unusual Christmas dinner...

In article <[email hidden]>, "Chris"

Quoted message said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what to serve for Christmas
dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's decided that I'll make chicken parmesan from
scratch. Not bad, however, what to go with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed the main course down
on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

How about an antipasto tray for appetizers, kale with garlic and pancetta (sauteed, of course) for a
side dish, and tiramisu for dessert?

--
Nancy Howells (don't forget to switch it, and replace the 😉 to send mail).

Chris said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what to serve for Christmas
dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's decided that I'll make chicken parmesan from
scratch. Not bad, however, what to go with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed the main course down
on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

I have family and company coming... :-)

I plan on roasting 4 ducks and a goose, with mixed rice pilaf and gravy, and yams. Have not decided
on a veggie yet, but I know it will be something mixed with fresh mushrooms. Hmmmmm.... Might suatee
some sliced portabellos with asparagus.

K.

--

Quoted message said:

^,,^< Cats-haven Hobby Farm >^,,^< [email hidden] >^,,^<

"There are millions of intelligent species in the universe, and they are all owned by
cats" -- Asimov

Custom handcrafts, Sterling silver beaded jewelry
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"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what

to

Quoted message said:

serve for Christmas dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's

decided

Quoted message said:

that I'll make chicken parmesan from scratch. Not bad, however, what to

go

Quoted message said:

with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed

the

Quoted message said:

main course down on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

Italian dinner needs a soup. How about tortelloni en brodo? Or escarole and chicken broth.

Right after dinner and before dessert is the cheese course. Any of your favorite italian cheeses
will work, perfect for finishing the dinner wine.

Dessert? How about fresh fruit with sweet crema?

Jack Mascarponescargotiramisuself

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I just had another brainstorm. Bunacalda (sp?)!!

I'll fatten everyone up! Mark my words!

🙂

Chris said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what to serve for Christmas
dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's decided that I'll make chicken parmesan from
scratch. Not bad, however, what to go with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed the main course down
on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

How about a ricotta cheesecake with bits of candied lemon?

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
: Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been
pondering what to
: serve for Christmas dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so
it's decided
: that I'll make chicken parmesan from scratch. Not bad,
however, what to go
: with it? And, what's for dessert?
:
: Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.
:
: So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and
will bed the
: main course down on pasta.
:
: What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.
:
: ;-)
: ======

Here are my thoughts. I hope they're of help to you. Cyndi <Remove a "b" to reply>

Soup*

Antipasta tray (marinated vegetables, rolled up slices of meat, and a variety of olives)

Cooked baby carrots drizzed with honey and butter (I also like a little 5-Spice powder sprinkled on
them during cooking), and garnished with minced parsley.

Cooked yellow and green (zucchini) squash.

Tiramisu for dessert* and/or Cannoli*

Olive Garden Toscana Soup Serves: 5

1 1/2 cup Spicy Sausage Links -- 12 Links 2 Med Potatoes -- Cubed
3/4 cup Onions -- Diced 5 Pieces Bacon 1 1/4 Tsp Minced Garlic 2 cup Kale Leaves -- Cut In Half,
Then Sliced 2 Tbsp Chicken Base 1 Qt Water
4/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place sausage links onto a sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until
done; cut into half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into 1/2 inch slices. Place onions and bacon in
a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear. Add garlic and cook an
additional 1 minute. Add chicken base, water and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes. Add sausage, kale and
cream. Simmer 4 minutes and serve.

Per one cup serving: 265 calories, 17 g carbs, 10 g protein, 18 gm fat, 897 mg. sodium, 51 mg
cholesterol and 100 mg calcium.

Quoted message said:

From Sonia Borges, guest relations for Olive Garden Italian

Restaurant.

TIRAMISU

Cake:
5/4 c Butter
6/4 c Milk 2 Eggs
7/4 c Sugar
8/4 c Flour 1 tsp Baking Powder
9/4 tsp Salt
10/4 tsp Vanilla
11/4 c hot STRONG Coffee 1 TBSP sugar

Topping: 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened 8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
12/3 c powdered Sugar 2 TBSP Marsala wine or Dark Rum 2 c Whipping Cream Grated semi-sweet
Chocolate (1/2 oz)

Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 13 x 9 pan with nonstick cooking spray. In small saucepan or 2-cup micro-
safe measuring cup, heat butter and milk until steaming hot (about 1 minute on HIGH).

Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat eggs at high speed until light. Gradually beat in 3/4 c sugar; beat
an additional 2 minutes.

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and hot
milk mixture; beat at low speed until smooth. Pour into sprayed pan.

