Christmas Dinner

Mark Bittman's Beet Salad

Cream of Celery Soup

"Steak" Diane

Mashed Potatoes with cashew gravy

Brussels Sprouts Ubuntu

Armagnac-Glazed Apricots

Coppola Pinot Noir 2008

Christmas Eve Supper

Guacamole and chips

Ensalada verde

Green Corn Tamales with Tamale gravy

Cabbage with pico de gallo

Arroz Mexicana

Frijoles negros con cotija

Rosie's Chocolates

Neighborhood Christmas Open House

Lentil Pecan Pate
Spiced cashews
Endive with blue cheese and walnuts

Mulled wine with homemade acquavit
Spiced cider (TJ, doctored)

From Trader Joe:

hummus and pita (make pita chips)
brie and crackers
chocolate covered ginger
lebkuchen
ginger cookies

Black Bean Chili Supper

This is a good menu for a casual evening with friends, as everything can be made ahead and chili is familiar to carnivores and therefore not too threatening.

Starters:

Salsa
Guacamole
Sliced carrots
Sliced jicama
Tortilla chips

Salad:

Mixed greens with walnuts, dried cranberries and blue cheese.

Main Course:

Black Bean Chili, served over:
Polenta

Garnishes:

Roasted poblano peppers, diced
Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
Sliced green onions
Crumbled Cotija cheese

Dessert

Lemon sorbet with blueberries

or

Lemon cake with blueberry sauce