All that was missing was some figgy pudding.
January 2, 2008Wonderland column from last week! Forgot to mention! Highlights from last year!
Resuming writing full sentences… now.
Some of you have asked what I cooked for Christmas dinner. Here’s the list. After trying out a few recipes in the preceding week, I hit upon some good ones on Epicurious. I know, how original of me!
Without further ado:
Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce
Avert your eyes, vegetarians! This was one hell of a tasty slab of meat. Even though my meat thermometer went all wonky, claiming the inside of the tenderloin was well over 200 degrees when in fact it was still lukewarm and mooing, and there was much last-minute cursing and roasting sliced portions and hoping no one died as a result. We all lived. And enjoyed.
I made this for Thanksgiving, when I had but two side dishes to compose, and it was delightful and easy. Also when people asked me what kind of mushrooms I used, I got to tell them that I just picked some from the local park, ha ha ha ha! I’m kidding, of course—I could never find that many mushrooms in one outing. I stuck to the boring wild-mushroom options (crimini and baby bella, shhh) which kept the price down. No chanterelles for us. No one complained.
I actually just drooled a little while pondering how to describe my love for these potatoes. And I think that says it all.
In retrospect, making biscuits took things one step too far. Plus I doubled the recipe. Because God forbid my family only have one biscuit apiece! Heaven forfend! Next year I will purchase some rolls and hope I’m not disowned.
Arugula, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Salad
This was my own creation. It’s fairly self-evident, no? Arugula! Blue cheese! Uh, walnuts! Add a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and you have Alice’s Favorite Salad.
My sister brought the dessert, which was a good thing, because if it had been up to me I would have made some kind of Flaming Meringue Souffle before quietly expiring in the kitchen. She spared me that fate. Thank you, Liz.
So there you have it. I’m tired just describing this dinner. Tired, and wishing I still had some leftovers.
Reader Comments (23)
I'm glad you didn't expire. That would be very sad.
but where will i find 9 non vegetarians to eat the beef with dan? (only husband is meat eater in this house).
The tenderloin recipe works really, really well with portabella mushrooms & veggie/mushroom stock. Reduce, reduce, reduce--the sauce is worth every stir over the pan.
Happy New Year!
Boy...I never comment, but food really brings it out in me!
Also, DM -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE that museum and all the little pretzels they have laying around for tasting. When have you EVER been to a museum that tasted so good?!?!? And if you get tired of mustard, the diner across the street has been making fabulous pie for about the last 50 years or so.
My dad, last year, made the most incredible English Christmas pudding that took weeks to make (to sop up the liquor). It was to die for.
I love the word wonky and claim it as my own. BUT, as I consider you the best damn blogger east of the Pecos, I allow you free rein to its use.
Generously,Joe
Yum.