Each family seems to have a unique way of celebrating Christmas Eve–the magical night before Christmas that has such a special feeling to it.  Whether it is opening presents by a fire, reading a holiday story aloud to friends and family, or attending a candlelight service, traditions are abundant this time of year.  Our family traditions on Christmas Eve have always included a candlelight service at our church in Baton Rouge, sharing gifts between family members, glasses of Wassail, and most importantly, a delicious dinner menu.  Ever since I can remember, Christmas Eve dinner was designed around my Dad making his famous bean soup.  A twelve-bean soup that he soaked overnight and to which he added in Andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and herbs.  Served with his homemade cornbread and followed by my Mom’s family recipe for decadent rice pudding, these traditions are ones that we welcomed each and every year.  Over the past few years, I have kept this tradition alive, but put a special spin on it.

This is our first time to celebrate Christmas together in Atlanta as opposed to Baton Rouge.  Even though our scenery will be a bit different, the traditions, magic and soup will be abundant.  I continue to design our Christmas Eve menus around soup, not necessarily bean soup each year, but a large pot of soul-warming soup of any kind, that helps jump start the Holiday. This year’s menu for Christmas Eve amongst friends and family includes:

Savory Brie with Assorted Crackers

A warmed round of Brie cheese topped with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pecans and fresh herbs

 

Seafood Gumbo

A traditional seafood gumbo filled with okra, shrimp, crab meat, and fresh oysters

 

Herb Popovers

Airy rolls filled with a mixture of fresh herbs

 

Braised Turnip Greens with Turnips & Apples

Tender turnip greens cooked with diced turnips and sweet apples

 

Rice Pudding

My Mother’s family recipe– creamy, custardy rice pudding

 

Whatever your traditions may be, I hope you enjoy each and every minute of the magical evening!

 

Tagged: Christmas, Christmas Eve, holiday menus, rice pudding, soup