Soneone asked me today, trying to make polite conversation, if I was ready for Christmas. In a flash my mind went to the unfinished decorating, the piles of unwrapped Christmas presents, the long grocery list of shopping, the days of cooking awaiting me, and all the scrubbing and cleaning on my schedule this week.
I answered , "Oh, I am ready"... and with a smile and my hand over my heart said, "In here!". A great joy flooded over me.
It is Christmas week. And I am filled with great joy for my lot is more wonderful than I can imagine. And it has nothing to do with a beautifully decorated house or presents under the tree.
I am loved, redeemed, blessed, justified, guided, comforted and at peace. I know the hope I have is real.
It is a time to worship my King! Albeit politically incorrect and certainly becoming out of vogue, it is true. And I am delightfully unashamed. Come let us adore Him. Everything else pales in comparison! Jesus IS the only real reason for Christmas!
So as I get on with my week of hustle and bustle of more things to do this week than hours and energy, I will go about each and every task and minute of the day in an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness... joy overfowing!
What will get done will be enough. What does not get done won't be missed. But the beauty and wonder and miracle and blessing of Christmas can! It can be drowned out by the frenzied static of Christmas preparations and all the crazy frustration that goes along with it. I am making a conscientious decision to choose the miracle! How about you?
Let me ask you, dear ones... Are you ready for Christmas?
Have a wonderful and Merry week!
Monday
Roasted Chicken
Potatoes, Carrots and Onions Roasted with the Chicken
Arugula, Shaved Parmesan, Toasted Pinenuts In A Lemon Vinaigrette
Tuesday
Salmon On The Grill
Tasty Baked Potatoes
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Oil (again, yummy!)
Cheddar Biscuits
Recipe: Cheddar Biscuits
These tasty sounding biscuits come from my dear young friend, Rachel at The Atwoods. She and her darling husband Nathan are just the sweetest young couple. Click HERE for the recipe and to be captivated by this Godly young woman!
Wednesday: Soup Day
Matzo Ball Soup
Recipe: Matzo Ball Soup
Stock
1 large chicken carcase, plus package of necks and wings OR
1 large chicken cut up
1 large onion quartered
3 ribs celery, rough cut
2 large carrots, rough cut
salt and pepper
For Soup
6 chicken tenders or 2 large boneless, skinless breasts cut into long strips
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
4 celery ribs, sliced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
parsley, chopped
Matzo Balls
Matzo ball mix
chicken broth
Put chicken pieces in a large pot. Cover with water. Add onion, celery and carrots. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and skim off any scum that accumulates on top of the water. Continue to cook and skim occasionally for 1 1/2 hours. Turn off heat and discard everything except the broth. Ingredients have all exhausted their flavor into the broth.
Meanwhile, make Matzo Balls while the broth is simmering. Make according to box directions using chicken broth instead of water. When cooked, set aside on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Turn the heat back the soup to medium and add the chicken tenders, chopped onions and celery. Cook for 15 minutes. Add carrots and chopped parsley and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Turn off heat. Remove chicken tenders and cut into bite size chunks. Put chicken back into the broth.
Thursday
Chicken Artichoke With Angel Hair Pasta
Ceaser Salad
Garlic Parmesan Bread
Recipe: Chicken With Artichokes And Angel Hair Pasta
I LOVE artichokes! And I can almost categorically trust Martha Stewart's recipes to be scrumptious. So when I found this recipe for Artichoke and Pasta I just knew I would have a winner! Click HERE for a delicious way to serve artichokes!
Christmas Eve
Individual Beef Wellingtons With Duexelles
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Madeira Beef Gravy
Roasted Asparagus
Christmas Day Brunch
Fresh Fruit
StoneGable Christmas Brunch Casserole
Kielbasa
Land Of Nod Pastry Pull Apart
Nut Roll
Pizzelle's
Mimosa's
Coffee Bar
Recipe: StoneGable Christmas Brunch Casserole
I make this EVERY Christmas, no exceptions. My kids look forward to this same menu every year.
Now don't keel over when you see the fattening ingredients, it's Christmas! I make this heavenly casserole 2 times a year, Christmas and Easter Brunch. It is a real treat! Now don't try to make it more healthy or figure friendly... just for today, enjoy the goodness... and it IS good! I don't have a written recipe, I tweaked the original recipe years ago, so these are just good estimates. It is not rocket science, just do it! This makes enough for a crowd.
This recipe is assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight.
