Planning for our annual English-style Christmas Eve Dinner began back in August when we ordered a fresh goose from Cota Farms.  We pick up the bird at noon and will be cooking all day.  Lil will help cook in her newly dyed and embroidered apron, an early present from me. This year our entire immediate family is joining us for this menu: First course Green salad Roasted local pumpkin soup Passed entrée and sides Stuffed [...]

The Rose Bowl is days away. The Ohio State Buckeyes are playing the Oregon Ducks.  Alex and I are both alumni and football fans.  We are bringing a duck confit dish to a Rose Bowl party to poke fun at the opposing team’s mascot. One of the most common complaints about duck (or goose for that matter) is that the meat is greasy or dry and unpalatable after roasting.  Usually this is a result of [...]

The goose was cooked and enjoyed.  Devie watched all proceedings to make sure no bit was wasted.  Look for a post later this week related to the Rose Bowl about how to cook duck and goose. After snuggles and stories, Lil went to bed. Lil’s big present this year is an indoor swing.  We installed it (well, Alex installed and I tested) between the dining room and living room. Yes, I do hope I get [...]

Tastes and smells are a necessary component to memory.  Foods bring us back to a place and time, defining everyday and holiday experiences. At Christmas time, the formal Christmas Eve dinner is that memory maker for me. The last two years we have hosted a meal for friends and family at our house, as we will again this year. The menu varies slightly each year but typically follows an old English style. Dishes are always [...]