Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas Dinner

Right after the wedding my parents left for Italy. Johnny and I came back to North Carolina with my brother and his girlfriend, Claire. We had a really low-key Christmas with just my God daughter and her family, us, and my brother. I loved the small Christmas. It was really fun company and just enough food to feed us, without going overboard with a gazillion sides and stress.

My brother cooked Christmas dinner, so no recipes, just sharing the day in photos!

First, he rinsed off the duck that had been brining for 48 hours.

Then, he scored the skin so the fat could render as it cooked.

Our first course was ...cheese. Just cheese. Lyn brought cheese, Michael brought cheese, and I had cheese. It was pounds and pounds of all kinds. Salami wrapped provolone, goat cheese, baked brie, and sharp cheddars.

Michael brought this wine all the way from California to share with us. He has been storing it for 4 years in a cellar, so we were really excited about it.

He was really proud of this "crust." Apparently it's sediment, and meant he stored it correctly on its side? He told me to take a picture, so I obliged...

All of the meal in progress-- busy kitchen!

The duck resting.

Awesome, crispy skin.

Really cute presentation. Legs, thighs, breasts, then wings.

My god daughter, Marissa, led us in prayer.

Then the family was ready to chow down!

The roasted duck with red wine cherry gravy.

Roasted teeny tiny potatoes with onions and garlic.

White wine braised kale with bacon.

The wine continued to flow...

...which led to funny faces...

...and new brother-in-law love!

After dinner, we went down the road to show the girls a really over-the-top decorated house. It's been on The Today Show and HGTV.

The Newlyweds!

Merry Christmas! :)

11 comments:

Kim said...

LMAO! Love the new line in your comments. Can I get Johnny to sign the photo as well? =)

So thrilled to read you had a wonderful Christmas. Your bro and Johnny are hysterical. Love it! Cheers to a great 2012!

Christina said...

haha Kim I've had that since I started the blog in 2009 ;)

Dawn said...

The duck looks AMAZING!!! I totally want to try it sometime. Looks like everyone had a fantastic time and it's great that your new husband and brother get along SO well!!! LOL :)

fittingbackin said...

great pics! Those bro in laws are SUPER close. haha The duck looks awesome - so crispy!

sophia said...

Aw, what a sweet, intimate dinner. Christina, that skin...oh that skin!!!!! It looks swell!!

We need to gchat or something soon! I want to hear all about the wedding! Email me! :D

Errign said...

Yay happy photos :) I really love your glasses!

Biz said...

OMG, your brothers face kills in all these pictures - so fun!

I've never had duck, but it looks amazing!!

Hey, low key is nice every once in a while :D

Roz @ weightingfor50 said...

Hi Christina. I'm FINALLY catching up on blog reading. First of all, HUGE HUGE congratulations on your marriage. You looked STUNNING. Can't wait for more photos. Looks like you had a great Christmas. All the best to you and Johnny - I know 2012 will be a great year. hugs.

Obat Mata Minus said...

nice post...

Jenn@slim-shoppin said...

It's like your parents going on a honeymoon after your wedding!

That duck looks amazing!

Happy New Year to you and Johnny!

mommy said...

Dear Jenn--true! this yr is 30 yrs of marriage in June so we said let's do it! I love looking at these pictures and my kids are a joy! I thank God everyday for them:)