Everyday Mom's Meals: Merry Christmas Eve
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Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas Eve

Today we will be heading to my in laws for the annual Christmas Eve blowout! Lots of gifts, food, laughs, games, laughs, alcohol, laughs, and memories being made. We are lucky because we get family on both days of Christmas, Adam's being Christmas Eve and mine on Christmas Day. It makes for a full 48 hours of holiday celebrations that we look forward to each and every year. Last year we actually hosted the bash, so this year I'm looking forward to being a "guest" instead of "hostess".

When I shared my Pheasant Noodle Soup with you I explained that an annual autumn hunting trip leads to our Christmas Eve meal, so there is no surprise we will be feasting on those birds today. I'm actually marinating them in a lemon, rosemary garlic mixture, and Mr. Everyday will be grilling them come dinner time. I think they will taste fantastic coming off the open flame, and when I was coming up with dishes to take with us, I thought Cranberry Orange Sauce would be perfect! The flavors of cranberry and poultry always go so well together and I knew the hint of orange would marry well with the rosemary on the birds. Now, I will fully admit usually when I do cranberry sauce, it comes from a can, and if my boys have their way, it's in the shape of the can when put on the table....ha ha. But for this special meal, and delicate meat, I wanted to try my hand at making fresh; and I'm so happy I did! It was incredibly easy and turned out perfectly and gorgeous!

I hope however you are spending this special day, and to me, the most holy night of the year, you are surrounded by those you love most in the world and enjoying every single minute of blessings from above.

Orange Cranberry Sauce From Rachael Ray
2 ( 12 oz) bags fresh cranberries, rinsed
Juice and Zest of 2 oranges
1 c. sugar
2 pinches salt
1 c. water

In a large pot over medium high heat combine water, orange juice, salt, orange zest and sugar. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Stir in cranberries. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently until sauce thickens slightly. While cooking, use a potato masher to break up cranberries a little. Using a ladle transfer to a bowl. Allow to cool before serving. Will thicken as it cools.



Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Dec. 27, 2012
Cranberry at Very Good Recipes
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1 comment:

Miz Helen said...

Thanks for sharing all your wonderful recipes with Full Plate Thursday in 2012. Wishing you and your family the very best in 2013.
Happy New Year!
Miz Helen