Celebrating New Years Eve on the 6th Day of Christmas

Another year is in the books.  It was a very tough year for so very many of us.  I, for one, am very happy to celebrate the end of this year and I pray that the New Year is better for all of us.

Planning the Weekly Menu on the 5th Day of Christmas

On the 5th Day of Christmas my True Love gave to me.....5 Golden Meals. (Well, 7.....My True Love is being generous this year).  Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope that your holiday season has been Merry and Bright.  Mine has been busy and delightful.

 Graphic from Wikipedia

We have been sharing a lot of meals and festivities with family and friends this past week culminating with tomorrow's New Years Eve celebration for the 6th Day of Christmas.  I know that the ringing in of New Year ends the holiday season for many but in our household we still have 6 more days of festivities up until Epiphany when we celebrate Little Christmas, Italian style.

New Years Day is the 7th Day of Christmas. We are going for Spaghetti Dinner at Frank's brother's house.  His wife Rebecca started this annual tradition when she joined the family.

So here is our Menu for the last week of Christmas.  Are you still celebrating?

Saturday

Spaghetti Dinner at Dan and Rebecca's

Sunday

Trashy Ginger Beer Chicken 

Kale Salad

Raspberry Parfaits

Meatless Monday

Huevos Rancheros

Taco Tuesday

Chicken Mole Tacos

Wednesday

Lamb and Lupini Kafta

Lebanese Rice

Roasted Carrots with Balsamic Chocolate Glaze

Thursday-Little Christmas 

Antipasti Platter

Citrus Salad

Lasagna

Garlic Bread

Befana Cake

Fish Friday

Shrimp Ramen

On the Second Day of Christmas we are celebrating with Snickerdoodle Muffins for #MuffinMonday

Are your Christmas Cookies all gone leaving nothing but crumbs and fond memories?  Are you missing having a cookie with your morning coffee?  All is not lost....you can make these Snickerdoodle Muffins and enjoy all the flavors of your favorite cookie during the remaining days of Christmas.

It's time for Muffin Monday........

ABC Dip (Artichoke, Brie, Crab) for the 1st Day of Christmas #SundayFunday

Happy 1st Day of Christmas.  No I don't have a Partridge recipe to share with you today but I do have a wonderful, creamy and cheesy seafood dip recipe that is perfect for your next gathering during this 12 Days of Christmas.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing NYE ideas today.......

Merry Christmas; Let's Celebrate with Cava #WorldWineTravel

 Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.  Whatever your plans are for this evening a bottle of bubbly always makes for a better celebration.  I know when people think of bubbly, Champagne comes to mind followed by the price tag and the decision to forego the sparkling wine.  

There are tons of sparkling wines out there that I daresay are just as good, if not better, than those from Champagne, France.  Some come from other areas of France but many come from other countries and some of my favorites come from Spain where they are designated Cava.

My Grape Paris Book Review and The Christmas Week Menu

I'm going to be sharing my Christmas Day Menu with you today along with the rest of the week.   I am not serving Ham this Christmas but if you are and you are looking for a way to use up some of the leftovers, this quiche is exactly the recipe you need.  It is quick and easy, using store bought pie dough and canned cream soup.  It turns out perfectly any time and it is always a hit.

So the premise of this quiche is you take one can of cream soup, any flavor you wish.  Meat of choice, vegetable of choice, cheese of choice, 4 eggs, light cream and a pie crust and you can have any flavor quiche you want, knowing that it will turn out perfectly.

Rum Cake #CakeSliceBakers

Perfect for the Christmas season this spice cake has rum both in the cake itself and in the caramelized pecan topping.  

It's time for the Cake Slice Bakers........

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew #MultiCookerMonday

I love making stew in my slow cooker.  It guarantees you moist, fork tender meat each and every time.  In this version Beef and Sweet Potatoes are joined with Poblano Chiles and Southwestern spices for a flavorful, comforting dinner with barely any hands on time.

Welcome to the final edition of Multi Cooker Monday........

Tenderloin Tips over Lemony Pappardelle #SundayFunday

Beef tenderloin tips in a creamy mushroom sauce served over lemony pappardelle egg noodles.  This is pure comfort food that will continue the warmth of the Christmas season right through dinnertime.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Christmas Pasta Recipes today.......

