The holidays are a lot about family and food. We were lucky enough to have our children in town for Christmas this year with their kids. With grandchildren: Max (5) Emma (4) Dylan (20 months) and Declan (3 weeks) it is just easier to eat at home versus going out to eat. This led to a wonderful seven days, and a fair amount of work in the kitchen. I keep reminding myself, it is all about the mise en place.
I have developed a reputation. You write a book about food and people expect you to cook. The good news is that we never have problems getting people to come over. When our kids come back into town around the holidays, we get their friends to come by as well. The Friday night meal (below) was a classic example where we wound up with 13 adults and 8 kids. My standard steak, French fries and salad dinner is always a crowd pleaser and serves 20 people very easily. I went shopping at 3:30, welcomed guests at 5:30, served dinner at 6:30 and said good night at 8:00. Preparation was quick and easy. With young kids involved and bedtimes approaching things end earlier, which is a good thing!
After seeing the following, one question gets asked: Who wants to be invited Next Year?
The Seven Days of Kenny Christmas
(Click on the hot-links below for recipes and pictures)
Saturday
- Flammkuchen (German pizza with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onion)
- Char Roasted Ham
- Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage With Apple, Bacon and Onion
- French Fries
Sunday
- Grilled Gourmet Pizzas
- Roasted Corn Ravioli With Creamy Piccata Truffle Sauce
Monday
Christmas Eve – Feast of the 7 Fishes (6 Shrimp Two Ways & 1 Calamari)
Tuesday
- Prime Rib Au Jus With Horseradish Cream Sauce
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower Risotto and Balsamic Glaze
Wednesday
- Pasta Bolognese (A great way to optimize leftovers)
- Grilled Pizza
- Steamed Broccoli
Thursday (Christmas with Mom Mom)
- Rack of Lamb Provençal
- Cauliflower Risotto and Balsamic Glaze
- Blanched Asparagus with Mignonette sauce
- Sautéed Haricot Verts
(The Kenny Clan: Seated – Max, Susan, Jenn, Dylan, Dorothy, Declan, Lauren, Emma, Standing – Ethan, Paul, Brian)
Friday – Standard Steak & French Fries
- Jenn’s Guacamole & Chips
- Grilled NY Strip Steaks With Compound Butter
- French Fries
- Chopped Lettuce Wedge Salad
I have had a few followers asking why there hasn’t been any blogs for a few weeks. Well I have busy working on my mise en place. After a wonderful seven days of Christmas, we are all looking forward to going on a diet.
The holiday was made extra special by the arrival of our fourth grandchild. Declan Andrews Kenny arrived on November 23rdand has been a bright light through the holidays. Declan is a lucky guy in that he has 3 great grandmothers alive. (Good genes to have). My mom Dorothy (96) arrived on the 27th and has delighted in seeing her 7th great grandchild for the first time.
The holidays can be stressful whether you cook or not. Somehow Christmas can bring out the best and worst of just about every family dynamic. The following Saturday Night Live skit THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER cleverly captures many of the special moments that the holidays bring. TIS THE SEASON.
Next year we might do takeout.
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This is the best!!