Christmas Eve

Today was spent in the kitchen. I got everything done about 20 minutes before we walked out the door to go to John's mom's house for Christmas Eve dinner. No pictures, I didn't have time or a free hand.

Highlights of the day:
-G seems to like raw eggplant slices. She kept asking for them while I was slicing them to grill. That was one item prepared...grilled eggplant, asparagus, yellow squash, zucchini, red peppers, and crimini mushrooms.
-G also liked the biscotti (bisqwuatti for Kate) that I made. She had it before it was drizzled with white chocolate and crushed red hots. 3 things: I had to run to the grocery store today JUST to buy white chocolate chips. I forgot them in my marathon shopping trip Monday night. Sigh. Also, I am not a good drizzler. See next item. And, I think maybe G didn't eat anything but cookies and eggplant today. hmm...
-Recipes routinely lie about how much produce you need. I waaaaay over bought for the grilled veggies, based on my cookbook's advice for serving 6. I could serve 15. I didn't grill it all up. And the Apple Pear Tart that I made called for 2 apples and 2 pears. I could have easily done with 1 of each. Is there a produce conspiracy to make me buy/cut up more than I need?? If I were Kristina I could make succatash or something with all my left over squash and zucchini and eggplant. That's what I said I would do with it as I put it in the fridge. I can guarentee you that it will not happen. I also used my drizzle technique on the tart. I was instructed to drizzle caramel ice cream topping over the whole thing. After the second gloppy drizzle attempt of the day I decided that my techinique needs improving.
-I am eternally glad that I married an Italian. John specifically. But, I love, love, love Christmas Eve dinner! Mussels, clams, breaded smelt, spaghetti with calamari sauce, shrimp cocktail. And lots of wine. I didn't eat all day in anticipation.
-I also love champagne! I had a wee bit last night and a weeeeeeeeeee bit more today. We were celebrating Gina and Jerry's engagement today! I'm gonna have a new brother-in-law! It makes me a little teary. We really like Jerry. Gina-GLOWING!! You could say she is happy. It would be a major understatement. Jerry is also giddily happy. And now I can joke with him about marrying into this crazy, wonderful family. I think he is happy for Christmas Eve dinner, too.
-I finished the birdhouses! They are drying with the first coat of mod podge right now.


I just have to mod podge them all one more time tomorrow night. The will dry overnight and then I can wrap them up, just in time for Christmas with my parent's on Friday.
-G is sleeping right now in the dress she wore for dinner and to church after. She fell asleep in the car and I carried her up to bed, asleep. I was able to get her coat off, but not her dress, she kept rolling over. She has no idea Santa has already been here!! Her stocking is full. And her jungle gym is put together waiting for her in the dining room.


She can come downstairs tomorrow morning and start climbing immediately. The cats have already explored the cubby holes in it, too.
-I am so freaking excited for Christmas this year!! G is gonna love it!! Yippee!

Merry Christmas, everyone!