After being away from my blog for two months, I’ve come back again. For three months, I’ve been having some problems in my neck due my cervical spine, so I’ve been wearing a soft collar, going to therapy, doctors etc… and I had to stop using my computer as much as I could. Overall, I haven’t been very energetic.
But Christmas came along and all my kids came home. And, making an effort with the help of my dear ones and enthusiastic with a lot of love, I made my Christmas dinner, which I am going to share with you, along with its gastronomic surprises!
I wanted to create a magic Xmas dinner. One where we would be sitting at the table eating unexpected flavors, having fun, being happy and surrounded by loved ones…
Three days before Christmas I couldn’t sleep, so between dreams and wakefulness, I started dreaming about the textures and flavors I wanted to incorporate into the menu.
And that is how everything started.
We opened dinner with a soup of leek, pear, tarragon, and a little bit of cognac. We called it: Velouté de poireaux et poire.
The salmon. I made it with a crust of almonds, pecans, sesame seeds, cranberries and orange peel. Seasoned with ginger and soy sauce. Saumon en croûte de semences.
My fabulous helper was Andy, my older son’s girlfriend. She’s already part of the family. My blondie daughter-in-law spent the whole day making all the apple delicatessen: apple cake, apple tart, and a special apple tart with amaranth and coconut flour for a special gluten-free guest.
Molecular honey caviar made for the appetizer. We had it over brie cheese brochettes. Another plate was sashimi with sake granita, this recipe I saw in Donna Hay. I added a seaweed topping that looks like caviar.
These are inspired by the Venezuelan Hallacas that are famous during Chistmas. I didn’t have the time or the energy to make the Hallacas I usually make. So that night between dreams and wakefulness, these Hallaca dumplings came along. They are kosher and organic. We called them: Boulettes de Noël Vénézuéliens. We loved them for their size: they were a perfect food sample.
For fun, I incorporated two blind tastings into the menu (totally unexpected). One was a tequila lime jelly shot covered with crystals of lemon peel and sugar. And the other one was Mochi, the Japanese rice cake ice cream filled with lychee.
We laughed so much just at the idea of a blind tasting. I think this is something I will do more often. The perfect way to break the ice or just to immediately change the mood.
The dessert table was my Christmas wonderland decorated with small and tiny Xmas trees. We had the apple tart, a berry tart, and the famous Buche de Noël.
Some family moments.
The Christmas menu in French that Laura made. Big enough with 14 dishes to please and pamper everyone. Vegan, vegetarian, meat lover, pescetarian, kosher and gluten free.
The kings and queens getting ready for the family picture…
Santa came along and brought the total chaos of opening Christmas presents….
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!!! Remember, the best is yet to come.
Live with passion + dream big + eat slow + cook with love. And then the magic comes along…
Thank you so much for being here.
xoxo
Lola
Lola, I hope that your neck is feeling a million times better – fully recovered! What gorgeous pictures you share with us of your dinner + your family. Merry Christmas + Happy New Year 2013 to you and your loved ones xo
looks like such a fun celebration! hope you are feeling better!
What a lovely record of the preparations and what a stunning table! How great to have an army of willing helpers too. My favourite picture, though is that last one, the wonderful chaos after the presents have been opened. Brings back great memories of my own Christmases past.
What a fun and fabulous meal! I love the idea of a blind tasting. I have to try that at a party. Happy New Year to you!
Whoa! Gorgeous table and dishes! I love the blind tasting – never thought of that for a get together. Happy 2013, Lola!
Linda celebración buen año para ti junto a tu familia,abrazos hugs,hugs.
No quiero saber que es lo que preparas cuando no te duele nada y te sientes bien!
La idea de los dumplings de hallaca es tan genial que quizas la implemente el proximo año, gracias!
Oh My goodness….I wouldn’t be able to sleep too with all the ideas that you had in your head. Looks like a wonderful Xmas dinner and perfect mood for the evening. I love the blind fold idea too:)
I wish you Belated Merry Christmas and Wonderful New 2013! Cheers!
What a pretty and festive table! I love the decorations.
Vest wishes for 2013!
Cheers,
Rosa
Lola, es una mesa divina, te felicito. Feliz año!
What a sensational dinner! Everything is so beautiful and I love what you did to the salmon. Happy New Year lola!
Lola, I’m so happy to have you back.
Espero estés bien. En estos días tengo dolor de espalda y ya no sé cómo sentarme en la compu.
Tremendo menú. Delicioso todo. Me moriría por probarlo. Y lo de los ojos vendados me ha encantado.
Muchos cariños y felicidades.
Vero
Your table is beautiful. Your family is beautiful. Your food is beautiful! Truly. Hope things are better for you now. Have a Happy 2013!
Wow, that is one gorgeous table! I’m glad to hear you had such a lovely holiday – I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Whoa…that was seriously impressive. Honey caviar is now on my list of things I must make. Blind tastings…such a fun idea. I felt merry just reading about your feast. Hope your aches vanish quickly and never return. Happy New Year, Lola!
Oh, WOW!!! What a stunning table! An outstanding menu!!! A gorgeous family…and a fun, fun holiday!!! Happy, happy New Year, Lola…so good to see you back. Hope your neck woes are over…. xoxo