Christmas Eve Dinner with the Fam: Scones, Quinoa Tabbouleh, Lamb, Roasted Potatoes....

It is incredible to see how fast time flies when it comes to the holidays. Posting becomes hard when you are having a great time with family. When we originally planned our vacation we decided we would spend 3 days with my family and 3 days with my in-laws. Since it is tradition for my family to celebrate Christmas eve with my family, I knew our planning was perfect.

Back when I was young, we would make it a tradition to spend time with my mother’s family in Mexico, but as time went by, schedules, finances and timing just became a little difficult. Year after year we just ended up trading time between Brenham, Texas and Houston with my other grandparents. This year it was my mom’s turn to host Christmas Eve. It was fun to be able to see my family since moving to Michigan. We spent time making cookies for neighbors; my sister made scones; we went to Christmas Eve service at my old church, and then we enjoyed a delicious feast that was VERY vegan friendly. Before going vegan, my mother and I would plan on having a meat that was not usual to have during the year. One year we had cornish hens, while another year we had duck. This year my mom told me we could have an all vegan meal, but since I was the only vegan there, I decided my mom should continue the tradition. She made a HUGE leg of lamb while the sides were all veg-friendly.

My sister is always in charge of decorating the dinner table and help my mother prepare the meal. While we prepared everything, the men folk read papers in the living room as they listened to wonderful Christmas music.
After dinner, we opened gifts. We tried to watch a Christmas movie but we decided it would be fun to have a time for conversation, since my grandmother, mom and I do not get to visit alot. We had a great time and turned in early. Christmas eve was a great time and was wonderfully spent with family.

Orange-Currant Sconesadapted from Great Brand Name Recipes Cookbook
makes 2 dozen

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp orange rind
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, cut into chunks
1 cup currants
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg white, lightly beaten, for glaze
Sugar, for glaze

In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 Tbsp sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, and nutmeg.

Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix in raisins, then mix in buttermilk with fork.

Gather dough into ball and knead on lightly floured board about 2 minutes. Roll or pat dough out 3/4 inch thick. With a sharp knife, cut into 3-inch triangles. Space apart on greased baking sheets.

Brush the tops with egg white; sprinkle with sugar. Bake in preheated 425 degree Farenheit oven for 15 minutes or until nicely browned. Serve warm with butter or jam.
Lovely plate of veggie goodness:

Bruschetta with Kale, Sliced Brussel Sprouts, and Red Pepper -recipe by my mom
Greek Roasted Potatoes-recipe by me
Quinoa Tabbouleh- recipe by my mom
Green Bean, Fennel, and Carrot stir fry
Cranberry Jello-recipe by my grandmother

Greek Roasted Potatoes

serves 6

12 red-skinned potatoes, diced 1-inch thick
1/2 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp Greek seasonings (Oregano, parsley, garlic powder, red pepper)
1 Tbsp Paprika
1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
3 tsp salt
1/2 Tbsp black pepper
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Farenheit. Toss potatoes with seasonings and then add oil and mustard. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Line potatoes evenly on baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Potatoes should not be dry.

Enjoy these recipes. None of these have to be made just for Christmas, but can be made tomorrow!