A Glimpse of Christmas

Christmas dinner was at my parents' house this year and, as usual, it was a spectacular dinner.  We had a houseful of friends and family, good food and family stories - new and well-worn.

My mother is a master at setting a beautiful table and this year was no exception.

The Blue Willow dishes were my grandmother's

The Santa Cookies are a family tradition from when my Grandmother made them with my mother and her sister when they were little girls.  

A few years ago we were despairing because the original cookie mold broke.  Then someone with the same cherished tradition bought the rights to the company and Aunt Chick's Cookie Molds was back in business! 

This year I was in charge of appetizers - never a good choice for me because I am ALWAYS running late!  So, since we were rushing, I forgot to take a picture when they were all nice and plated on the serving platters, but here is a sampling...

Goat cheese with Cranberries and Pistachios, Marinated Antipasto kabobs, and
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapes (See Recipe Below)

We had a first course of quail with a radicchio and citrus salad (My sister made the salad and Dad did the quail) and then a main course of pesto and panko crusted rack of lamb.  It was so delicious that it was mainly gone by the time I snapped a picture!

Pesto and Panko Crusted Rack of Lamb

The humans weren't the only ones who enjoyed Christmas...Our old pup is famous for sniffing out his gifts and opening them ahead of time.  We thought we had fooled him this year.  We gave him one to get him started and then headed downstairs to open our stockings and...

He Just..

Couldn't...

Help Himself!

It was a very Merry Christmas for all!  :-)

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapes

From Taste of Homes Appetizer Special Edition 2013

2 Medium cucumbers, peeled

4 oz smoked salmon, flaked

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp finely chopped onion

1Tbsp capers, drained

1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/8 tsp pepper

1.  Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds.  In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.  Spoon into the cucumber halves.

2.  Wrap in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until filling is firm.  Cut into 1/2 inch slices.  Garnish with dill if desired.

Easy to make, light and delicious!

Just a Little Haiku for Today

There has been no time lately for feasts or fabrics...typical for this point in the school year!  So I thought I would put up a quick post about something else close to my heart - My good old faithful 12-year old pup!  

faithful old dog

slow walk through crisp 

 leaves

golden moments

My old boy used to be my best walking companion - eagerly completing 4-5 miles with me.  I used to joke that I should have named him PT for personal trainer because even if I didn't feel like walking on a particular day, he knew that it was walk time and would nudge me toward our daily walk like only a golden retriever can.  

He is old now and was diagnosed with lymphoma last September (We are so lucky that he is still here!) so walks are not quite the pace they used to be - more a slow wander.  Although I am still an avid fast-paced 4-5 miler most days, Jake has taught me the joy of slowing down sometimes and just ambling along.  

Always smiling!

 

Our amble today was the perfect antidote to a busy day at school. 

What better way to spend an crisp autumn afternoon than a slow stroll with a faithful old friend?