6-8 large croissants, cubed and let out to dry out for 1 day
2 TBS butter
1 1/2-2 packages of Bob Evans bulk sage sausage ( Do use Bob Evans~ it makes a big difference!)
10-12 large eggs
4 cups milk, I use what I have on hand~ skim is fine, whole is wonderful!
1 tsp. dijon mustard
1 TBS worchestershire sauce
2-3 cups VERY GOOD cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper
Cook sausage and break apart. Drain all fat and set aside.
Liberally butter a large (at least 3 quart) rectangular baking dish. Add cubed croissants. Evenly distribute sausage over the croissants.
In a large mixing bowl add eggs, milk, mustard, worchestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until will incorporated and fluffy. Pour over croissants.
Sprinkle cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate.
Take casserole out of the refrigerator and let it stand for 30-45 minutes to take the chill off of it.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for about an hour until golden brown and cooked through. If the top gets too brown, tent with foil. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Kielbasa
We serve brunch around 10:30 on Christmas morning. This gives me time to get the kielbasa into the slow cooker for just a couple of hours, all it needs. I don't have to fuss over the stove while I am trying to get everything to the table.
1-2 packages of Polish Kielbasa
1-2 tsp vegetable oil
Add oil to a large skillet and heat on medium. Cut kielbasa into 2 inch chunks and brown on all sides. Transfer kielbasa to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours.
Recipe: Land Of Nod
See recipe on facebook.
Recipe: Pizzelle's
Look for upcoming post on Thursday evening.
Christmas Day Supper
Because Christmas Brunch is a big event, dinner is low key, comfortable and easy. Everything is made ahead. It just needs to be reheated. We sit around the fire and enjoy family and fellowship.
Holiday Beef Brisket
Twice Baked Potatoes
Green Beans Sauteed In Garlic Oil
Citrus Salad
Bacardi Rum Cake
Christmas Cookies
Recipe: Slow Cooker Holiday Beef Brisket
My sister-in-law served this the last time I was visiting her lovely home. It was so delicious! And easy! My kind of meal. For this easy make ahead main dish click HERE. It will be a holiday tradition.
Recipe: Citrus Salad
I tried this salad last week to see if it would work for Christmas dinner. Oh my goodness! It is delicious! Company worthy and flavorful. Click HERE for my Christmas Supper Salad!
Sunday: Family Dinner
Individual Chicken Pies
Homemade Pink Applesauce
Baby Field Greens with Dried Cherries, Candied Pecans, Bleu In A Wild Cherry Vinaigrette
Christmas Cookies
Recipe: Individual Chicken Pie
These pies are just beautiful and so yummy. Click HERE for the recipe and how-to's.
I don't know how to use facebook. Can you post the Land of Nod bread recipe on your blog. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYour menu sounds delicious Yvonne. I don't know how you do it all. I think it is very sad that the idea of worshipping our Savior has become politically incorrect. I am glad that you proclaim your love for Jesus. Best wishes ♥
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed by your menus! Where do you get the energy?
ReplyDeleteI loved your post and I agree completely.
Everything sounds very yummy Yvonne, especially the breakfast casserole! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas week-enjoy:@)
ReplyDeleteMmmm.... you have outdone yourself again. My daughter loves your pot pies. I am going to have to try that slow cooker beef. It all just sounds so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHappiest holiday best wishes to you and your family, Yvonne, for a joyous and blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteWe ARE such kindred spirits! You'll have to check out my post with Marty this Tuesday! I'm thinking you're going to like it! Thursdays post with Susan is a reflection, as well! To aid me in some time to prepare for my circle "JOY" group, we're having your slow cooker B~B~Q Beef! Enjoy. . .and I'm with you, totally! OH, Come Let Us Adore Him!
Fondly,
Pat
Hi Yvonne, sending blessed Merry Christmas wishes your way from Frog Hollow Farm! As usual I am blown away by your weekly menu and so admire, among many things, your dedication to your blog and to your readers and how you remain true to yourself through it all! Ciao, bella!
ReplyDeleteJoyful wishes to you for a wonderful and blessed holiday with those you hold near and dear!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Guess whose coming to dinner??? I love your menus. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLisa @ Lesapea xx
Oh I am ready for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHere's a laugh. My hubby just came in on his way to work and was reading your blog over my shoulder. He then said, "I want to talk to her husband. I bet he'd tell us that they get canned soup and half a sandwich every night."
Thank you for that wonderful post about being ready for Christmas. It is exactly what I needed to hear.
