Christmas Day - San Juan Bautista, CA

On Christmas morning my Mom woke up peacefully to wander downstairs to make a hearty breakfast at an easy pace. As we did not need to do our usual Santa present madness this year as it was just us big kids to entertain. Christmas ham, hash potatoes and sunny side up eggs fueled us for a relaxed day ahead. 

We opened a few presents after breakfast. It was fun for me to play Santa and look at the faces of family as they opened each package. I would have to say, Scott was the best gift giver - my Mom cried with tears of happiness! Now that is what Christmas is all abut, making family happy!

My Dad got tons of books so he tore into them and starting reading after breakfast.

My Mom got started on squeezing lemons for her Lemon Meringue Pies...

Piping the meringue...

And finishing them off in the oven!

I got started on the prep work for our Shrimp and Scallop Puffed Pastry topped with Garlic Cream Sauce. New recipe...

Garlic, shallots...

Mushrooms... Chop, chop, chop.

I even made my Oven Baked Risotto recipe. It is a winner every time.

Too big of an Le Creuset pot for just 8 serving of risotto but it did the job.

James request these Stuffed Peppers at every holiday meal. Bacon, sausage, cream cheese, green onion... Easy peasy.

Dinner is served! It is not the most visually attractive meal but it tasted like heaven. Rich, creamy and totally the right amount of food. Everyone cleaned their plate and there were no left overs... Now that is the perfect sized meal.

Butter and cream live here.

Two of Santa's favorite elves!

Christmas Eve 2014 - San Juan Bautista, CA

I love, love, love going back home for Christmas. My parents are always the kindest hosts, cook the best food and make you feel so welcome. When I pulled into the driveway on Christmas Eve my Mom's house was already beautifully decorated and her cooking was in full swing.

Our table settings used to set for 30+ people but now they are usually set for 8. It is way less hectic and a much more enjoyable experience for my Mom I am sure.  

This Santa has been a part of every single one of my Christmas holidays. My Mom thinks he was born in the 1950's, I just like his jolly spirit. 

My Mom was making eclairs when I walked in. She then stuffed them with custard and whipped cream. She is just an amazing cook.  

 While she was making the desserts, I took a selfie.

Lol. True story.

Christmas time is always the best time. 

We didn't put out too many appetizers because we didn't want to be stuffed for dinner. My Mom was so kind and made me my favorite Chicken Liver Pate, I ate this until dinner was served and was perfectly happy. 

My sweet Dad. 

It has been a Christmas tradition to have soup and crab the night of Christmas Eve. My Mom would make clam chowder and sometimes split pea soup and then serve up hot buttered rolls.  

It is perfectly filling an a nice segway into the next day's full cooking agenda. I love soup so it is always is a favorite for me!

Cracked crab from Stagnero's in Santa Cruz is the only way to go for a fresh seafood platter. The crab was sweet, fresh and totally meaty. 

As you can see, we had a totally mellow night. It was pretty much heaven in my book...

Christmas 2013 - San Juan Bautista, CA

I was lucky enough to get to go home for almost a week to celebrate Christmas with my family. We always invite over "Uncle Frank" over as well, he likes a good meal. I love the Christmas time and the decorations, food and fun that comes with it.

Christmas dishes and glasses that we have used to serve many wonderful meals.

Nothing like a little red and green to encourage more chocolate eating!

Yep, more floral decorations...

A few more...

And Santa! This old guy has seen many moons!

I love this coffee table, a lot of memories are in there!

We went easy on the appetizers as we did not want to fill up before the main event. Cranberry Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese - easy and a classic.

My brother's favorite - Shrimp Dip made with cream cheese base, shrimp, Monterey jack cheese, cilantro and green onions. Also easy but a real crowd pleaser.

My Dad got the biggest surprise of the day gift wise...

We bought him a large digital picture frame that had hundreds of photos of him showing horses when he was a young boy, man and then the progression of my brother, sister and I showing. I scanned the photos for him and it was quite a job but to see tears of joy running down his face I knew it was all worth it. The picture frame was purchased by my Mom at one of my cutting horse shows. She always comes up with the best ideas!

I recieved so many thoughtful gifts from so many people. I am so blessed!

James and Kate opening up Santa's presents...

Jackpot! Some winning Scratchers!

 Dinner was served pretty early and we were not complaining, I like eating early.

Our plates lined up, ready to go!

Prime Rib, oven roasted potatoes, wild rice pilaf and popovers. Perfect!

Berry pie and ice cream.

James and Kate washed dishes and then he had to take a snooze. Mickey was guarding him, he didn't want anyone to bother him!

Kate and I took photos and then called it a night!

Christmas is great fun, totally exhausting but worth every minute! 

Thanksgiving 2013 - San Juan Bautista, CA

My mom and I started prepping our small Thanksgiving meal the day before the actual holiday. She always wanted to try making her own cranberry sauce so we worked on that. The color was beautiful!

The taste was not so much! The canned stuff is just the best!

We cleaned and prepped the acorn squash for stuffing...

Set the table for 6 and called it a day!

Thanksgiving Day...

We stuffed the squash with spinach, rice, cheese and various spices... check!

Put the bird the in the oven to sun bathe...check!

Took a well earned sip of soda to get my energy going... check!

Chopped onions for a fabulous Corn Souffle... check!

My Mom made one of my Dad's old school favorites... Antipasto with tuna. My Grandma made it at various parties and it brought a lot of great memories back for my Dad. That was a sweet thing of my Mom to do!

Our pies were made the day before by my Mom...

And a few extra for stranglers.

Now this was the best part of the day, I got to watch my Mom teach Kate how to make her famous Lemon Meringue Pie. Kate was so excited! She learned how to make a perfect, flaky pie crust...

Put together the wonderful lemon curd...

Whip the egg whites for a mile high meringue...

And win Grand Champion with her very own Lemon Meringue Pie!

Great job Kate!

I made the mashed potatoes,a personal favorite. Cream cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, salt and pepper all made their way to the bowl. Delicious!

James helped with the gravy...

...and sliced up the turkey.

It was perfectly moist and juicy.

 I would have to say one of the best years of cooking a turkey.

Our buddy, Frank's plate. It looked so good, I took a picture!

Frank and my Dad, happily waiting to be served!

The serving line... Starting from the top: Kate's Sweet Poatoes, Stuffing (we did not cook it in the bird this year, it could be why the turkey was so moist! We just filled him with fruit), the corn souffle, and stuffed squash.

My plate, complete with a glass of Martinelli's sparkling cider!

Mickey was already in a turkey coma...

I cleaned my plate!

My mom brought out dessert way too quickly after finishing dinner. I was stuffed!

And then we started on a Lobster Bisque for tomorrow's feast... 

WE LOVE GOOD FOOD!

I was so thankful for this Thanksgiving visit. I was home sick, missed my family and really was appreciative of the short vacation. It was a great time and I cannot wait for Christmas!