Immediately after Thanksgiving, a few of my nieces in the area began our Christmas shopping experience. It was my time to have lunch and share about crazy things that we didn’t have an opportunity to discuss at the Thanksgiving dinner- family time. Now, it’s about shopping, getting great bargains and determining the gifts and stores that we will be running to and exploring the values and the merchandise. In the past, they usually arrive before I have the table set and the food fully prepared, but this time is different. I am ready!
My nieces’ always have fabulous lunches with great tables ready and in place. For my hostess gifts to them, I thought that I would buy little small Christmas trees for each of us that would serve as napkin holders. One of my niece’s 8 year old daughter wanted to come with her mom to lunch rather then spend the day with her dad. This was really exciting for her to see. The tree has little small lights on it and opens in half, having great chocolate mint candy balls wrapped in lovely colorful foil to look like Christmas balls for the tree. I thought it best to provide mint, because lunch would have garlic bread and shopping requires fresh breaths when spending money (smile). We had a great time!
This is the menu that I chose as my surf and turf luncheon for our Pre-Christmas Shopping event:
Lamb chops, Wild Salmon, baked Sweet Potato-
Fruit Galore, Pecan and Romaine Salad, Garlic Twist Bread, Cranberry Cider, Gourmet Pumpkin pie, and Lemon and Coconut Sorbet.
For preparation:
1. Pierce the salmon and Lamp chops separately. Both in their own dishes to be marinated.
2. Pour Soyaki Sauce over the lamb chops and cover with saran wrap. Let it sit for two hours.
3. Pour Island Teriyaki Sauce over the salmon, cover with saran wrap and let it sit for the same amount of time.
4. You will turn the salmon and the lamb chops every 30 minutes (about four times) NO OTHER SPICES WILL BE NEEDED.
While the salmon and lamb chops are marinading, start your preparation for your Sweet Potato-Fruit Galore. For a small party you will need: 4 to 5 medium size sweet potatoes, 4 bananas, 3 red or green apples, 4 or five plums, 1/4 cup of cranberry cider,1/4 cup of water, 1 cup of Splenda, 1/2 cup of butter or substitute, and Cinnamon. –Peel and then slice the sweet potatoes and bananas vertically- healthy slices. –Lay the sweet potatoes in the bottom of the dish with bananas on top. –Cut the apples and layering them on top of the bananas. – Sprinkle splenda, cinnamon and strategically place subsitute butter. – Then layer the plums and then the remainder of the sweet potatoes will be on the top. Mix 1/4 cup of cranberry cider and 1/4 cup of water and pore this mixture over the Sweet Potato-Fruit Galore.–Splenda and cinnamon are sprinkled over the contents in the the deep dish with the remainder of the butter substitute. Cover and put into a 350 degree oven. Let it cook for maybe 35-40 minutes or until done. The aroma will be enticing and you will enjoy.
Place the salmon and the lamb chops in a 350 degree oven and the salmon should be ready in 15 minutes or maybe less, the lamb chops should take approximately 45-50 minutes. All in all, this will be one of the easiest meals that you have ever prepared!.
The pecan romaine salad speaks for itself. You can use your imagination to develop a wonderful salad. The dressing that I recommend is Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette.
Would you consider this menu for a Christmas celebratory meal or would you choose the turkey, ham, and a more traditional menu? Let’s share! Let me know what you would do.
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1. Wow Betty,
I want to go Christmas shopping with you if this is what you get to eat before you go. What a fancy meal. The salmon and lamb chops sound yummy and all of the other dishes. Your nieces are so lucky to have such a wonderful Auntie.
The little Christmas trees are adorable and make such a great gift. Your table looks very festive. What a perfect way to start a day of shopping with your beloved family.
On Christmas Day I might make roast beef, I’ve had so much turkey and ham lately. Although your salmon and lamb sounds delicious, I may have to reconsider. Thanks for the recipes …and is there any way I can become an adopted niece of yours??
Cathy
by Cathy — 12/3/07 at 12:00 am #
2. How do you have the energy to shop after eating all that! I think I’d be taking a post-food-coma nap!
Susan
by Susan Smith — 12/3/07 at 5:24 pm #
3. Hi Cathy,
You are ever so sweet! Thank you for your wonderful comments. We always have a great time and we all love life and the lives that we have been blessed to have. We love to shop, so we look for excuses to indulge.
