Christmas 2024

A few days after my niece left, my brother and sister-in-law joined us.

DINNER SUNDAY DECEMBER 22

(no photos of pierogi dinner because everyone was only focused on eating the delicious pierogi)

I think it was over 10 years since I last made homemade pierogi. I made them this year because when my brother sent me a list of 10 dumplings he wanted for the Dumplings Around the World Dinner, he gave many filling possibilities for Pierogi and I thought he really wanted them. I didn’t include in the Dumpling Around the World menu since I made them for the same dinner in 2013. I was right! Andy and everyone all enjoyed the pierogi. They disappeared.

Pierogi dough
Cabbage and Cream Cheese Pierogi
Spinach and Feta Pierogi (I used fresh spinach chopped in food processor)
Caramelized Onions
Mustard
Sour Cream
Apple Sauce

BREAKFAST MONDAY DECEMBER 23

I often say I can make my mini bagels in my sleep. My guests enjoy and they are easy for me.

Bagels with assorted toppings (Everything Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, Asiago, Salt, Blueberry)
Christmas Tree Butter
Cream Cheese with Whipped Pumpkin Spice Honey and Chopped Toasted Pecans

LUNCH MONDAY DECEMBER 23

Instead of making themed lunches for everyone, I made mushroom quiche for the mushroom eaters and cute bento for me and Kerry.

Mom, Dad, Andy – Mushroom Quiche
Kerry and Kathy – Bentos that will appear on blog at a latter date

DINNER MONDAY DECEMBER 23

(once again, no photos of this dinner because everyone was excited to eat)

Dad’s Pizza
Carrots, cucumber, celery, radish, cherry tomatoes with Ranch Dip (put on tray with dip in the middle to look like a wreath) This was popular with my group!
Apple Pine Nut Cake with Whipped Cream – The recipe calls for pears. I often use apples when I make this.

BREAKFAST TUESDAY DECEMBER 24

Dad’s Blintzes
Pancakes

LUNCH TUESDAY DECEMBER 24

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Leftovers

CHRISTMAS EVE APPETIZER DINNER TUESDAY DECEMBER 24

There were 7 of us these year for our Christmas Eve Appetizer dinner. Mom, Dad, me, Andy, Kerry, an old friend and his 14 year old daughter.

Dad’s mushrooms
Artichoke Rosemary Bruschetta
Deviled Eggs
Christmas Tree Cheeseball with Themed Crackers
Mozzarella Snowmen with Cucumber Carrot Trees
Bell Pepper Radish Wreath (friend made)
Christmas Cookie Assortment
Danish Kringle (friend bought)

BREAKFAST WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25

There were 5 of us for Christmas day breakfast – Mom, Dad, me, Andy, and Kerry. This year, I added a cheese plate to our normal menu. My crowd ate some of the cheese but I think they are just as happy without it.