Well, another Christmas has come and gone, but my memory of another great Madonia-Mentz-Garcia-Hrinowich-Farrington Christmas remains strong!
The Menu
The Memories
We kicked off our Christmas celebration with mass at Ascension Church on Christmas Eve and then dinner at LaBella Pasteria, our family tradition. Our family has been eating dinner at LaBella for over 13 years and I don't see that changing anytime soon! The dinner attendees may change from time to time, but the tradition lives strong. Special thanks to Dave, Ann and Guillermo for making this evening so special every year. We appreciate you sharing your Christmas Eve with us every year.
Although we got a late start Christmas morning, we managed to wash the floors, vacuum the carpets, set the tables, make the Parker House rolls (twice, since the first time I forgot to add the yeast), prepare the appetizers and the pork, have a champagne toast and open presents, all before our guests arrived! Unfortunately, my husband and I were both sick, Christmas being the worst day of our colds. Luckily, we had the entire next day to recover!
The evening went great, the food was delicious, and it was good to see our family. Here is to another great Christmas!
Recipes and Links
Soppressata from West Loop Salumi
Orange Fig Jam sold at Standard Market
Poached Shrimp recipe from Bon Appetit
Spicy Horseradish Cocktail Sauce sold at Whole Foods
Spiced Pork Tenderloin recipe appears on this blog; Apple Bourbon Sauce recipe from Southern Living
Stuffed Shells recipe courtesy of my husband!