(Smile) Even though the meal sounds heavy, it was merely one lamb chop ( and they are small), a portion of salmon, the sweet potato-fruit galore, and pecan salad. The desert and garlic twisted rolls are never quite consumed. Everyone stays on a diet. I usually end up giving rolls and baked goods away.
I am blessed to have one of the greatest families in the world. A lot of love.
Cathy, you are so encouraging! Again, Thanks loads!
Betty
by Betty — 12/3/07 at 7:52 pm #
4. Hi Susan,
(Smile) These were all small portions. With all of the writing about preparation, it sounded as though I was bringing in the market. (smile)We never eat very much and most of our time together is laughing and telling tales. We rarely have the time to get together, so we make it a festive occasion when we do. We concentrate on having fun and sharing over food and later shopping and discussing our most recent purchases.
You are right! It does sound like one would need to sleep after the lunch. But, you would not believe how energized we were- running, shopping and buying.
Thanks Susan! It’s always great to hear from you. Happy Shopping!!!
by Betty — 12/3/07 at 8:04 pm #
5. Hi Betty…ahhh, so it’s quality, not quantity. I get it. Sounds like a wonderful day!
I actually just finished my shopping…picked up several T.J. Maxx gift cards and bought beautiful little frames to present them in. Now I can just sit back and enjoy the parties, etc. Oh, wait…I forgot about holiday cards! Well, almost done!
Susan
by Susan Smith — 12/4/07 at 8:22 am #
6. Hey Betty,
I would love to have been invited to this lunch. It sounds like a great meal and a lot of fun. You ladies must have done a lot of shopping after that meal. I would love to be a fly on the wall to have heard your conversations. I loove the table decoration. The little Christmas trees are adorable! Where did you get them? Mona
by Mona — 12/4/07 at 1:17 pm #
7. Hi Susan,
Yes! It was a wonderful day! We continue to share about the great fun that we had, our togetherness and our blessed lives. We have this time twice or three times per year. It is hard to see each other, because of our busy lives, As a result, the time that we have is precious. If my daughter was living in the area, she would be with us. So yes, we mazimize our time because of the quality rather then the quantity (smile).
The idea of the TJ Maxx cards in beautiful little frames is awesome! That is a tremendous presentation! I know that a lot of people will be using that idea, because it highlights the gift and adds class to the card.
We all enjoy hearing from you. Keep sharing and have a remarkable and wonderful Christmas!
by Betty — 12/4/07 at 10:32 pm #
8. Hi Mona,
It’s great to hear from you again! You are becoming a part of the HomeGoods family. When my family members get together we always have fun. I must admit that our conversations might be boring to someone else, but we laugh a lot and spend a lot.
i am so pleased that you like my table decorations. I purchased these little tree gift boxes of candy from Neiman Marcus. I probably paid more then I should have, but I liked them and I wanted them for my hostess gifts for my guests.
It is so great to hear from you and please keep in touch and continue to share with us. Have a wonderful Christmas!!!
by Betty — 12/4/07 at 10:43 pm #
9. Betty,
You have a gift for setting a beautiful and inviting table. You guests are blessed to be able to enjoy an afternoon or evening with you! Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas!
Deb
by Deb — 12/5/07 at 1:58 pm #
10. Hi Deb,
Thanks so much for the wonderful and warm compliments! It is persons like youself that inspire me. The camaraderie is so tremendous among the HG bloggers and the support is great. I am the blessed one in my family and in my life. I thank you for who you are and the warmth and commitment that you bring.
Keep celebrating the with your wonderful and creative ideas! We are all inspired.
Betty
by Betty — 12/5/07 at 10:50 pm #
11. The table setting is beautiful and gets me excited about the approaching holiday. Thank you so much for your creative ideas. I will adopt them for the special festivities I am planning over the Christmas holiday. Have a great holiday!
by Richelle — 12/6/07 at 10:15 am #
12. Hi Richelle,
It’s always great to hear from you! Thank you so very much for your wonderful comments. I am so pleased that you have gotten some creative ideas that you plan to adopt for your special festivities this holiday. Good luck to you! I am sure that you will have a great time and your guests will enjoy every aspect of the celebrations. Let us know how you make out and it is always great to hear from you.