Bake at 375 F. for 14-16 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. In 1-cup
measuring cup, combine coffee and 1 TBSP sugar; mix well. Drizzle over warm cake. Cool 30 minutes or
until completely cool.

In large bowl, combine cream cheese and mascarpone cheese; beat at medium speed until smooth and
creamy. Beat in powdered sugar and wine. Set aside.

In another large bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture
until combined. Spread evenly on cake. Sprinkle grated chocolate over top of cake. Cover;
refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, cut into squares. Store in refrigerator.

15 Servings @ 350 cal (240 are fat); 4 g protein, 21 g carbs ( 20
% Vitamin A, 8 % Calcium and 4 % Iron)

From Epicurious Archive... traditional cannoli filling

For the filling you need fresh ricotta (250 grams,to be passed through a sieve), powdered sugar 150
grams), candied orange and cedar peel cut into tiny pieces ( 30 grams), candied cherries (30 grams,
to be cut in half and placed at each end of the cannoli) , bitter chocolate (1 tablespoon) and/or
chocolate pieces, orange water or other liqueur (1 tablespoon). Mix very well and refrigerate while
you prepare the shells

In article <[email hidden]>,

Nancy Howells said:

In article said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what to serve for Christmas
dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's decided that I'll make chicken parmesan from
scratch. Not bad, however, what to go with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed the main course down on
pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

How about an antipasto tray for appetizers, kale with garlic and pancetta (sauteed, of course) for
a side dish, and tiramisu for dessert?

Not to follow up to myself, but another thought occurred to me regarding dessert: a purchased (or
homemade if you're up to it) pannetone. It's the traditional Christmas dessert for some regions of
Italy anyway.

--
Nancy Howells (don't forget to switch it, and replace the 😉 to send mail).

Jack Schidt® said:

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what

to

Quoted message said:

serve for Christmas dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's

decided

Quoted message said:

that I'll make chicken parmesan from scratch. Not bad, however, what to

go

Quoted message said:

with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed

the

Quoted message said:

main course down on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

Italian dinner needs a soup. How about tortelloni en brodo? Or escarole and chicken broth.

Right after dinner and before dessert is the cheese course. Any of your favorite italian cheeses
will work, perfect for finishing the dinner wine.

Dessert? How about fresh fruit with sweet crema?

Jack Mascarponescargotiramisuself

If she is going to do Italian, she might consider wedding soup... :-)

K.

--

Quoted message said:

^,,^< Cats-haven Hobby Farm >^,,^< [email hidden] >^,,^<

"There are millions of intelligent species in the universe, and they are all owned by
cats" -- Asimov

Custom handcrafts, Sterling silver beaded jewelry
cgi6.ebay.comeBayISAPI.dllOpen ↗

Thanks alot! 🙂)

I've tried tiramisu before, so I'd atleast be familiar with the preps.

Sounds like a great idea.

Do you think I could make this into a casserole (thicken it with flour?) I've got 20 people coming
for Christmas dinner - mix of non-poultry and vegetarian. I was thinking I could substitute the
sausage links with Polish sausage ( Polish mother in law who doesn't eat poultry). Also have seen
great recipes on this newsgroup. Is it cool to pass them on to family (husband's family) and suggest
they bring them. Would Miss Manners ok that??? ........and what exactly is kale? Elaine

Quoted message said:

Olive Garden Toscana Soup Serves: 5

1 1/2 cup Spicy Sausage Links -- 12 Links 2 Med Potatoes -- Cubed
3/4 cup Onions -- Diced 5 Pieces Bacon 1 1/4 Tsp Minced Garlic 2 cup Kale Leaves -- Cut In Half,
Then Sliced 2 Tbsp Chicken Base 1 Qt Water
1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place sausage links onto a sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes, or
until done; cut into half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into 1/2 inch slices. Place onions and
bacon in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear. Add garlic and
cook an additional 1 minute. Add chicken base, water and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes. Add sausage,
kale and cream. Simmer 4 minutes and serve.

"Katra" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Jack Schidt® said:

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering

what

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to

Quoted message said:

serve for Christmas dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's

decided

Quoted message said:

that I'll make chicken parmesan from scratch. Not bad, however, what

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

go

Quoted message said:

with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will

bed

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the

Quoted message said:

main course down on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

Italian dinner needs a soup. How about tortelloni en brodo? Or

escarole

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and chicken broth.

Right after dinner and before dessert is the cheese course. Any of your favorite italian cheeses
will work, perfect for finishing the dinner

wine.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Dessert? How about fresh fruit with sweet crema?

Jack Mascarponescargotiramisuself

If she is going to do Italian, she might consider wedding soup... :-)

K.

Good idea. I complete forgot the second dessert, belting down the likker!

