Our Christmas Feast

This Christmas was the most relaxing, low key dinner we've had since we've lived in Denver. It was wonderful. We didn't have any friends or family over. Normally, it's a little stressful trying to clean up the Christmas mess and then cook for a crowd. It wasn't until this year that I realized how much work it was and how stressed I would get in order to have my home look perfect. This year it was just us and a gentleman from church, who just like family to us now. I asked the children what they wanted to eat and they named their favorite dishes and even offered to help prepare them.

I have a thing for rolls. When my brother and sister-in-law came out for Thanksgiving several years ago, Nikara helped me make dinner and we made these rolls. They've been my favorite recipe ever since. I've tweaked it just a little, and the best thing about these rolls is that you can have them made, and hot out of the oven in about an hour.

This "Pink" Salad is a favorite in our family. I could never get away without making it. Though it looks orange and contains orange Jello we call it Pink Salad. I have no idea why. It's just what we do.

I've made this corn casserole as a side for different soups as well as just special meals. It's always been received well and even requested by a few who have had it. It's a Paula Deen recipe, so you know it's loaded with buttery goodness. ;)

Cheesy potatoes is also a winner in our home, but really, who doesn't love cheesy potatoes, right? The recipe I always use when making this came from a dear friend our family got to know while we were on vicarage in Indiana. I always think of her when I make this.

No big holiday meal would be complete without the standard green bean casserole, right? I hate to admit it, but I LOVE french fried onions.

We had a nice variety of adult beverages to choose from. Our church member supplied the port, vodka, and coffee liqueur, while I thought it was time to pop open the Almond bubbly from Texas!

Dessert was even pretty simple. We still have a ton of pumpkins from our garden. I'm a little slow at getting them baked, so I finally got a little pumpkin puree made just before Christmas. My freezer is now stocked! We enjoyed some Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes with out Dark and White Russians. It was a very nice and relaxing evening. It may even turn out to be a new tradition for us. How was your Christmas dinner?