Creamy Leek Soup with Shoestring Potatoes and the Weekly Menu #SoupSaturdaySwappers

This amazingly delicious, sinfully creamy, decadent soup is a wonderful holiday treat.  It makes a perfect, impressive first course at your Holiday Dinner Table.

It's time for Soup Saturday Swappers......

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil paired with a Cremant Cocktail for a fun Holiday Celebration #FishFridayFoodies #Winophiles

Shrimp Boils are not just for summertime fun.  They can be just as fun during the busy holiday season utilizing your slow cooker to free up your time for gift wrapping and cookie baking.

I served my shrimp boil up with a traditional French Cocktail, a Kir Royale, often served at Christmas gatherings and inspired by the memoir, My Grape Christmas.

Magical Ingredients Honey Cake #BundtBakers

 Light cake soaked with honey and topped with a peach jam and honey glaze.  This cake is a beautiful centerpiece for your brunch table.

Welcome to the December edition of Bundt Bakers.......

A Christmas Partridge for my True Love #BreadBakers

This adorable loaf of sweet yeast bread, served with an orange honey butter, is perfect gracing your Christmas Brunch.  Give your true love a Partridge this year.

The Bread Bakers are creating Bread Art today.......

Shrimp and Pork Roll Lettuce Cups #BakingBloggers

These delightful appetizers combine Asian Flavors with French Pastry (well, okay crescent rolls but we'll pretend it's puff pastry).  I paired it with a Spanish Sparkling Wine and it was a perfect match.

The Baking Bloggers are sharing Appetizers today.......

Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes #SundayFunday

This delicious and healthy version of the classic version is just as comforting and soothing as the recipe you've always used and it is ready in less than half an hour.  

Join the Sunday Funday Bloggers as we cook up quick meals during this busy season.......

Assyrtiko from Santorini paired with Greek Mac and Cheese #WinePW

This Assyrtiko is crisp, bright and acidic.  It comes from Santorini, a Greek Island that was devastated in the 16th Century BC creating a rugged landscape and giving the native wine grape, Assyrtiko, it's minerality.

The Wine Pairing Weekend Group are traveling to the Greek Isles this month.

Hadgi Badah ( Iraqi Cardamom Cookies) and The Weekly Menu #EattheWorld

For the final Eat the World challenge of the year it was suggested that we secretly be assigned another member of our group and then make a dish that they had previously shared with us while Eating the World.

I was very excited to get assigned my dear friend Camilla's blog, Culinary Adventures with Camilla.  Cam is such an amazing cook and she specializes in foods that are from different cultures and lands.  She prides herself on having an adventurous palate and is pleased to have developed that trait in her children.

Cashew Caramel Cookies #ImprovCookingChallenge

If you are a cashew lover you are going to be nuts over these delicious cookies topped with melted caramel.

It's time for the Improv Cooking Challenge.......

Cheers to a Happy Holiday with L'Ecole Wines

 I have spent the past year being an ambassador for L'Ecole wines.  Each month I was provided wine in order to taste, pair and share my thoughts with my readers.  I received no monetary compensation and all opinions were strictly my own.

This month I was thrilled to receive a gift box containing 2 bottles of wine, two packages of chocolates and a nifty, heavy duty, corkscrew.

Butternut Squash Frittata inspired by The Gathering Table

 This easy egg dish is great for using up any leftovers that you have in the refrigerator.  It is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Today's version features Roasted Butternut Squash but you can add any items that you love and have on hand.

I was inspired to make this frittata while reading The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer.......

Cranberry Popcorn #FoodnFlix

Popcorn, dried cranberries, slivered almonds and pecan halves tossed in a glaze of honey and maple.  A beautiful festive snack to keep on hand during the holidays.

This recipe was inspired by the movie The Family Stone.  

South African Double Crunchers #SundayFundayBloggers

 These might go down as my favorite cookie that I bake this season.  Crunchy coconut, oatmeal cookies sandwich a chocolate cream cheese filling.  Soooooo Scrumptious!!

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are baking up Christmas Cookies from Around the World today.......

