What's Cooking this Christmas?

So, the countdown towards Christmas has begun with just 7 days left.  Plenty to look forward to, time spent with family, friends over good food, good wine, and good conversation. R me however the countdown is not to the 25^th of December however. The 25^th has become another day at the office, having worked every Christmas and Boxing Day since 2007! It’s a day that I commit myself to making everyone else’s Christmas Memorable at the Lodge. There is not much thought given to my Christmas, as my family and friends take a back seat on this day. I remember in 2008 my mom really wanting me to be part of Christmas at home. She opted to make dinner as opposed to lunch. I made it in time for dinner after my day at work, but didn’t make it through the meal as I was too exhausted, and turned in early.

Last year my sister and I, along with 3 other friends thought to ourselves “Who said that we need to celebrate Christmas on the 25^th?” We decided to start a new tradition that would take into consideration my hectic work schedule as well as that of my friends who are also in this industry. We decided that we would have Christmas Dinner on the 28^th, and we’d make sure it was every bit over the top and indulgent as possible. In 2011 the menu included Gammon, Stuffed Duck, a whole Red Roman Fish from Mozambique which we braaied, plenty of “drinks”, and of course a generous helping of silly stories and laughs recounting our experiences in 2011.  After a full day of cooking (I was the host); we enjoyed an amazing evening celebrating the Gift of Life, Love and Friendships!

 

 

We’ve decided to have a 2^nd instalment of our “Post Christmas Dinner” in 2012, again on the 28^th of December. The menu is every bit as indulgent (if not more) as the one we had last year. My friend Prisca has urged us to go bigger and better (but the cooking will be distributed this time). Whilst everyone else is rightly looking forward to the 25^th, we are anticipating the days that come after, as we take a short time-out to enjoy an evening together as friends, celebrating yet another year, and looking forward to the next instalment in 2013.

2012 Xmas Menu

Garlic Bread----Vimbai

Greek Salad----Loyce

Beetroot Salad----Vimbai

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Rolled Stuffed Fillet Of Beef (on hot coals)----Nyasha

Stuffed Roast Turkey----Prisca

Grilled Prawns or Lobster (on hot coals)----Nyasha

Roast Crispy Potatoes----Loyce

Vegetable Gratin----Nyasha

Gravy---- Prisca

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Christmas Pudding With Brandy Cream----Prisca

Peppermint Crisp Ice Cream with Bar One Chocolate Sauce----Nyasha

Palmiers----Vimbai

Fresh Fruit Salad----Loyce

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Beverages

Welcome Boozy Punch ---Nyasha

Red Wine----Nyasha (from collection)

Other Soft Drinks ----Loyce & Vimbai

Juicy Funny Tales of 2012 --- Everyone!!