Merry Christmas Dinner

I have been waiting for Tawna to post about her sweet gift this year to our family. I know she is a busy chick and hasn't had two minutes to post about it, but I hope she will as her experience and pictures are different than mine. Instead of a gift under the tree, she and Nathan gave us all an invitation to dinner on a date in January. She elected to have it here at Pop's because there was room for all 14 of us. The party was for all the brother's and sister's, Grumpy and me.

What an incredible evening. She and Nathan went all out. The menu was really fabulous and included three appetizers, a soup course, the entree of meat fondue complete with several dipping sauces with a side of vegetables a la tempura and twice baked potatoes. She prepared everything most carefully, and only let Jade and I help when we insisted. After cuisine excellente, we retired to the living room and played Mafia. For a family full of people who don't like the rules, we did okay in the long run. It took a few rounds for some us to finally get the hang of it, and we were a rowdy group. The very best, she saved for last. She had baked Creme Brulee and had Nathan get out his torch to crisp the sugared tops to a golden brown. I have referred to her as a domestic goddess, with good reason. Many of the dishes she prepared for us were a first time experience for her. She is not afraid to try new things, we are happy to be her test group.

The best thing of all is the memory we all have now of a great time together, enjoying food, fun and happy times. She says she is going to make this her traditional gift to us at Christmas, and Grumpy and I are very much looking forward to that every year. I can't think of anything better than a gift that makes everyone look forward to getting it each year. I wish I had thought of it.



Dinner prep after Jade and I made ourselves fixtures in the kitchen. We had a great time talking and laughing while we made stuff. The kitchen is the best room in the house.



Three of the dipping sauces: Sweet and sour sauce, hot mustard, and creamy cucumber dill dip. We also added some A-1 sauce and of course Nana's BBQ sauce. Truly five star dining.



Cooking and dining. Fondue is a great choice if you want people to take time to converse. Everyone had a great time talking while our bits of meat and vegetables were cooking.






It's not often we see Summer laugh like this. We had so much fun killing each other and playing detective. Crazy group.



I wish I had gotten pictures of Nathan with his torch preparing dessert. Thanks Tawna and Nathan for such an Enchanted Evening. We will cherish this memory always.