Have a wonderful and exciting Christmas and a blessed holiday! We look forward to hearing from you again!
by Betty — 12/6/07 at 3:34 pm #
13. Hi Betty,
Ditto to all the wonderful comments about your table and your luncheon. Your description of the recipes made them seem so doable. I like the salmon and lamb chop combination for a change and the reduced calorie sweet potato side dish. What a great way to show your love for your family members. I also like the idea of rotating the hostess each year. Have you ever come to Old Town in Alexandria to shop. If not , give it a try. It’s great during the holidays. It’s really beautiful walking up and down King St. in the evening when all the lights are aglow. Have a beautiful holiday….
by Gwen — 12/8/07 at 2:42 am #
14. Hi Gwen,
Thank you for your great comments! We have a wonderful time and we enjoy each others company. You asked if I ever visited Alexandria, Va. Would you believe that I was just there today. I love Alexandria! It is such a beautiful place and I love the beautifully architectured old homes. The Christmas decorations are awesome! I was just on Alfred street taking care of some business. If you live in Alexandria, you live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Have a great holiday and enjoy every aspect of Christmas with the hope of welcoming a remarkable new year. Let us hear from you again soon.
Betty
by Betty — 12/11/07 at 5:54 pm #
15. Hi Betty,
I was born and raised in Alexandria and I have seen it grow to be the extraordinary city it is today. I moved away for about 35 years but have returned to live in the area. I can’t believe what I see when I walk down the streets I walked down as a child. Ironically enough, I lived on Alfred St. as a child for many years.
The next time you come to Alexandria, take the time to enjoy a delicious breakfast on Duke Street at the Table Top Restaurant. Sit in the front part so you can see outside. Get a window seat up front if possible and enjoy the sights. It’s quaint, full of light and the breakfast is something really special. The pancakes are to die for. Once in a while, it’s worth the calories.
Keep doing all the wonderful things you do with regard to decorating
and keep sharing your great ideas. Happy Holidays……
by Gwen — 12/12/07 at 12:53 am #
16. Hi Gwen,
This world is sooooooo small! I can not believe that I was on the street that you lived on as a kid. Alfred street is really a very interesting street. I went to Cafaffe Wines. It is such an unusual business. I hope that you have an opportunity to check it out. I will probably share a post about this business very soon. It is quite awesome!!!
I did some shopping and visited a few wonderful antique shops. I love Alexandria!!! It is so unique and beautiful. I will make it a point to go to the Table Top restaurant and have a bite to eat. It sounds like such a great place to eat and sight-see. I will try to go before Christmas, if not I will get there after New Years. I know that it won’t be the same, but the environment is so enticing. I remember being on King Street in the evening a few days before Christmas two years ago. It was one of the most beautiful sights to see. Thank you for reminding me.
Now, you must have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy all that Alexandria has to offer.
by Betty — 12/12/07 at 3:05 pm #
17. Hi Betty and Gwen,
I’ve eavesdropped on your conversation. Believe it or not, I lived in Alexandria, Va., only for a year, while my Father was at the Pentagon in D.C. (Air Force). I went to Duke Street School for my 8th grade year. (I’m sure the old school is gone by now and replaced by condos or ?).
I lived on a street called Sky View Terrace Dr. Thats probably changed too. I loved Alexandria, a beautiful place. Thanks for bringing back some good memories.
Cathy
by Cathy — 12/12/07 at 3:52 pm #
18. Hi Cathy,
It just goes to show just how small this world is. It is so eerie how I had just been in Alexandria on December 11, 2007 when I was asked by Gwen if I had ever visited Alexandria, Va. Now, we learn that you lived there for approximately one year when you were a kid. I have often said that there are no coincidences. I know that you have wonderful memories as a child living in such a beautiful and serene area. There are two other places that I would live in the US, other then where I live now. Those two places being Bethesda, Maryland and Alexandria, Va. I love those two areas because of their beauty, architecture, style of living, etc.
Thank you so very much for making Gwen aware that you have commonality in your earlier residence. It means so much to share regarding places and things that highlight good memories.
Be Blessed,
by Betty — 12/12/07 at 8:21 pm #