In what has become a great little tradition, Karen and I had my mother over for dinner this Christmas Eve. We made a roasted chicken, green beans sauteed with mushrooms and crushed almonds and I took a crack at making potatoes-au-gratin – a childhood favorite of mine that my mother used to make.
After dinner, Karen got a late night culinary inspiration to make chocolate-covered pretzels. After a quick trip to Duane Reade for mini pretzels and a bag of Hershey kisses, it was on. They turned out really well.
On Christmas morning, we got Sash started with a snowman and a bone candy cane that her dogwalker gave her.
Karen got me this awesome Brooklyn neighborhood poster by Ork posters. Check out their stuff – they have a bunch of different cities.
Check out this customer service!
I got the pair of toe socks I wanted!
We treated ourselves to a Tivoli radio for the living room. Sasha will peripherally benefit as the apartment will no longer be silent all day long.
I got Karen a Gocco machine (think: small-scale home screenprinting). The production on these was set to end in 2005 but a well-organized campaign by very loyal enthusiasts brought it back. Read all about it here. It comes with a tutorial video. How are we supposed to watch this thing!?
Now everyone has one.
More great customer service! A little effort goes a very long way in that department.
There were a slew of other gifts that are not pictured and the one that I am most excited for was sadly on backorder at the Moma store. To give you a taste, behold the Alessi Tic watch that I should be getting at the end of the month.
After we opened presents we whipped up some Toads in a Hole, Croque Monsieur style.
First you drop the eggs in the hole.
The ham was a last minute inspiration, making the dish a bit French.
Sprinkle some cheese on and melt.
The final product. Delicious. We ate these up, got ready and drove out to Long Island for more food and family at Karen’s parents’ place. Hope everyone also had an excellent holiday and have a great New Year.
Check out all the photos here.
