Happy Christmas Eve!
Last night I was too busy opening presents to post about our Christmas Eve dinner. Last night was also my first time carrying out a menu that contained four brand new recipes, so there was some craziness in the kitchen. For that reason, the photos of each dish are extremely lacking, but I'm hoping you'll cut me some slack- it is Christmas after all!
I was worried about getting everything done on time, so I made this swell chart!
Christmas fail. I forgot that my oven was on the top only (left over from the french onion soup recipe) and I overcooked the rolls. So sad. The good news though, they were still pretty tasty as underneath that overcooked top was perfectly cooked yummyness! I would recommend this recipe and you could be creative with the shape!
Next I started on the Potato-Parmesan Pave. I wish I'd taken some photos of the process! It was really easy and sort of fun. You just thinly slice potatoes, soak them in heavy cream (I actually used creme fraiche) and then layer them in a casserole dish the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. These were DELICIOUS! Such an easy yet different potato dish to make. I would not recommend the creme fraiche as it did separate a little in the oven. It didn't affect the flavor, but I was a bit unappetizing to see.
With the potatoes in the oven, I began the English Peas with Mint. These took a total of 15 minutes to prep and cook and added a lovely dash of color to our plates. You saute a spring onion, then add the peas with some water and salt and pepper. A few minutes later, throw in some torn mint leaves. The flavor was very light and delicate. Next time I think I'll add more mint than the recipe calls for.
Finally, the piece de resistance- Steak au Poivre. I bought whole peppercorns in at the market and used a hammer to crush them up (classy, I know!). Then I used the end of a knife to finish off some stragglers. Note to self- buy a mortar and pestle (even though the pounding was pretty fun).
After the steaks rest for 20 minutes, you coat them with pepper, then sprinkle them with salt. The steaks then cook in oil and butter as you baste them with the juices. After the steaks are out, you make this awesome sauce using the leftover juices, stock (I didn't use the wine called for by the recipe), creme fraiche and mustard. Pour the sauce over before serving. This steak was so good! Less than 30 minutes and the flavor of both the steaks and the sauce was just so good.
The verdict: In the end, the entire meal was just great. Despite slightly burning the rolls, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Christmas Eve meal. Because we ended up having an extra guest we ended up slicing up the steak. If only I'd take a photo pre-cutting! I think I'll make all of the recipes again at some point. Very solid holiday faire.
And it's not Christmas Eve without dessert. Our selections included Chocolate Mint Sticks, mandarine oranges and peanut butter balls. We snacked as we opened our presents (Christmas Eve present opening is a tradition from my mom's side of the family. Christmas morning is for stockings and gifts from Santa!)
Mohamed patiently waiting to open his gifts. We were lucky enough to have two stockings- one for Christmas Eve and one for the morning.
Thanks to my friend Sarah (and her mom!) for my awesome Christmas tree shirt.
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