Who slipped the Roofies in my Eggnog?

The past week has been a haze of crumpled paper, unending leftovers, and a vague sense that I may have been through something I can't quite recall.  Christmas Eve was really the nadir, which is too bad because I used to love that best of all.  But people started streaming in, little girls in velvet bodices and plaid skirts, gals in Santa hats, in-laws, sons-in-law of in-laws... And I became a new bride who had never held a party or fed a crowd EVER.  Three pounds of bacon wrapped water-chestnuts vanished in a few moments, dozens of potato pancakes (PC or Linda loves potatoes?)  Bags of egg rolls, even some TJ pot stickers were pressed into action.  Two tenderloins were rescued before they overcooked, only to find they were RAW in the center.  AND I had failed to trim them, mistaking BJ's for a real butcher shop.  That's why Roche's gets the big bux.  

The Santa we recruited was someone Chris knew... apparently  so huge we couldn't mash him into the Santa suit.  We played hot-potato with the "So now, who here is going to play santa?" with all the men at my party doing a great impression of a silent Stevie Wonder.  

"Not me, mon"

And then, He arrived.  No, not Jesus, but Santa, in full regalia was at our door.  Three year old Brody had just popped his eighth raspberry Vol au Vent into his mouth, as Santa strode past and into our living room.    With great flourish, he dispensed the gifts, and all the while I am thinking, "who the hell is this"  when he then presents ME with a gift.  A squeaky  story book about reindeer.  What tha...... ??  He said it was from Libby.  Huh?   So now, I am the only one in my immediate family besides Drew who "believes."

We had a full night, with an embarrassment of riches, (don't get me started on the obscenity of 

the whole gift exchanging thing, or I will rant  clear through February) and no real Silent Night to follow.   

I am grateful for the fact that I had all my kids and grandkids around me and Jim sleeping peacefully upstairs through it all.  But I hated feeling so glad when it was over, as though some sinister beast had been tailing me for about  a month.   New Years resolution is to reevaluate everything I take for granted and get rid, not only of some of the "stuff" but some of the expectations too. 

Our Christmas Tradition

What a wonderful evening.  Although the snow can be a pain in the neck, it certainly added atmosphere.  The food was excellent, and the tips for quick hors d'oeuvres certainly come at a timely moment.  Sally and Mary Ann, thanks for having us all in your beautifully decorated homes.  To all, thanks for the food, the gifts, the wonderful company.  

Szechwan Shrimp (chili Shrimp)

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined *
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, grated
1 teaspoon dried red chili peppers (or chili flakes)
3 scallions, minced
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons sherry wine
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with
2 tablespoons water

In wok or skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot. Saute Shrimp, garlic, ginger, scallions and chile. Cook a few minutes.

Add sherry, ketchup, chili sauce, and cornstarch mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until shrimp are done. Serve with rice.

* Sometimes I dust the shrimp with flour before putting them in the oil, to make it like Chen's on iron chef! Enjoy!

Screw the calories

Group Cook Book

Congratulations!  You are almost to the most well-tested cookbook of all times.  Now, the best part is that we can add recipes, tips, original haiku,  video clips of Claire graduating from Nursery School,  all kinds of things to help us stay in touch between birthdays and coffee breaks.

Above is the link to the file I made with the original cook book in it.  Afterwards, our additions will be on separate blog posts.  I will set it up and give you access codes as soon as I have a few minutes... right after Christmas.  But for now, enjoy the recipes... after all, they are  YOURS!