Bite Size Nut Tarts and a Book Review along with the Weekly Menu

A mixture of pecans, cashews and almonds fill these little bite sized cream cheese mini tarts.  Perfect for your Christmas Cookie Tray.

These little treats are being taken along with several other types of cookies with me this afternoon to my sister in law, Rebecca's, house for a Christmas Luncheon and Cookie Exchange.

Beef and Mushroom Pie with a Renato Ratti Marcenasco Barolo 2017 #ItalianFWT

 Have leftover beef from your Holiday dinners?  Turn them into this amazing one skillet dinner.  Pop open a bottle of Barolo wine and you have another guest worthy dinner to share.

Join the Italian Food Wine and Travel group as we visit Piedmont for the last of the 3 Big B's, Barolo.

It's a Virtual Baby Shower and I'm bringing a Cobb Dip #FoodieExtravaganza

This dip is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.  It is quick, easy, delicious and even gives you some vegetables. It is like a Cobb Salad on a cracker.

The Foodie Extravaganza gang is having a Virtual Baby Shower.....

Chocolate Clementine Muffins and a Book Review #MuffinMonday

This small batch muffin recipe combine the seasonal flavors of chocolate and orange for a wonderful breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

It's Muffin Monday........

Leftover Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potato #SundayFunday

Turn those Thanksgiving Leftovers into a delicious second dinner with these scrumptious, filling and comforting stuffed potatoes.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are stuffing and baking potatoes today.......

Celebrating the Holidays with Albino Armani and the Weekly Menu featuring Leftovers

Suzanne of Vigneto Communications invited me to join her in a Webinar learning about Albino Armani Wines.  I was provided with 4 bottles of wine for tasting purposes.  No monetary compensation was given and all opinions and writings are strictly my own.

I decided to open up the Cuslanos Amarone Del Valpolicella to pair with our traditional American Thanksgiving Dinner.

Wine Wednesday with #L'Ecole and a Lesson in Ageablility

I am very pleased to have been chosen to be an ambassador for L'Ecole wines.  Each month they generously send me two bottles of wine.  In return, I taste and pair the wines and then share my thoughts and opinions of the featured wine with my readers.  I receive no monetary compensation for my posts and all writings are 100% my own.

This month we met up with the winemaker, Marty Clubb, and opened up two vintages of a Bordeaux Blend that they call Perigee.

Roasted New York Strip Loin and the Weekly Menu including Thanksgiving #SundayFunday

This New York Strip Loin Roast is coated with fresh herbs and cooked to a perfect medium rare.  It is the perfect entree for a holiday dinner.  

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are getting ready for the Holidays.......

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Tortellini and Chicken #SoupSaturdaySwappers

Tender chunks of chicken and cheese filled tortellini in a thick, creamy, delicious tomato and pumpkin broth.  This is more of a SToup.  Serve it up with some cornbread and a crisp white wine and dinner is complete.

The Soup Saturday Swappers are cooking up Pumpkin this month......

Gingerbread Cake #CakeSliceBakers

Seasonal and delicious this Gingerbread Cake was the perfect ending to a Friendsgiving Dinner.  Just the right amount of spice and more savory than sweet.  A dollop of whipped cream is all you need to dress this cake up for a stunning holiday dessert.

We are nearing the end of The Cake Slice Bakers 2021 Edition........

Bay Scallop Chowder and a White Bordeaux Wine #FishFridayFoodies #Winophiles

Tender, sweet bay scallops incorporated into a chowder with bacon and potatoes will make a perfect first course for your holiday dinner.  I paired mine with a White Bordeaux and it was pure elegance. 

We are getting ready for the holidays with Seasonal Fish/Seafood and Affordable Bordeaux Wine.....

Carrot Cake Bundt #BundtBakers

I love carrot cake year round but it is certainly filled with wonderful Fall flavors making it perfect as a seasonal dessert during the Holidays.

It's time for Bundt Bakers..................

Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Potato Skins #HolidayPartyFood

Crisp potato skins filled with cheese and bacon and topped with sour cream are sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

The Festive Foodies are sharing Holiday Party Food today..........

French Potato Omelette and a Book Review

I just finished the second book in the Grape Series by Laura Bradbury.  This book is titled My Grape Quebec.  It continues the memoir of Laura as she returns to Canada after her time as an exchange student in France has come to an end.  

