Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A Very Fondue Christmas

We decided to try something new during our intimate Christmas Eve at home, inspired by my inlaw's newly-created tradition, we had ourselves a very little fondue Christmas {Eve}.

The thought of preparing a traditional ham and potatoes meal...sounded like a lot of work for just the 2 of us...all to leave the next day and not enjoy leftovers.

So, we gave our fondue pot a work out, while Miss L enjoyed the festivities from the comfort of her highchair. Our theory: fondue flavor success is dependent on the marinades and dips.

Here was our menu:

Asiago Cheese Champagne Fondue -
It was okay...I wouldn't make it again though.

Dippers: Roasted parmesan cubed potatoes, soft pretzels, pita bread, pepperoni

Followed by wedge salads.

Entree Fondue

Canola Oil in the pot
Dippers: Marinated beef sirloin, chicken and shrimp
Dips: Horseradish, Cumin and Avocado

Recipes:
Horseradish Dip
1 1/4 c. sour cream
4 tsp. horseradish
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Avocado Dip
1 avocado, mashed
4 drops of liquid hot pepper
1 tbsp. lemon juice

Cumin Dip (our favorite)
1/2 c. cream
1/4 c. Cambozola Cheese, cubed (cross between a brie and blue cheese)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
salt, pepper, chili powder - to taste

Chicken and Shrimp marinade came from a dry packet of "garlic, herb and wine marinade" - the kind found in the produce/deli area of your grocerer and you mix with oil. Sooo easy and soo good!


Beef Marinade came from my Big Oven App - "Best Steak Marinade in Existence"


Dessert was cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory - one slice of original...one slice of banana cream.

And here is a photo of our little doll - on her first Christmas {Eve} - in her jammies already!
She was happy to learn Santa was on his way!

Enjoying some toys, while mommy and daddy fondue!

World Kindness Day

Last week was World Kindness Day and I think this date has never been more relevant than after the U.S. election and going into the holidays...