Christmas this year has been delightful. After opening our presents Christmas morning, we traveled from our Son and DIL’s home in Cary to Jacksonville NC to join the other family members at Kristen’s sister’s and brother-in-law’s home. Jeff is a grill master.
The 12 pound beef brisket was smoked on the grill for 15 hours. Jeff maintained a temperature of 180 degrees for most of the time, but cranked up the heat to 250 degrees for the last two hours of cooking. The pans of water helped to maintain the moisture while they cooked. The pork ribs were grilled at some point in the process. We had them as appetizers with an array of other goodies.
Dinner was a feast. The brisket was moist and tender. To add to the splendor on the buffet we had a cajun deep fried turkey. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures because I was too busy admiring and eating.
We awoke this morning to a snow storm. We were planning to drive to Lake Lure today but the roads are covered with snow and traveling is dangerous. We have all hunkered down in the house, the kids have been playing in the snow and there are good smells coming from the kitchen.
Peppers and beef being sauteed by Kim for Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches.
Sandwiches hot out of the oven. They were delicious.
Kristen made this creamy asparagus soup with her new immersion blender. We are sharing this easy recipe with you. Immersion blenders are highly recommended.
CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP (adapted from Epicurious)
2 pounds green asparagus
1 large onion, chopped (we used a combination of onion, shallots and leeks)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 to 6 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cream
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
Cut tips from 12 asparagus 1 1/2 inches from top and halve tips lengthwise if thick. Reserve for garnish.
Cut stalks and all remaining asparagus into 1/2 inch pieces.
Cook onion in a tablespoons butter in a 4 quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened. Add asparagus pieces and salt and pepper to taste, them cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add 5 cups broth and simmer, covered, until asparagus is very tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
While soup simmers, cook reserved asparagus tips in boiling, salted water until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then drain.
Using an immersion blender, blend soup until it is smooth or puree in batches in a blender.. Stir in cream mixture, then add more broth to thin soup to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil and whisk in remaining tablespoon butter. Add lemon juice and garnish with asparagus tips. (We garnished with sour cream and red pepper).
I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday week as much as we are.
Printable recipe
I can think of so many things worse than being marooned with the grandchildren at Christmas time :-). You must be having a wonderful holiday, Penny. My best to you and those you love. Mary
That looks like a great place to be stuck at. Those sandwiches look delicious and Don wants those ribs…lol….Glad you all had a wonderful Christmas. Stay safe and warm. It’s 43 degrees here in Lady lake, Fl.
All of the food looks delicious…what a feast! You take wonderful pictures!
XO,
Jane
Mmmmm….can’t think of anything more satisfying on a cold day! Sounds as though you have had a great holiday!
What a blessing to be stuck with grandchildren. We were hoping we would get snowed in with ours. It did snow, but only hours after they returned home.
Mr. Man and I are hoping to visit Lake Lure in May. I will let you know for sure soon.
Blessings,
Bren
What a perfect snowy day!! The scents in that house must have been too enticing to stand.
We, too, had S&S yesterday—Caro made a huge stockpot of homemade vegetable soup, then added teensy meatballs at the end, and I made us each a bowl of Tuna salad for our fridges.
That soup was super-welcome last night after a 12-hour day with our Sweetpea trying out all the Christmas toys—I sat down with my solitary bowl after everyone was in bed, and watched a Miss Marple—bliss on a snow-covered night.
I love the light in your photos—the golden cast is so welcoming.
That’s my kind of meal… love the ribs!
Stay hunkered down and enjoy the family!
Mmmmmmmm………….everything looks yummy! And, your little granddaughter is just beautiful…
Warm blessings,
Spencer
we also had brisket, perfect for the entire family..what a wonderful day, everything looks great, love the soup!
sweetlife