An Italian and Swiss inspired Christmas 2020

Okay, I’m only half Italian but one thing I do know is that Italians really like to be together with family on Christmas. This year may be especially hard for so many families, but I know cooking will help me to feel that connection even thought they can’t be near. With just the four of us this year–a much emptier house, I’m experimenting with new tastes, dietary restrictions, and based on what groceries we have access to this year. We will do our traditional lasagna and seafood Christmas eve, but being gluten free I’d rather not make an entire gluten free lasagna so I’ll be having a pretty Italian-inspired eggplant and fennel ratatouille with cream puffs for dessert. For Christmas day my family wanted a ham which I’ll serve with potatoes and a yule log for dessert.

We will embrace the slow paced peace on Christmas and over the holiday break. Wishing you a healthy and safe holiday. BUON NATALE!

On the menu:

Happy Hour Nibbles:

Partridge in A Poached Pear Tree Cocktail

Shrimp wrapped with prosciutto and rosemary, Fresh garlic bread toasties, and marconia almonds

Christmas Eve Dinner

Eggplant, fennel and squash roasted “ratatouille” topped with lemony herbed breadcrumbs. Served with fresh greens, and gluten free pesto swirl breadsticks (Gluten Free & Vegetarian)

Sausage Lasagna

Italian Cream Puffs with Vanilla Almond Cream, slivered almonds and Poached Pears

(for gluten free version, just the pears atop the vanilla almond cream, topped with sweet slivered almonds)

Christmas Morning:

Mom’s bread pudding–it’s not Christmas without it. Regular and gluten free versions

Christmas Dinner:

Roasted ham glazed with 2020 bittersweet glaze (honey, brown sugar and orange zest and bitters) GF

Potato roasti, GF

Thin sliced brussels sprouts, GF

Swiss Yule Log with vanilla cream filling, black forest cherry compote, chocolate ganache and white chocolate “bark”

New Year’s Eve

Homemade Pizza and bitter honey orange gelato over champagne

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