Christmas Favorites

December 6th, 2016

Braised Short Ribs for Christmas

It has been rainy days and clouds for the last week.  We are happy for it because it has stopped the raging fires that have endangered our lives for weeks.  We feel for the people affected by the fires in Gatlinburg, as they were impacted much more than our community.  Our community sent much needed resources to the firefighters in their area.  These few weeks have been a time of reflection, thankfulness and love of neighbors.

I haven’t had much time to cook. Photography ops show only grey skies and low light.  So, for at least for the moment, I will rely on previous posts to convey my love of the season.  The food in December is a labor of love.  A beautiful entree is required.  It shows your guests that they and the holidays are special. This first dish, above, is one that David made for Christmas a few years ago.  It is now our Christmas Beef Short Rib Recipe.  It looks like the season with the red tomatoes and green beans and is absolutely delicious.

Maple Glazed Stuffed Pork Tenderoind

One of my triumphs in recipe development is this Maple-Glazed Stuffed Pork Tenderloin that I entered in a Food52 recipe contest.  It was a finalist for the top spot.  This is a beautiful entree wrapped in bacon and drizzled with honey.  Your guests will love it.

Ham Loaf

The final entree is somewhat humble, but one of my favorites because it was what my Mother served to guests when she was entertaining.  It is a Ham Loaf with a thick sweet glaze that will have you licking your fingers.  It is simple but festive with the cross hatching and a glistening cloak.

I hope this brings you inspiration for the holidays.

14 responses to “Christmas Favorites”

  1. They all look and sound delicious! It has been rainy and dark here too. I was lucky yesterday morning to get a picture for the blog when we had a bit of sun before the rain started again.

    • Penny says:

      I am trying to get used to Winter in NC. So far so good: Love the fires in the fireplace and the quiet of the woods around us, except for the bears. We have had time to get to know our neighbors, so all is well.

  2. Barbara Humphreys says:

    Hi Penny-The link to the short rib recipe doesn’t seem to be active. It looks so good.

    Thanks

  3. Jane says:

    My heart is with the people of Gatlinburg. It was just two years ago that we stayed there and then drove on to Asheville.

    These are really great recipes and true comfort food. I’ve had a hard time really dressing up pork tenderloin so I’d love to try your recipe.

    Happy Holiday to you and David and your family!

    Jane

  4. Monique says:

    Very happy for you that the danger has passed and what a great array of lovely dishes.

  5. Darla says:

    Looks so delicious-true comfort food. I know you are missing that warm FL sunshine and this weekend is supposed to be very cold, so bundle up. Looking forward to seeing you in Cary!

    • Penny says:

      It will be cold this weekend. We are planning to leave here real early Sat. morning. Looking forward to the parade and seeing everyone.

  6. Chris says:

    That ham loaf looks absolutely delicious, I want to jump on that right now.

  7. Mary Anne & Moses says:

    We had your Braised Short Ribs + Mash for Christmas dinner! Delicious! Mary Anne & Moses

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