Christmas Dinner

Since it is our son's first Christmas we started some new traditions.  One is Rib Roast on Christmas.  I was disappointed with the potatoes and the rolls were frozen but the roast was awesome! The green bean bundles were AMAZING and you  must make them!

Here are the recipes that I used. I didn't dry age my beef and it still turned out great!
Beef Rib Roast with Mustard Garlic Thyme Crust
Balsamic Roasted Red Potatoes
Sweet Green Bean Bundles

Fall Salad

Fall Salad

Feta Cheese
romaine lettuce
pecans
cranberries
raspberry vingarette

Optional:
tomatoes
crutons

Caramel Apples

Just in time for Halloween.

Caramel Apples.

Adapted from this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 11 oz package of caramels. I used the little pieces so I didn't have to unwrap the square ones.

3 tbsp heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla

apples-any kind you want

any toppings you want. the above is Snickers and almonds.

Melt the caramels and cream over a double boiler. FYI this take FOREVER. When it's melted add the vanilla. Stab the apples with a kitchen skewer and dunk in the caramel sauce.  You must resist your urge to dunk your head in. When the excess has dripped off roll in your desired topping.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

These were a hit at work.  They were time consuming to make and the caramel was almost impossible. The frosting was very thin, even after I put it in the fridge but they were so good nobody cared.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

Here is where you can find this recipe.

Grilled chicken Paninis with spicy garlic lime aioli.

I made this one night using leftover grilled chicken.  It was awesome! I didn't use a recipe. Panini's are easy and can be made with whatever you have in the fridge.

For the Sandwiches (makes 2)

Sourdough bread

butter spread

1 large or 2 small chicken breast, sliced (mine was seasoned with creole seasoning)

1/4 cup cilantro

1 tomato sliced

2 green onions chopped

1/2 cup cheddar jack cheese

Spicy garlic lime Aioli

mix the following together in a small bowl

1/2 cup mayonaise

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp lime juice

1 small garlic clove, finely minced

1. Spread the butter spread on one side of the sourdough. Cover the entire side.

2. Place in a grill pan.

3. Spread some aioli, add some green onions , a few slices of tomato and a sprinkle of cilantro then the chicken.

4. Top with cheese.

5. Butter the other slice of sourdough and add aioli to the other side.

6. Place sourdough aioli side down.

7. Place a piece of foil on top and place a heavy bottom pan on top.

8. Grill sandwich until it is brown on one side, flip over and repeat for the other side.

You can thank me later.