We have had an exciting week. Lots of snow, ice, freezing rain, wind, power outages, good times. We were supposed to have a couple more Christmas guests than we will, because of the weather. People in the midwest and east coast may laugh at our little snow storms, but our snow is wet and turns to ice on the roads each night. A little snow does a lot of damage here. Not to mention that we have few snow plows and sanders and the de-icing trucks can only do so much.

This was the view out of our front door looking to the southeast yesterday afternoon.

There is no fasting during the 12 days of Christmas, though there are three meat fast days this week leading up to Christmas. However, Christmas day and afterward until the 6th of January, we will have no meatless days. We'll go back to our normal twice a week after that, until Lent, when we will have at least three meatless days a week, though we've been trying to increase that number each year.

• Monday: Pepper & Onion Quesadillas with Salsa, Oranges
• Tuesday: Potato, Onion & Feta Frittata, Salad, Oranges
• Wednesday: Bagna Cauda, Boiled Potatoes & Carrots, Toasted Bread Cubes, Salad (we ended up having something else Saturday, because of the weather and my having to be out in it until dinner time)
• Thursday: Garlicky Rib Roast, Herb Roasted Turkey, Gravy, Roasted Potatoes, Cranberry-Horseradish Relish, Green Beans/Brussels Sprouts (depends on if I can get to the store or not), Turnip Gratin, Triple Chocolate Cheesecake, Peppermint Ice Cream, Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread People, Jam Thumbprints, Eggnog, Sparkling Apple Pomegranate Cider
• Friday: Turkey Tetrazzini & Rice
• Saturday: Roast Beef Hash
• Sunday: Not Sure. We are renewing our vows at church, and Rich may have something up his sleeve. Or we'll eat leftovers

If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. What is on your menu this week?

GRACE’S EGGNOG

I got this recipe from a friend on the internets. We make a double batch and watch it go. Using fresh nutmeg is a must. This is especially good with some kahlua.

3 pints Half-n-Half
1 pint whipping cream
1 1/2 dozen eggs (or the equivalent of Egg Beaters egg substitute)
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 1/2 cup sugar (varies to taste)
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 to 2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt

Beat eggs very thoroughly. Half pint of the whipping cream is whipped. Combine all ingredients and blend well. Shake before serving.

Labels: Christmas, Church Year, Family, Homemaking, Menu Plans, Recipes, Tales from the Kitchen