Where is spirit of Christmas? Have you seen it?

CookingWithCarlo.com ^ | DEC. 24 2006 | Carlo3b, Dad, Chef, Author

[carlo3b]

    Where is spirit of Christmas? Have you seen it?

    I am really getting worried that it's lost and we won't be able to find it in time.

I am just heartbroken, somewhere over the last few years we seem to have misplaced the heart and soul of Christmas. The season appears to be right, the weather has a nip to it, and the decorations have been up for a very long time, and I am constantly being reminded that it's just around the corner, but somehow I have this terribly feeling that something is wrong.

It is more than just one thing that isn't quite right, there isn't any laughter. I can't recall what it was that used to make me smile and sing at this time of the year, but it for sure isn't there anymore. Can you help me find the warmth, and love that Christmas has always brought into our lives, have you seen any joy in peoples eyes?  Maybe it's just me, oh my, is it just me?

I seem to recall that this season was a time that brought everyone together, families and friends, and even strangers. Wait, I don't remember thinking at this time of the year that there were any strangers, only wonderful people that we hadn't had the opportunity to meet yet. People smiled at each other, held the door, men and boys offered every woman their seat, and everyone said GOD BLESS YOU, when you sneezed.

Heirloom decorations were unpacked, families went out together to choose a tree, and that inexhaustible calliope of mystical music filled the air. The smell of fresh pine was abundant in each and every house, and colored lights blinked as kids giggled and whispering and scribbled notes to Santa.

Old folks and children where the center of attention, and picking just the right gift was a very special achievement, well thought out and mulled over for days. Some presents took all year to make, and some took all year to save for. Only a very few were expensive, but all had a special meaning. Gift wrapping was an art, and unwrapping was deliberate and magical.

The center of the community was your neighborhood church, and talk of God, and baby Jesus was the main topic of Grace before dinner, and bedtime stories. Mangers, Santa's, holiday decorations, and lights were everywhere. Snow was a conversation piece, and when and if, was debated and recalled.

Food, ah yes, holiday food was researched, planned, plotted and prepared for days leading up to the big event. Everyone was involved, and everyone had a job. The location of the Christmas Eve party was usually determined by the age of the grandparents, and where they lived in proximity to the bulk of the family. However that was no sure thing.

Each family was represented in the choice of menu items. Every wonderful cook in each branch of the family offered to prepare their own special version of the chosen food. This made for a memorable feast indeed. The competition was playful and fun, but most importantly, filled with love... lots and lots of love and lovers.

This is the time of the year that we built mountains of warm love, enough to store up for cold dark days ahead. If we lose Christmas, who will tell the children about the baby Jesus, who will love you and remind you how lucky you are to have freedom, and  family, and bring memories to the old folks, and memories that you can recall when you are old. Don't let it happen.

Won't you help me find Christmas, I know it's somewhere.. Do you know where it can be, perhaps it's just hiding deep in the warmth of your heart.. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your love. Thank you for being you..

THANK GOD FOR AMERICA.. God Bless you all... MERRY CHRISTMAS..

[carlo3b]

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ALL ABOARD....The FUN FOOD TRAIN is leaving the FAT, BEHIND...
(Fat Behind, get it?)..  Hahahahhahaha...  {{{{{crickets}}}}}  *<]8^p~

[carlo3b]

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND FREEREPUBLIC.COM

[Cindy]

Christmas blessings to you Carlo and to your family.
May God continue to bless you.

Cindy

----

http://www.truthusa.com/CHRISTmas.html

[carlo3b]

The Seven Fishes Of Christmas Eve

The tradition dates back centuries, all the way back to the early days of our own country, and wayyyyyy, way back to the Roman Empire. The tradition of preparing seven fishes for Christmas Eve. The significance and the reasons for 7 has many different explanations, each with compelling arguments (not that Italians like to argue... LOL)..  Buon Natale!

BACCALÀ ALLA REGGIO

Baccalà is better known as "salt cod", the preserved fish for the majority of Italian American community for centuries..

