A Winelover's Wanderings

When Christmas falls on a Friday, it's only logical that I am grateful for the holiday. In addition to the religious significance, it means a gathering of family and friends to celebrate the joy of the season, with good food and holiday cheer.

Since it was just Bill and me (and Hoochie, of course) celebrating, we concentrated on the food and holiday cheer. Since we had just eaten turkey for Thanksgiving, I wanted to have roast beef for Christmas. Our menu included:

Filet Mignon Roast with Horseradish Sauce - I also tried making Popovers/Yorkshire Pudding, but they didn't turn out so well. It has been more than 20 years since I have attempted making them, so I can see that I need a lot more practice.

Mashed Yellow Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Cheese

Roasted Veggies - Turnips, Carrots, Parsnips, Leeks, Garlic

Arugula Salad Mix with Orange Cranberries, Blue Cheese, Pecans & Avocado with Orange Vinegar & Toasted Almond Grapeseed Oil

Holiday Rice Pudding with Raspberry Sauce - I have been eating this dish since I was a little girl. It was originally my aunt's recipe, and we always had it on Christmas Eve.

We had a California sparkling wine with the salad and dessert (Laetitia Cuvee M) and a wonderful Justin Isoceles Reserve with the rest of the dinner.

I am so very grateful that we are able to have such a wonderful dinner to celebrate the Christmas holiday.