Christmas Dinner

My parents came to Seattle for Christmas this year! So, since it was just the five of us (and I could mess up a little in front of the 'rents, Adam and Addy), I decided to try a completely new menu for Christmas dinner. I've included some of the recipes below. We had prime rib (which was something that I was completely intimidated about), the sides below and rounded the whole thing out with a green salad. The meat took a little longer to cook than anticipated, but other than that, I think that it was an ok menu. =)


Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Yields: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:
4 large baking potatoes
8 slices bacon
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar
cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
4. When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; save skins. To the potato flesh add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 the green onions. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.
5. Bake for another 15 minutes.

Ratings: Adam ****, Melanie ****1/2


Oriental Green Bean Salad
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 20 Minutes
Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 slices fresh ginger root, minced
1 dried red chile pepper
3/4 pound chopped fresh green beans
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pan or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and chile pepper. As the garlic and ginger begin to sweat, add beans, toss to mix, cover and reduce heat. Steam for 5-8 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of water if necessary.
2. Remove cover, increase heat to high; add soy and oyster sauce and stir for two minutes more or until sauce thickens. Serve warm.

Ratings: Adam **1/2, Melanie ** (though the beans were a little over cooked because of the meat not being done on time. We may try this recipe later - without the overdone-ness and then re-rate.)


Skillet Rolls
Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Yields: 24 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 degrees to 115 degrees)
1 cup warm buttermilk* (110 to 115 degrees F)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS:
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the buttermilk, butter, sugar, salt, baking soda and egg. Beat until blended. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead for 5 minutes. Divide into 24 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Grease a 12-in. ovenproof skillet and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place rolls in prepared pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes. Drizzle butter over rolls. Bake at 375 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from skillet to a wire rack to cool.

Ratings: Adam ****, Melanie *****