Our feast up here is bound to this place and to all the other places we came from. Hubby is from the Northwest; I'm from Italy; the children all grew up in Southern California; their spouses and companions come from different parts of the world, different ethnic and religious backgrounds too.
It's a veritable United Nations when we all get together.
Menu for Christmas Vigil:
Chioppino ( local fish, including crab, clams, perch) preferrably caught the day of the meal, by the family, at the local fishing holes, or markets of choice.
Bitter greens wilted salad from our garden pickings, such as broccolini, spinach, chard, kale, arugula, etc.
Crusty bread
Pizza with varieties of toppings
Apple and pear pies (from our orchards)
Menu for Christmas Day:
Standing Rib Roast
roasted root vegetables
peas
asparagus
fava bean soup
spinach salad
crusty bread
Panettone (my childhood favorite)
Cranberry Nut pie (using local cranberries)
This is our basic menu, the one we had at our first Christmas, in 1966, when we started our married life. As our children grew, and their spouses joined us, we added their favorites. Since our daughter and husband are vegan, I will add a mushroom pasta as well, or a farro salad with nuts and dried fruit. Our daughter in law is Asian and prefers more noodle dishes. We will include something that reminds each of them of their favorite holiday celebration in their childhood.
May your holidays be bright and full of great memories.
What a wonderful eclectic feast! It sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see how this veritable feast looks like on the festive table. The cranberry nut pie especially appeals. Warm wishes from very cold Scotland.
ReplyDeleteMangocheeks, welcome!
ReplyDeletesounds lovely...we did a standing rib roast a few years back, and it was wonderful! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your menu. We wanted a standing rib roast but nobody in the family had one in the freezer so we are settling for two briskets and an English roast, which will hopefully feed 23. Christmas is a time for tradition but every year I like to try something new too. I'm going to make a figgy pudding for dessert. I'm also trying butternut squash braised in maple syrup. I saved three from my garden especially for Christmas. Cheers to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous menu! I can't wait to try that cranberry pie! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteRosaria, the menu sounds delightful: ours will include grilled tri-tip roast, fresh mushrooms, grilled salmon, asparagus, spinach salad... no dessert ;).
ReplyDeleteWe hope you and your family have a joyous and blessed Christmas. Thank you for being a part of my 2010!