Whether you’re Jewish, Christian, Atheist, or some other weird cult it doesn’t matter…Everyone Loves Christmas. I don’t believe in the virgin birth and I don’t in Santa, but seriously, how much fun is it to drink to excess with family and friends and get presents? I find it awesome, and quite often this special time of year has delivered some of my most precious memories. I wish I was Marilu Henner and could remember every single Christmas memory, but I’m a 31 year old former pothead that has trouble remembering my girlfriend’s breakfast order, never mind what the hell it was I got for Jesus’ birthday when I was 12. However, I’m going to try and run through my favorite Christmas memories in somewhat of a chronological order....
Holidays
Gift Idea - Cheesecake!
I'm sure you've already done your shopping and wrapping and planning for this weekend, but....just in case you haven't....I think this is a sweet gift idea!
This cheesecake recipe came from my friend Ginger, and I make it multiple times per year! I made it for Jay's birthday at Thanksgiving this year and it was a hit!
To hold it's shape, cheesecake should be made in a springform pan - you can buy them anywhere for not much money, so don't freak out. Why not buy a pan, make a cheesecake, and give the cake and the pan as a gift with the recipe attached?
I say go for it.
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Christmas Cheer - Braised Collards
Christmas is almost here! What does your family eat for Christmas dinner? We mainly have our Thanksgiving dinner with a few additions and a smoked turkey instead of a regular turkey. I bought a smoker a few years ago and it's just amazing. Really.
When I was little my grandmother always made greens and homemade relish, and I LOVED them. I'm pretty sure I loved the relish more than the actual greens, but that's OK!
Here's how I make collard greens - tons of flavor and nutrition! You can substitute any heavy greens you like, but buy a TON - they cook way down!
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Don't you just love making food that reminds you of a $100 dinner out but for less money and with no chance of driving while intoxicated?
No? It's just me.
Nevermind, then.
This is one of my favorite things to make for the weekend - what could possibly be better than a cozy steakhouse meal that involves ROASTED GARLIC? Seriously. Nothing.
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Mashed Potatoes
My beautiful sister Olivia's birthday was last week, and Olivia loves comfort food. Also, she's super duper skinny, so when she's home from college I try my darndest to fatten her up. We had these potatoes with blackened chicken last weekend, and I'm pretty sure she went back to school a few ounces heavier.
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