    * 1 pound baccalà, soaked 2 days in 4-5 changes of water
    * 1 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    * 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch dice
    * 4 salted anchovies, filleted and soaked in milk 4 hours
    * 2 med. cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
    * 1/2 cup quality dry white wine
    * 3 cups whole milk
    * 1 large bunch, Italian parsley, enough finely chopped to yield ½ cup
    * 1 cup toasted bread crumbs

1) Cut the soaked baccalà into 2 inch squares and carefully check for any tiny bones.
2) Preheat the oven to 425 F.
3) Place baccalà, ¼ cup olive oil, potatoes, anchovies, garlic, milk and wine into a pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Immediately lower the heat and simmer 1 hour, or until bacilli easily falls apart and potatoes are very soft. Blend in blender until smooth, all the while drizzling in the remaining olive oil.
4) Divide the mixture evenly among four 4 ounce baking bowls, dust with bread crumbs and set aside until ready to serve.
Place the bowls on a cookie sheet and bake until very hot, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve with grilled bread.
 

[mathluv]

Merry CHRISTmas to all.

We are going to church tonight, and in the morning - to celebrate the reason for the season.

My daughter went to see 'The Nativity' yesterday.

[carlo3b]

Merry Christmas sweetie..

Would it be a holiday without a special lasagna, I say no.. surprise!!  This one is made with tiny meatballs ( ground turkey balls today), sliced hard-cooked eggs, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, and a smooth marinara sauce, encased in layers of lasagna noodles. My family and I rolled hundreds of marble-size meatballs while sitting at the kitchen table, with strong coffee, joking and singing.

A Roman Holiday Lasagna

    Turkey Balls

• 1 (14-ounce) package ground turkey
• 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

      Ricotta Filling

• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

      Now for the Assembly:

• 1 pound lasagna noodles
• 5 cups Holiday Marinara Sauce
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

       Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
1) Spray a cookie sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Place all the ingredients for the meatless balls in a bowl. Mix well with your hands or a spoon.
2) Using about 1 teaspoonful at a time, roll the mixture into about 45 little balls. Arrange them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, Or until the "meatballs" are just firm to the touch. Remove from the oven, but leave the oven on to bake the lasagna.
3) Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, place all the ricotta filling ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
4)  To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of' a 13 X 9-inch baking pan. Place a single layer of lasagna noodles in the pan, overlapping slightly.
5) Spread one-third of the ricotta filling over the noodles. Scatter one-third of the "meatballs" evenly over the ricotta. Scatter one-third of the sliced hard-cooked eggs and one-third of the remaining mozzarella over the top. Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce over the top.
6)  Repeat the layers, but this time arrange the lasagna noodles in the crosswise direction from the first layer (this will make serving easier), trimming as necessary. Add a third layer, using the remaining ricotta filling, "meatballs," mozzarella cheese, and hard-cooked eggs.
Finish with a layer of lasagna noodles and spread marinara sauce on top.
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap. Bake for 45 minutes. Let stand about 15 minutes before serving.
** This dish can be prepared 1 day in advance. Cover with plastic wrap (not foil, because the acid from the marinara sauce can cause little bits of foil to get into the sauce) and refrigerate.
Serves 10 hungry family members, only 8 Italians....LOL

[Theresawithanh]

Merry Christmas to you!

I am going to go see "The Nativity" tomorrow night with my sister and her family, I can't wait, it looks like a great movie!

[carlo3b]

We'll be doing 5pm Mass for the children tonight.. :) MERRY CHRISTMAS.. Stay warm, healthy and happy.. Carlo

[Cindy]

MERRY CHRISTMAS Carlo.

That lasagna looks absolutely yummy.

[carlo3b]

 
  Roasted Goose Stuffed with Caraway and Apples

          o 1 Jumbo double goose breast, bone removed
          o 1/2 dozen or so juniper berries, minced
          o 1/2 teaspoon dry rosemary, or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
          o 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons
          o 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
          o 2 medium onions, diced
          o 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
          o 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
          o 2 boiled potatoes, peeled and cubed
          o 1/2 cup bread crumbs
          o 1/2 cup fresh flat Italian parsley, chopped
          o 1 dash cloves
          o 1 egg
          o Kosher Salt and fresh ground pepper

      1) Dress goose breast out in a baking pan.
      2) In a separate mixing bowl, mix the juniper, rosemary, 3 tablespoons olive oil and vinegar and spread over the breast.
      Cover and refrigerate overnight.
      3) Sauté onions in the remaining oil over medium heat, and cook until transparent.
      4) Add the apples, caraway and boiled potatoes and saute an additional 10 minutes, or until apples begin to soften.
      Remove from heat and cool.
      5) Add the bread crumbs, parsley, cloves, and egg and season with salt and pepper.
      Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Wipe and pat dry the marinade from the goose. Spread out on cutting board, season with salt and pepper. Lay the stuffing out evenly over the goose and roll up like a jelly roll. Truss or tie with butcher twine roast in oven for 45 to an hour. Remove when internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F. Rest 10 minutes, before carving.

