Christmas Eve Extravaganza!

 

Happy Holidays everyone!! I hope it was full of friends family and good times! I wasn't able to visit family this year but I was lucky to be surrounded by wonderful friends. I woke up yesterday morning totally excited to cook. I was really tempted to skip the gym but I have to say, I was really glad I ended up going. I did a 90 minute power cardio workout! I knew since there would be lots of treats and good drinks some extra minutes in the gym would do me good! I blew through about 650 calories! Wahoo!

Now on to the good stuff…

Everyone came out around 4ish and I started off by making some appetizers for everyone.

There was some tomato basil bread pudding with a basil cream and balsamic reduction.

Then I made some artichoke and roasted red pepper bruschetta on crostinis. (bad pic…)

Lentil Pate on Endive with cranberries (a take on the traditional liver pate, vegan and delicious!)

Then I just had a veggie platter and some shrimp and cocktail sauce as well.

I finally got to put together my cookie tray as well!

Complete with plenty of raw balls. (they were all gone by the end of the night!)

More random pics..

Then finally after much wine and appetizers it was time for dinner! My friend Di made an excellent turkey!

Followed by some roasted root veggies (these always make an apperance at my holiday parties!)

Sauteed green beans..

and mashed potatoes which I actually didnt have a picture of. Ah well=)

I also made some of the chickpea cutlets from Veganomicon (which are amazing!!)

Overall it was tons of fun! Im so glad I had wonderful friends to share the holiday season with!! Although I have to say my holiday was complete with this gift from my husband. I found under the tree….

A banana bunker!! hhahaha. Im totally excited. I have to say I couldnt stop laughing.

 

 

and also an amazing new camera=)

Complete with tons of different lenses and all kinds of good stuff. Im going to be a picture taking machine! Im so excited!!

Sorry to be a bit MIA, the holidays have kept me quite busy but Im ready to get back to some regular posting time. I was recently graced with an award and I’ll be sharing that soon!

Anyways I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday!  I cannot wait to hear all about it!! What was your favorite dish you or someone else you know made this holiday season?

Take care!! xoxo!!