Holiday Menu

I am decidedly a "Merry Christmas" kinda gal - not "Happy Holidays." But this year, Christmas day will just be a relaxing day with the four of us. It looks like we'll spend Christmas Eve at my mother's. Then Aaron's parents will most likely spend the weekend after Christmas here. Sometime the following week we'll make the rounds elsewhere. All that being said - my boys would be far happier to have pancakes for Christmas morning than some elaborate concoction. So, I am planning a "holiday menu" - one that will be prepared and eaten throughout the remainder of the season.

I finally got my list of "potential" recipes together today. After a quick shopping trip this weekend, it'll be time to start testing the recipes. Yummy! I think the testing process is even more fun than cooking the real meal. After all, meals are supposed to be balanced - and when testing, it is perfectly fine to make and eat five kinds of dessert all at the same time! (And I know my stomach will thank me, even though my ever-expanding thighs won't.)

BREAKFAST:

Ham, Spinach, and Gruyere Bread Pudding

Praline Pull-Apart Bread

Sausage Cheese Muffins

Golden Potato Pancakes

APPETIZERS:

Parmesan Cheese Bites

Cheese and Pesto Layered Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy Dreamy Spinach, Onion and Bacon Dip

Pizza Crust Dippers

MAIN COURSE:

Creamy Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Hot Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Lime Flank Steak Skewers

Zuppa Toscana

Chicken Chili

Citrus Cranberry Sauce

Seasoned Crescent Rolls

DESSERTS:

Christmas Coffee Cake

Snowmen Cupcakes

Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce

BEVERAGES:

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Pomegranate Punch

(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Living)

I think I just gained 10 pounds, but it's gonna be so worth it!