Jack Grapa

"Nancy Howells" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Not to follow up to myself, but another thought occurred to me regarding dessert: a purchased (or
homemade if you're up to it) pannetone. It's the traditional Christmas dessert for some regions of
Italy anyway.

What's pannetone?

Our Italian bakery moved away to another town awhile back, so I'd end up making it myself
most likely.

;-)

Jack Schidt® said:

"Katra" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Jack Schidt® said:

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
> Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering

what

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to
> serve for Christmas dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's
decided
> that I'll make chicken parmesan from scratch. Not bad, however, what

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

go
> with it? And, what's for dessert?
>
> Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.
>
> So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will

bed

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the
> main course down on pasta.
>
> What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.
>
> ;-)
>
>

Italian dinner needs a soup. How about tortelloni en brodo? Or

escarole

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and chicken broth.

Right after dinner and before dessert is the cheese course. Any of your favorite italian
cheeses will work, perfect for finishing the dinner

wine.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Dessert? How about fresh fruit with sweet crema?

Jack Mascarponescargotiramisuself

If she is going to do Italian, she might consider wedding soup... :-)

K.

Good idea. I complete forgot the second dessert, belting down the likker!

Jack Grapa

Our local liquor stores don't carry Grapa, so I've never tried it. :-) Where would one
purchase that?

If it tastes as bad as Saki, they can keep it. :-P

K.

--

Quoted message said:

^,,^< Cats-haven Hobby Farm >^,,^< [email hidden] >^,,^<

"There are millions of intelligent species in the universe, and they are all owned by
cats" -- Asimov

Custom handcrafts, Sterling silver beaded jewelry
cgi6.ebay.comeBayISAPI.dllOpen ↗

Chris <[email hidden]>, de ses doigts volubiles, effleura le
clavier pour y déposer les douces paroles suivantes:

Quoted message said:

"Nancy Howells" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:hnowells-
[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Not to follow up to myself, but another thought occurred to me regarding dessert: a purchased (or
homemade if you're up to it) pannetone. It's the traditional Christmas dessert for some regions
of Italy anyway.

What's pannetone?

Our Italian bakery moved away to another town awhile back, so I'd end up making it myself
most likely.

;-)

cooksrecipes.companettone recipe.htmlOpen ↗

Hope this helps... 🙂

Isabelle
--
Try a slice of Panettone, toasted, with a little butter and, why not,
jam.... Heaven on Earth......
🙂

"Isabelle Moreaux" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

cooksrecipes.companettone recipe.htmlOpen ↗

Hope this helps... 🙂

Isabelle

Thanks! ;-)

Tiramisu? I have lots of recipes if you want them to decide which to go with.

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what

to

Quoted message said:

serve for Christmas dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's

decided

Quoted message said:

that I'll make chicken parmesan from scratch. Not bad, however, what to

go

Quoted message said:

with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed

the

Quoted message said:

main course down on pasta.

What else should I be working on? Need ideas here, people.

;-)

Quoted message said:

I've been pondering what to serve for Christmas dinner.

Quoted message said:

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible

Sear and bake two entire farmed salmon filets. Serve with angel hair.

"Chris" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

;-)

Boy, you could go anywhere from there.

Is it going to be Christmas day? Because there's the whole fish based Christmas eve dinner
(seven kinds of fish, I think. This topic shows up here every year, so you'll find lots of info
if you google.)

Mario Batalli has lots of info on this subject, and has appeared on Marth Stewart's show several
times. You'll probably find info both at the food network site and Martha Stewart onlin. Yes, I
invoked the name of the beast in a Christmas thread. The apocaplypse is upon us.

Second the reccomendation for pannetone. You can find it at all sorts of Itallian markets and at
gourmet stores. I think Costplus world market has them, if you have one of those in your area. You
could probably talk a poster here into mailing you one.

Good luck and enjoy. Remember that Itallian food is fiercely regional, and that Itallian American
food is a whole 'nother animal. Don't be discouraged, just find some good things to eat and enjoy.

Greg Zywicki

Chris a écrit :

Quoted message said:

Well, had my fill of turkey on Thanksgiving, so I've been pondering what to serve for Christmas
dinner. I'll be cooking for my mother, so it's decided that I'll make chicken parmesan from
scratch. Not bad, however, what to go with it? And, what's for dessert?

Looking to go Italian all the way, if possible.

So far all I've got is my sauce, chicken, batter, parmesan, and will bed the main course down
on pasta.

Well, if you want to make real Italian, serve pasta with a sauce *before* the chicken, and serve the
chicken with a vegetable (leaf spinach seasoned with lemon juice and olive oil, perhaps?). Pasta is
never a side dish in Italy.

Nathalie in Switzerland