Week of December 20, 2009 **The Christmas Edition**

Whew. I am *almost* ready for Christmas. The busiest part of the season is actually over for me - we have no more major parties or events to attend, gifts are all purchased and just need to be wrapped, cards and gifts have been mailed, teacher and other special gifts have been baked, cooked, wrapped and delivered, and the tree is up and decorated. All that is left for me to do is some grocery shopping and a couple more rounds of baking.

Which means I finally have some time to focus on one of the most important aspects of the holidays - the COOKING!!

This is a quiet year at home with just the five of us, so I have arranged a few nights to have friends over for dinner, but Christmas dinner will be just us on our own. I don't think I can muster up the energy to cook a turkey, just for my husband and I (the kids are huge turkey lovers) so I think a roast chicken will be a nice, pleasant alternative. It's still white meat and there will be lots of gravy and potatoes!!

Sunday: Beef Stew home-made bread, Cherry Tomato, Cucumber and Goat Cheese Salad
Monday: Pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli
Tuesday: Sauteed Spinach with Crisp Pancetta
Wednesday: Fresh Pear and Curry Pasta
Thursday: Crockpot Taco Soup
Friday: Roasted Mashed Potatoes and Yams, Roast Chicken
Saturday: Drunken Garlic Pot Roast

I'm also toying with the idea of making these Blueberry Struesel Muffins to eat on Christmas morning and will definitely be doing a few Cucumber Sandwiches for lunches.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday this year!! Enjoy it and relax.