ReplyDeleteI too am ready in my heart!! We are so blessed, politically incorrect or not:-), we know THE reason for the season, and He is the only one! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post -- I know I put so much pressure on myself to have the "perfect" holiday for my family that I end up stressed and so do they. I needed to remember it's NOT about the decorating, presents or food. It's about HIM!! Hugs LeRae
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI feel guilty that I have practically no time to blog this week, but I didn't want to let the week go by without wishing you the most wonderful and blessed Christmas, Yvonne - I'm honored to call you friend!
ReplyDelete:)
ButterYum
Yvonne, I, too, am ready but ONLY in my heart!!! I wrapped today but didn't finish yet, have a package to mail and cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking to do too!!!!!!! I am beginning to get a LITTLE panicky but know it will all get done, or at least what HAS to be done. MANY special Christmas wishes to you and your family. THEY are so BLESSED to have YOU!!!! XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteOh I so agree with you, Jesus is the real reason for the season. We sometimes let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season keep us from remembering what really matters, that God sent his only son so we could have everlasting life! Wow we all should want to celebrate that.
ReplyDeleteThe food looks absolutely wonderful!
AMEN! Very Well said, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteMay you & your family enjoy the Celebration of HIS birth & be blessed with much happiness & good health in the New Year!
fondly,
Rett
p.s. Your menu this week sounds soooo good! Thanks for sharing it & for all the wonderful ideas you contribute.
Your menu for this week looks great. I got a couple of ideas for this weekend from it. Thanks! :)
ReplyDelete-Mary
How I loved your introduction! I too am not ashamed and if we are not ashamed when we stand before him he will not be ashamed of us. what a beautiful Christmas sentiment. I love how many of my blogging friends are beautiful Christian women and who declare their faith and love of God on their blogs. Yvonne, it has truly been a wonderful year getting to know and love you. Maybe you be blessed this Christmas and yes, I too can put my hand over my heart and say I am ready in here, even though my bedroom looks like wrapping central!
ReplyDeleteA very Merry Christmas to a very wonderful lady.
Your menu sounds so so delicious.
ReplyDeleteI pray you and yours will have ALL the blessings of Christmas.
love, hugs and kisses, bj
Yvonne, I looked for an email but will ask my question here.
ReplyDeleteI FOOLISHLY bought a 9 lb. rump roast..a beautiful thing...but I don't know a GREAT way to prepare it for our Christmas Eve dinner. It is HUGE and won't fit into my medium sized crock pot. I don't want to cut it in half, do I?
How does this sound...
Marinate the day before, add spices, salt and pepper and cook in a COOKING BAG, adding beef broth to the bag often during cooking. Do you have a better way? I surely will appreciate any help on this..
kisses, bj
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteThis is a touching and lovely post. Your words about our Lord and Saviour so warmed my heart.
Blessings~
Gwenny
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteI am going to give the slow cooker brisket a try and the Stone Gable Casserole. They sound delicious and easy..which is what I love! Wishing you a joyous and blessed Christmas. You have such a kind heart and your blog is filled with joy and inspiration.
Love
Bunny
The words you shared in your post are so true. "What will get done will be enough. What does not get done won't be missed." We woman put far too much pressure on ourselves to make things "perfect" and often overlook the true meaning of Christmas. In response to your question, I am not ready for Christmas! lol
ReplyDeleteDear Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post - Yes, Jesus is truly THE reason for the season. Nothing else really matters. Just to remember that and enjoy our fmailies and friends He has blessed us with...and for this delicous sounding Stonegable Brunch menu!!
Have the most marvelous Christmas ever!
Mimi
LOVE your post. I was just sitting here - stealing a moment to blog a bit - and telling my daughter how stressed and disorganized I feel. And in reality I'm not really in bad shape. I'm going to try to take your advice and attack tomorrow with a wonderful attitude and great JOY! For Jesus is the reason for the season and there is much to be thankful for.
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
The pies are beautiful Yvonne, and all looks lovely. Have a joyous celebration of our Savior's birth!
ReplyDeleteDotsie
Love everything about your post! Without Christ there is no Christmas. Thank you for you willingness to share.
ReplyDeleteThe granola was a big hit. Love it. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful recipes.
Merry Christmas!
You have an amazing wesite, but why is it so hard to figure out where Stonegable is? Are you is the USA or France...I guess i just missed reading it in your intro or something or maybe there is a bio I just haven't located yet. Thanks for all the incredible photography.
ReplyDelete