Early Christmas . . .
Tonight, we are celebrating our family Christmas. Both of the older boys, who work on tugboats, are off the boat right now but will be gone for Christmas.
It’s time to start making those new memories in the new house, so we’re starting tonight with our First Family Christmas in the Miracle Bayou Tree House.
I’m not slaving over a hot stove, though. With the rain pouring down all day, it feels good just to be here snug in my nest, making preparations.
The kids don’t know the entire menu, but I will go ahead and share it with you. It’s a new house, new traditions, and a nice mixture of old and new.
Someone gave us a Honey Baked Spiral ham, which I am not going to re-bake. I’m going to serve it just like they recommend. I despise dry, overcooked ham. Don’t you?
Miracle Bayou Tree House Christmas Buffet
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Honey Baked Spiral Cut Ham – (Christmas Eve tradition from my family)
Choice of soft rolls or pistolettes
Green Bean Casserole (old favorite baked by Dotter)
Corn Dip (new recipe made by BW)
Armadillo Dip (new recipe made by BW)
Artichoke-spinach Dip (new to us) & Ritz Flipsides
French Onion Dip (Miah’s favorite)
Chips: Dorito Scoops, Frito Scoops, Mission Tortilla Strips, Ruffles
Bugles Chips in honor of PaPa Bill (my dad)
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Dessert Menu
Pecan Patties (made my BW)
Pecan Pie (brought by Danno)
Christmas Sugar Cookies (our tradition & baked by Termite)
Danish Butter Cookies (in honor of my mom)
Chocolate-covered Cherries (in honor of my dad)
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Beverages
Mamaw’s Spiced Tea Mix (add to hot water)
Soft Drinks
Coffee
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Update with photos:
That pecan pie was purchased at the local epicurean market, and it was deeeeeelishus! I think I’ll have some for breakfast.
Most of you might not know, but my sweetheart turned 18 this week! Dotter took him shopping with his money so he could purchase everyone a gift. He did a fantastic job of getting each person a well-thought-out gift. He gave me a much-needed nail file and manicure block. Can you tell he proud he was to hand out the gifts he purchased?
Of course, the gift exchange was the highlight of the night . . . at least for the two youngest boys and the young at heart . . .
some of whom just can’t resist a little shake, rattle, and roll to try and guess what’s inside.
And since we have no grandchildren yet, this little darling was the Belle of the Ball last night . . .
unless you talk to Ti Du, of course. Her name is Babi (baby), and she is a chi-weenie (chihuahua and daschund).
Be nice, Ti Du.
And lest we forget the great hunter who cared for nothing else than getting his hands on THIS box . . .
in preparation for this morning’s hunt. I hope he has a great one!
So, here’s to starting off the holiday season early!
BW
PS The three most popular items were: Corn Dip, Pecan Pie, and Mamaw’s Spiced Tea. I can only give you the recipe for two of them!
It sounds delicious, Wendy. Have a very merry Christmas with all your men. there is nothing like having them all gathered at home, is there?
Yes, Sue, there IS nothing like it. That includes my new son-in-law as well! Plus one of my sons has a girlfriend this year!! Merry Christmas, Sue. BW
Now THAT is what it’s about – good times with family & good food!
If I may inquire, what is in Mamaw’s Spiced Tea Mix? I love me tea and do appreciate a spiced blend….
Wishing ye health, prosperity & happiness all year!
Capt. John, so glad you asked. You mix the ingredients and mix in an air-tight container. Add 2 T. to boiling water. It contains (reflects the generation): Tang, Iced Tea Mix, Lemonade Mix, brown sugar, ground cloves and cinnamon. If you would like measurements, let me know! I’ll be posting any and all of these after our gathering when I will have more time!
Blessings for new traditions in your new home.
Enjoy all being together!
Mom and Dad would be so proud!
Thank you, Cuz! I have special foods to honor their memory; and of course, the Eves our two families shared over the years always come to mind–especially your mom’s chocolate chip cookies. Merry Christmas!
I was thinking about those chocolate chip cookies just this morning! For some reason, they are better than any others I’ve had!
Yep, they sure are!!! Wonder if she still makes them? Lori? Do you have her secret to those deelish cookies?
Enjoy the time with family in the new house! I will be in a basketball gym tonight (where else am I this time of year), your buffet will make my pitiful hotdog seem unbearable. 🙂
Mmmmm. Hot dogs are the last thing on my mind right now . . . . 🙂
Sounds delicious! I can’t wait to see some recipes and the pictures!
Looks like corn dip was the winner in the new recipe category. So, I will post that one.
If that Spinach and Artichoke is the hot one like Copeland’s of N.O. serves w/ fried Bow tie pasta, I WANT THAT RECIPE! Have you ever had theirs? I hope y’all make wonderful 1st. memories in the new house.
Sorry to say, but it’s the one the little woman was giving away at WalMart from their cold section back by the deli. It is very, very good when warmed up. I have had Copelands’ but theirfood is too rich for me!
Chocolate covered cherries. Alrighty
French onion dip. Big fan til that fateful day.
GBC. Why? OYOY?
I got this free 16 pound turkey I am cooking tomorrow night I think. Chucking onion celery carrot herbs in cavity. After herb rub in the oven for duration.
Not one oyster to be seen any where around here.
Used to make chili and oyster stew on the eve.
Too many people then and more the next day.
Then big get togethers with people I never knew from neighborhood who move a county away.
Ever try Constant Comment tea. Great stuff. I live on it evening starting right about now.
Y? Because we like it. Goes great with ham, too. I have fresh-shucked oysters in the frig. Come and get ’em. We’ve had our fill.
You can bring them to me. I’ll trade a Fruit cake. LOL
An Oyster Po-Boy would be mighty good.
Okay, Steffi. Come and get ’em!!! I think there’s only about a dozen left, though. 🙁
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours in your new home. Traditions are wonderful and made to be added to. I haven’t even put up a tree yet. Guess I had better do it this weekend since we are having our get together Friday night.
Your menu is similar to mine. And my center piece is a gorgeous poinsettia too. They say great minds think alike! LOL!! Enjoy the family and have a wonderful time.
Yep, you better get cracking or Christmas will be here and gone before you get in the mood! I just have to buy one every year. They are so pretty!
Ooooo, I just love holiday buffets—lots of different dishes for leisurely grazing! Merry Christmas to you and all of yours. It is so wonderful to start building new traditions in the new abode while adding in some old ones. Just think, in a few years you all will be looking back and reminiscing about the early Christmas of 2010.
Can’t wait for the corn dip; anything with corn I adore. Here’s a traditional family favorite of ours:
Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Curry Corn
Cut zucchinis lengthwise and hollow out some of the flesh; dice.
Saute the flesh with frozen white and yellow corn kernels until tender. Season with salt, pepper, curry powder to taste and add enough sour cream to make creamy.
Spoon back into shells, sprinkle with grated white cheese (Jack, Mozzarella, your favorite) and bake in 350 oven till squash is tender.
Bon Appetit!
Sounds good! Thanks so much for sharing. I’ll be posting the recipe soon!
Merry Christmas Y’all. Looks like a happy time. Love your post. Bill
Hi Bill! Thanks for the kind words. Please come back often . . . we sometimes give cool things away on this blog!!! BW
Late to the party,but loving it – especially the thought of oysters.
We used to have oyster stew and chili on Christmas eve, too. Kind of strange, up there in Iowa, but that’s the way it was. My dad loved oysters.
I love your pics, and the menu, and all the love. Merry Christmas to you!