Christmas Dinner 2016

Menu

Ham

Scalloped Potatoes

Special Green Beans

Apple Salad

Green Salad

Crescent Rolls

Ham
1 large ham 
cook according to directions on packaging - usually 20-30 minutes per pound in a 350F oven.
I cover with foil except for the last 30 minutes, which is when I put on the glaze.  For glaze recipes click here. 

Scalloped Potatoes

4 large baker potatoes, thoroughly washed

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

3 cups sharp/medium cheddar cheese

3 tbsp butter (not margarine)

3 tbsp AP flour

1 1/2 cups 2% milk

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp dried parsley flakes

2 tbsp chives, chopped and/or fresh parsley, chopped, for topping (optional)

Slice potatoes thinly, with or without skin, (I prefer using a Mandolin or food processor for this).  Place in "Microcooker" or other microwave steamer (you can also use a microwave-safe bowl partially covered with plastic wrap) with 2 tbsp water. Cook in microwave on high for 7 minutes, or until ALMOST done. You may have to do this in 2 batches.

To make sauce, melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in flour with a whisk (that is safe for non-stick, such as silicone coated). Reduce to low heat and let cook for about 2 minutes or until there is a nutty aroma. Increase temp back to medium-high, and stir in milk. Add 2 cups cheese, 1/2 cup at a time, letting each batch melt before adding more. After all cheese is incorporated, add in seasonings and parsley. Taste sauce, add salt and/or pepper if necessary. Take off heat. THIS WILL HARDEN/THICKEN UP QUICKLY! MAKE WHEN READY TO ASSEMBLE CASSEROLE!

To assemble, in a greased 9 in square baking dish or 2 qt casserole dish, layer potatoes, then cheese sauce, and continue until you run out of potatoes, about 4 layers. On the top layer, spread any remaining sauce and top with the other 1 cup of cheese. If baking immediately, bake at 350F for 30 minutes, or until cheese on top is browned and potatoes are completely cooked. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Serve with with chopped chives and/or parsley.

Special Green Beans: 
1/2 lb bacon

2 lb Fresh Green Beans
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 sliced almonds, if desired
Boil or steam the green beans until tender but not mushy. Dice bacon and cook crispy. Drain. Toss together with toasted almond slices, salt and pepper.

Apple Salad
1/2 cup cool whip
1 (4-5 oz) cup plain or vanilla/honey greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups apples, diced
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
Mix yogurt, cool whip and vanilla in a large bowl until incorporated. Stir in apples and nuts. Enjoy cold.

Caramel Cake

This is a dense but moist and delicious cake!

3 cups AP flour

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups dark brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

5 large eggs

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup milk

In a standing mixer: Cream butter and sugar until lightened and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, mix until combined. Add flour, baking powder, salt. Mix until combined. Whip batter for 1 minute. Pour into greased and floured bundt cake.

Bake 325F for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown and a tooth pick comes out from the middle clean.

Allow to cool completely. Invert onto a stand or platter. Drizzle with caramel syrup.