Christmas is at MY house this year

[AwakeAtLast]

for the first time ever. It will be a small crowd, only six people total. I am beginning the thought process of planning both Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner. Breakfast will most likely be a breakfast casserole made the night before (so easy!).

Can I pick the brains of C & B Group for your best Christmas main dishes, sides and desserts? Thanks in advance!

Well, while you're at it, go ahead and offer wine and cocktails, too! :D

[Warpy]

1. One of my things for a pot luck Xmas

was Cornish game hens stuffed with rice pilaf, Marsala laced pan gravy.

And a good time was had by all.

My favorite brunch offering was crepes stuffed with a mixture of sauteed chopped broccoli, mushrooms and water chestnuts, veloute over all, cooked until bubbly and lightly browned under the broiler.

That was a hit, too.

I don't drink, so I can't help you with the wine. I'm much better at taking a taste out of a case somebody's bought and telling them what food to serve with it than the reverse.

[housewolf]

2. Sausage Leek Casserole

I saw this on the Food Network last night but haven't tried it yet. It sounds new, unusual and really delicious:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/sausage-and-leek-casserole-recipe/index.html

From The Neely's show

Sausage and Leek Casserole
Ingredients

* Oil
* 2 cups leeks, cut in rings, rinsed thoroughly
* 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound ground pork sausage
* 1/2 loaf French baguette
* 1 cup grated Cheddar
* 1 cup pepper jack cheese
* 6 each large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed skillet on medium-high heat. Saute the leeks with a pinch of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne. When the leeks are translucent raise the heat to high and add the sausage and cook for 8 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.

In a separate bowl whisk the eggs together with the cream, milk, the remaining cayenne, a pinch of black pepper and salt.

Cut the baguette into cubes and put in the bottom of a 9 by 9-inch glass casserole dish. Sprinkle the bread with the Cheddar cheese. Pour the sausage and leek mixture and egg mixture on top. Top with pepper jack cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

The next morning remove from refrigerator. Put in the middle of the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife is removed cleanly from the middle. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

[sandnsea]

3. Onions with rice, apple, nut stuffing

These are so good, I don't even like onion that well.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/baked-onions-with-rice-apple-and-nut-stuffing-recipe2/index.html

[cbayer]

4. Tomato basil tart

I made this Thanksgiving day as an appetizer and there wasn't a bit left. It's just filling enough to keep everyone happy while they wait for the big meal, but not so filling that they won't want to eat.

Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=236x50238