chourico to our holiday menu.

As conversations flowed, I learned that a close friend would be spending Christmas Eve alone for the first time in years. Nostalgic for our shared past, I joyfully invited them to join us—what’s four more, right? As many of you know, my biggest holiday fear is running out of food. I quickly dashed to the store for a turkey to ensure no one would leave hungry. The menu expanded to include stuffing and sweet potatoes, transforming our gathering into a feast.

Christmas Eve became a celebration filled with laughter, love, and shared memories—a gentle reminder of what truly matters. Huge thanks to Jordin and Julia for their support in assembling the charcuterie board and helping with the cleanup. Their assistance meant the world!

The next morning, we ventured out to celebrate Christmas Day with our grandkids, who are at such a magical age. My son-in-law, Shamus, treated us to an incredible meal, showcasing his cooking prowess with a delectable roasted beef tenderloin, paired with small potatoes, green bean almondine, mushrooms, and au jus gravy. His dedication to the culinary arts has truly blossomed since I gifted him the book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat—he’s officially hooked!

This year has been challenging for many of us, but in those hard times, I’ve learned the invaluable lesson that the company of family and friends creates the sweetest moments. As I step into 2025, I do so with a grateful heart and the knowledge that our lives are woven together by the memories we create.

Did you try any of my recipes during your holiday celebrations? I would love to hear about your experiences! 

Thank you all for your support throughout 2024. I’m excited about the upcoming year and look forward to gathering around the family table with you in 2025.

Warm wishes for a joyous new year,
Isabel

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