[HisKingdomWillAbolishSinDeath]

Like the time of Elijah, we are in a drought, only now it is spiritual and not physical "until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled". But as the world reaches the boiling point of sin and destruction, history will repeat itself. "And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain." Your just going to have to wait for Him. Then the eternal Christmas will begin.

Isaiah 29:10
For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
Isaiah 32:15
Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Ezekiel 39:29
Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.
Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

[mysterio]

I'm happy to say that in my area, it really is still something you can see. I've noticed many people being a lot nicer and happier, and so many "Merry Christmas" wishes at stores that it has actually shocked me. People just come out and say it. I know that shouldn't be an odd thing, but we all know that in the last decade it's gotten more and more rare.

[Lurker]

Some people say it was the development of the Legion which allowed Rome to conquer the known world.

You and I know the truth.

It was the salt cod which allowed Rome to rise.

What's on the menu at the Lurker Compound this Christmas?

It's a seafood boil composed of the following:

4 whole live Dungeness crabs.
2 pounds manila clams
2 pounds headed shrimp, not peeled.
2 pounds Polish style sausage-Kielbasa does nicely.
1 pound new red potatos
1 pound mussels
6 ears sweet corn cleaned and broken into two or three pieces.
3 or 4 lemons sliced in half.
2 heads of garlic, cleaned.
1 bottle dry white white suitable for drinking. A Fume Blanc or Chardonnay will do well.

2 loaves of hearty Italian style or sourdough bread

a few bottles of assorted wines, whatever you like.

2 or 3 rolls of paper towel.
Sufficient quantity of butcher paper to cover your dinner table completely.

Recipe: (So easy it's almost not worth writing down)

In a large (10 gallon) stock pot bring a large quantity of water to a rolling boil. Add all the garlic and one bottle of the white wine.

Slice the potatos into quarters. Toss in the boiling water. Cook for about 10 minutes.

While these are cooking cover your dining table completely with 2 or 3 layers of butcher paper. Place rolls of paper towels at the edges of the table.

Add the lemons and the live crabs to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they change color.

Toss the sausage, shrimp, clams, mussels, and corn into the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes or so.

Very carefully remove the pot from the heat source and let stand while you put the bread and wine on the table.

Using a large strainer scoop out all this cooked love and dump it right in the middle of the table in a huge steaming pile.

As your diners stare open mouthed at this bounty pour the wine and lightly smack each of your guests in the back of the head as a gentle reminder that it's time to eat.

No plates other than a large bowl for 'wreckage' are necessary or desirable.

Melted clarified butter and additional sliced lemons can be offered if you have some pretentious in-laws over. Otherwise just dig in and eat, baby.

When dinner is done simply roll up the butcher paper and discard.

You'll only have the wine glasses, bread basket, and the large pot to wash.

Simple? Yes.

Elegant? Who cares!

Delicious? You bet your a**!

Merry Christmas to all.

L

[carlo3b]

Party Ham with Fruit and Root Beer Glazed

BOILING AND SYRUP INGREDIENTS:

• 6  12oz bottles root beer (high quality)
• 1 red apple, sliced
• 1 green apple, sliced
• 1 cup red seedless grapes
• 1/2 orange, sliced
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp file (ground sassafras)

BOILING HAM:
1) Place ham in a heavy-bottomed black iron pot or dutch oven.
2) Surround the ham with apples, grapes, orange and cloves. Add root beer and dust with cracked black pepper and file. 3) Bring to a rolling boil and reduce to simmer. Boil approximately 1 hour and turn ham over and continue boiling until root beer is reduced to a thick syrup.
4) Remove ham and set aside. Continue to reduce syrup until it is the consistency of molasses.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (5 - 10 pounds) smoked ham
• 1/2 cup root beer syrup (reserved)
• 1 cup Creole mustard
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup cracked black pepper
• pinch of cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of allspice
• pinch of ground clove

