Christmas Dinner 2017

Sue hosted our family's Christmas dinner again this year. Once again we over did things, as is family tradition. Below we are posting photos of our meal and we have included links to recipes and how-to's where applicable. 

Sue and I hope you had a great holiday season and look forward to sharing more recipes and fun with you in 2018! If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

This year our Turkey was a masterpiece. Our nephew, Jordan, and Sue's hubby, Rob, deep fried it! This was probably the best turkey I have ever eaten. Not even lying. I've uploaded some video that Jordan shared on Snapchat - sorry about the swear on the one, I couldn't take it off! lol

Jordan and Sue's husband, Rob, took a lot of safety precautions to make sure there was no turkey accidents. They did it outside in the middle of the yard wearing some welding equipment. We are nothing if not cautious!

(above) Putting the turkey in the oil. 

(above) Taking it out after 35 minutes

(above) Walking it to the tray.

(above) Admiring the end result. Notice the extra steam as it was -17 out that night. 

Everyone in the family gets excited to try new recipes and cooking methods.... especially when there is danger involved. 

It pays to have a professional butcher in the family!

The light and dark meat were sooooo moist and the skin was ridiculously crispy. 

Jordan and his big brother, Travis, also brought our mom and dad a duck from their hunting trip.

We roasted it for Boxing Day lunch. It was tasty too. 

Aaaaaand..... of course, we had to have some super moist and delicious ham for dinner as well. 

Normally ham is my favorite but that turkey was amazing. 

Our sister, Orra, brought some salt & pepper ribs. We do love to have options...

For the sides - Sue made these super cheesy mashed potatoes which were heavenly. 

And, speaking of potatoes, Rob thought it would be a good idea to cook some home fries in the oil after the turkey was done cooking. Turns out he has some fabulous ideas sometimes. 

Sue also made some bacon wrapped roasted yams and Brussels sprouts. Needless to say there were no leftovers. 

We went with Stove Top Stuffing instead of homemade this year. I love Stove Top - probably even more so than homemade, which is weird because 99% off the time homemade is better. #notinthiscasethough

Orra also brought ambrosia salad - side or dessert - either works for me!

Orra also tried to healthy us up a bit with some yummy green salad and tangy vinaigrette. Tried being the word to focus on there.....

The turkey gravy was also fantabulous this year, as always, Sue is an excellent gravy maker!

Along with chips and deviled eggs and a pickle tray and garlic stuffed olives it was a pretty good spread. Of course, it's not Christmas without desserts!

We decorated some sugar cookies this year - Sue even held a cookie decorating party which was tons of fun. You can check out our Instagram (joandsue on Instagram) for photos from the cookie party. 

We used the recipe for our Halloween Sugar Cookies and Icing - click HERE for link. 

I made Butter Tart Cookies (Recipe HERE) that were a huge success. 

Christmas Crackle was also on the menu this year. Who can resist this crunchy caramel-y treat? Not me, that's who. Click HERE for the recipe. 

Another favorite this year? Old Fashioned Soft Molasses Cookies. I'm noticing I have a lot of favorites. I may have a problem.... (Click HERE for the recipe)

I also made Creamsicle Shooters. They are super-de-duper easy (1 (4 serving size) pkg of vanilla pudding, 1 (15 oz) can of Mandarin oranges, half drained, and 1 container (about 2 cups) Cool Whip. Beat together with an electric mixer and put in shooter glasses, top with a mandarin slice and chill at least 2 hours before serving. They can be made a day ahead and stored, covered, in the fridge. 

I started out making a berry pavlova but my meringue fell apart. Not one to give up, I threw a bunch of ingredients together and came up with these Angel Food Dream Cups. Sometimes fails can turn into wins! (Click HERE for the recipe!)

I made a Traditional Christmas Pudding and absolutely fell in love. (Click HERE for recipe) 

No more store bought for me!

Lastly I made a Cinnamon Cheesecake Pie. It was a cross between and a pie and a cheesecake and was lovely. Definitely something you want to try if you are looking for something different! Click HERE for recipe! 

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that 2018 brings you happiness, health, and peace!

We hope you will come back and visit us again. :)