I am super excited to be spending the Holidays with my Family this year in my home state of Louisiana.  A region coveted for its beloved cultural traditions, one-of-a-kind food, and people who posses  a unique whimsy for life makes for the perfect Holiday setting.  Scott and I are starting our Holiday festivities in Covington, Louisiana for a visit to the fabulous Del Porto Italian restaurant.  Next, onto New Orleans for the night to meet up with the rest of my Family for a fun night in the Big Easy–a night that will include a dinner at the classic French Quarter gem, Antoine’s.  And there’s more!  In Baton Rouge I have planned a couple of tasty menus to help celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Holidays are all about making memories and spending time with those you love,; that is  on our agenda and I know it is on yours as well! Cheers!

For Christmas Eve this year, we will be having:

Creamy White Bean & Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Served with fresh vegetables for dipping

 Creole Shrimp & Oyster Gumbo

A tomato-based gumbo filled with jumbo shrimp and oysters is served over al dente orzo pasta

Homemade Roasted Garlic Bread

 Harvest Pecan Salad

Mixed greens, sweet yellow bell pepper and sliced apple make for a lovely salad—especially when paired with crumbled blue cheese and a homemade cranberry vinaigrette

 Classic Rice Pudding

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And for Christmas day, the menu will be:

Fresh Figs with Creamy Ricotta Cheese, Honey & Pistachios

  Holiday Beef Tenderloin

A tender, grilled beef tenderloin covered in a mixture of fragrant rosemary and pink peppercorns

 Sweet Potato Stacks with Sage-Browned Butter

 Spinach Madeleine

 Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Roasted along with sweet roasted red peppers

 Coffee-Hazelnut Pie

A modern take on a classic pecan pie—crunchy hazelnuts take the place of pecans in this decadent pie flavored with a touch of coffee liqueur, espresso powder, vanilla and a touch of chocolate-hazelnut spread

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Tagged: Christmas, Christmas Menu, dinner menu, Holiday, holiday menus, menu