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
1) Place in the mixing bowl, all of the above ingredients except the ham. Using a wire whisk, blend all spices into the mustard mixture until well incorporated.
2) Place ham in center of dutch oven and coat completely with the sweet mustard mixture.
3) *Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
*Preparing a decorated the ham for the table centerpiece. Start by uusing a sharp paring knife to cut slits on eighth inch deep diagonally across the ham. Continue in the same pattern from the opposite side until even triangles appear from the cuts. Stuff with cloves and, using toothpicks, secure pineapple slices or fresh strawberries to the top of the ham before baking.
SERVES: 6

[WestVirginiaRebel]

SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS

We always have these for Christmas although my Mom uses frozen meatballs.

1 lb ground round

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup plain bread crumbs

Salt & Pepper

1 tbls butter

1/2 cup grape jelly

1 cup chili sauce

With a fork or clean hands, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, salt & pepper and shape them into 1-inch balls. Melt the butter in a large saute pan (or skillet) brown the meatballs, and drain off the fat. In a bowl, stir together the jelly & chili sauce and pour over the meatballs. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes over medium to low heat, turning the meatballs regularly. Keep warm. Serves 4-5.

[carlo3b]

You da Man.. LOL.. :)

 

Holiday Artichoke Bruschetta

    * 1 med. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
    * 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
    * 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
    * 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
    * 1 French baguette, cut into 1/3 inch thick slices

1 Preheat the broiler.
2 In a medium bowl, mix marinated artichoke hearts, Romano cheese, red onion and mayonnaise. Top French baguette slices with equal amounts of the artichoke heart mixture. Arrange slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3 Broil in the preheated oven 2 minutes, or until toppings are bubbly and lightly browned.
 Also great, add spinach or tomatoes!
Will make 8 yummy baguettes
I found this fine recipes on USA WEEKEND Magazine, allrecipes.com

[carlo3b]

WOW what a great recipe.. Yummmmmmm .. Thanks.. Merry Christmas.. :)

[carlo3b]

CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES

        * 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
        * 1 teaspoon baking powder
        * 1/2 teaspoon salt
        * 1 cup margarine, softened
        * 1 1/2 cups white sugar
        * 2 eggs
        * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
1) Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside.
2) In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed.
Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours.
3) On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown.
Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

[Lurker]

We love those seafood boils. We do two annually.

One in June and the other at Christmas.

We love it because folks just sit slack-jawed at the pile of food steaming in the middle of the table which is instant 'chef gratification', there are few dishes to wash, you eat with your hands which is always satisfying, and clean up is a snap.

Just roll all the wreckage up in the butcher paper and toss.

It's really great to do in the summer when you can cover a couple of picnic tables with the butcher paper and dump all the chow in a great long line right down the middle.

We leave out the forks and knives because we want to make sure our diners leave with the same number of digits they arrived with.

My mom's bringing her cheesecake for desert. It's not one of them fancy ones, but she has that recipe down cold. Eli has nothing on my mom.

Have a great Christmas Carlo. Thanks for the recipes.

L

[carlo3b]

ITALIAN ANISE COOKIES We cut these cookies into holiday shapes, and sprinkle them with colorful candy toppings.

        * 2 cups white sugar
        * 1 cup shortening
        * 5 to 6 drops Anise oil (the American version preferred by some of the kids, 1 Tbls. vanilla extract 1 ts. almond extract)
        * 2 eggs
        * 6 cups all-purpose flour
        * 1 teaspoon baking soda
        * 1 teaspoon baking powder
        * 1 teaspoon salt
        * 1 cup milk

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
    1) Mix together sugar, shortening or margarine, Anise oil(or vanilla extract and almond extract). Cream these together until light.
    2) Add eggs and beat well.
    3) Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt ( use 1/2 teas. if using margarine).
    4) Add to sugar mixture alternately with milk, ending with flour mixture. Dough will be quite stiff and may require mixing the last bit of flour in by hand.
    5) Roll out portions of dough on floured board and cut with your favorite cookie cutters.
    6) Place on greased cookie sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes .
    Test for doneness by touching lightly with your finger. If there is no dent, they're done.
    Cool and frost, decorate with colored sugars and colored frosting..
    Note: If you like crisp cookies, roll the dough thinner. For more cake-like dough roll thicker and use metal cookie cutters.