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Happy Christmas! That's what they say here in London where we're visiting our daughter and her family. It's funny how quickly you adapt to small things. It seemed so strange at first to hear "Happy Christmas"( instead of "Merry Christmas") from just about everyone we've run into, but that's what we're saying now too.
Is your holiday menu all set? We'll be braving the elements today, stopping at the butcher for our traditional Christmas pork loin and the nearby farmer's market for fresh veggies. I'll also be baking a Christmas cake with the children. We're doing a red, white and green version of my Kaleidoscope Cake with a White Candy Cane Icing. I think the girls will love the fun, easy technique.
Knowing you're down to the wire with holiday preparations, I'm sharing a delightful recipe that I love to serve; not only at holiday meals, but anytime we have a dinner party. It's actually more of a trick than a recipe, but don't worry, it only takes a few minutes. Everyone seems to love this small touch and it can be adapted to compliment whatever you're serving. Check it out on our post over at PARADE Magazine:
P.S. Have a blessed holiday. We'll be taking a bit of time off from the blog to enjoy the family. Check back before New Year's for some great recipes for entertaining, as well as lighter post-holiday fare. Perhaps Scott will be able to pull out the camera and shoot a bit of festive London if the weather calms down. Until then, ............... Happy Christmas!!
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I hope your Christmas was the happiest ever!
How lovely to be in London with your daughter at Christmas, Chris! Hope it was amazing! Wishing you a Blessed and Happy New Year!
Hi Chris, This is a very random question for you, but I am looking for the name of a particular restaurant that you like in London. You have written about it several times and I think that you even mentioned that you have a cookbook from the restaurant as well. I have searched your blog, but can't find the posts where you write you it. Could you tell me what the name of the restaurant is? My parents are going to London in May and I wanted to tell them about it. Thank you, Meredith
Hi Meredith, oh yes, you definitely want to tell them to go to Ottolenghi. There are several Ottolenghis in London and he and his partner have written 3 fabulous cook books. Most of his places here are more like deli/cafés, fabulous but quite casual. There is also a restaurant he opened called Nopi. It's in the heart of London and is very nice for fancier dining.
Thank you for responding and for the information!
Meredith
Hope you, Scott and the whole family had a very happy Christmas! Enjoy your little break...you deserve it!
Happy Christmas to you! This butter is just gorgeous!
Congratulations on being featured in Parade Magazine, Chris!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family!
A very Merry Christmas to you and all the family!
Enjoy your vacation Chris and have a blessed Christmas time, lots of joy and peace for you and your family!
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Chris xx
Compound butter is such good stuff! I usually have some in my freezer always. I hope you and your family are having a happy, happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, chris and happy holidays!
Happy christmas to you
I'll definitly try your technique! And have a Merry Merry Christmas Chris!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas Chris-enjoy:@)
Happy new year and enjoy the holidays 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Chris!
Merry Christmas Chris. Thank you for all of your support this year. Blessings to you and your family through the coming year.
Have a great holiday girl! Enjoy it and take some time to relax!
I do know that you will definitely have a Happy Christmas in London with your family. Enjoy every moment.
Hope you have a great holiday. Love these pictures. I just tried that fantastic pomegranate de-seeding technique you posted a while back. It blew me away. Immediately had to call my M-i-L and share with here because we usually spend 45 minutes de-seeding one (or two or three) over the holidays.
Have a wonderful time with your family!
Thanks for sharing that Debra. That's exactly how I was when I first tried it, so excited and now we eat so many more poms than in the past 🙂 Have a blessed Christmas!
Your compound butter sounds fantastic and the pomegranate arils give it a very festive look. Happy Christmas to you and your family Chris.
Sam
Fun ways to dress up butter! Great photos as always.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Amen!!! I also want a Christmas that whispers Jesus...praising him for all He has done for us! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Chris!
Enjoy your holiday with your family!!! I could only imagine how beautiful it must be in London this time of year! Happy Christmas to you and your family!! Cheers!
MERRY CHRISTmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!