Pumpkin Pasta Bake (Instant Pot) #MultiCookerMonday

 This delicious casserole starts off in the instant pot and then is finished up in the oven for a creamy, cheesy, delicious side that adds extra nutrition.  It is perfect for making ahead of time and then just placing in the oven for half an hour before serving.

It is Multi-Cooker Monday.......

Sizzling Shrimp Fajitas #SundayFunday

Tender shrimp marinated in a red enchilada sauce and cooked up sizzling hot in a cast iron skillet with pepper and onions.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are having a Sizzler Party.......

Justification for Short Ribs with a Chili Wine Glaze and a fun book review #WinePW

There are a lot of celebrations in this post.  Let's start with the celebration that we are enjoying with Paso Robles Wine for our Wine Pairing Weekend Group.  The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance generously sent me 4 bottles of wine to help with the celebration.   I received no monetary compensation and all opinions and writings are strictly my own.

Peppermint Shortbread #ChristmasCookiesWeek

These amazing slice and bake cookies need only 5 ingredients and taste exactly like Christmas with melt in your mouth goodness.

This is my final cookie that I'm sharing for Christmas Cookie Week but, fret not, there are plenty more cookies to be baked and shared between now and Christmas day.........

Cranberry Glazed Sticky Wings and the Weekly Menu #ImprovCookingChallenge

These wings couldn't be easier nor more delicious.  Starting off in the slow cooker and then finished under the broiler for a wonderful holiday appetizer that is mostly hands off leaving you plenty of time for other preparations.

It's time for the Improv Cooking Challenge.......

Gratin de Chouchou #EattheWorld

Gratin de Chouchou (Chayote Squash Gratin) is a traditional dish from Reunion of tender squash in a creamy bechemal sauce.  It is incredibly rich and delicious.

We are Eating the World, Reunion Island style........

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms #ChristmasCookieWeek

These delicious cookies are cousins of the ever popular Peanut Blossom that is topped with a Hershey's Kiss.  This recipe adds chocolate to the peanut butter cookie and replaces the kiss with a miniature peanut butter cup.  If you are a chocolate/peanut butter fan, these cookies are for you!!

We are still baking and sharing cookies to help you prepare for the upcoming holidays.....

Garlicky Dinner Rolls #BreadBakers

These easy, no knead, dinner rolls are coated with garlic butter before and after baking.  They are a wonderful addition to your dinner table.

It's time for Bread Bakers................

Molasses Cookies #ChristmasCookiesWeek

 These classic old fashioned spicy snap cookies are sure to make Santa very happy.

Woohooooooo..it is time for Christmas Cookies Week......

Apple Pumpkin Bread #BakingBloggers

Delicious warmly spiced pumpkin bread with studded with chunks of apple.  This bread is delicious for breakfast or a snack with your afternoon tea. 

The Baking Bloggers are sharing quick bread recipes today......

Acorn Squash and Apple Soup #SundayFunday

This silky smooth soup is made in an instant pot, making it a quick and easy first course or light lunch served with salad and a slice of bread.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are cooking with Winter Squash today.......

Pumpkin Cornbread and The Weekly Menu #FoodnFlix

Seasonal and scrumptious this cornbread is flavored with pumpkin and warm spices.  It will be a welcome addition to your holiday table.

This dish was inspired by the film Friendsgiving.....I hope your Holiday table is nothing like the one shared in the movie........

Orecchiette with Butternut Squash #HolidaySideDishes

These "little ears" are perfect for holding the sauce and are delicious mixed with the squash and spinach.  This is a great Holiday Side Dish that I often serve as a separate course at a dinner party.  

This is the final day of our Holiday Side Dish event........

Pure Comfort~~Roast Chicken, Wild Rice Pilaf and a Glass of Barbaresco Wine #ItalianFWT

Welcome to November and the second of our Three Big B's that we are celebrating over at Italian Food Wine and Travel.  Last month I hosted and we showcased a Brunello which is made with Sangiovese grapes.  Today and next month we are traveling to Piedmont where we will be trying two wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, Barbaresco today and Barolo in December.