Monday, December 21, 2015

Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas

I do love to mull over our family Traditions when the Holidays com around, Christmas Eve Dinner is no exception. When I was growing up, my Mom would usually make a special seafood meal such as Bouillabaisse or Linguini with White Clam Sauce for Christmas Eve, she was really a good cook.  We often said she was a gourmet cook and we did love those gourmet meals. My mother-in-law often made New England Clam Chowder for Christmas Eve, and it was always something everyone looked forward to. As we raised our children, Christmas Eve dinner was different almost every year, and it became a bit of a tradition to thinking up something different each year. We often did something ethnic: Raviolis, Stuffed Shells, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tamales, Shredded Beef Burrito, Enchiladas, Empanadas, Piroshkies, to name a few. Some of those choices have to do with our love of every variety of food, and some have to do with the ethnic variety in our family, which is quite large. Whether you love something simple, something gourmet, something exotic, ethnic or ordinary, there is a special memory that we all attach to Christmas Eve dinner, which always merits a little thought and pleasure in the imagining.  Here are some of the ideas I'm thinking about for Christmas Eve dinner. 




 My daughter in law's family make these at Christmas time, and they are just delicious. Himilce's family has their own recipe, but it is very similar to this one that I linked.

Shredded Beef Burritos


Chili Relleno Casserole


Reuben Sandwich Muffins


Calico Pie

and a few more ideas with links:

Beef Tamales
New England Clam Chowder
Spaghetti with White Clam Sauce
Ravioli's
Lasagna
Seafood Gratin
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Pierogi
Piroshki
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Beef Burgundy
Chicken Piccata


What are you all fixing up for Christmas Eve?  I would love to hear your stories and ideas. Wishing you a special week full of memories and happy preparations for a Merry Christmas.

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11 comments:

  1. God's Grace OverflowsDecember 21, 2015 at 3:08 PM

    Oh my...all those sound YUMMY! We eat dinner with Roxy and Danny and this year we are doing a Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with a few different appetizers. And then I'm making another Chocolate Decadent Cake for dessert. I think it will just be delightful!
    Will you be here or in Florida for Christmas? Enjoy your family!
    Merry Christmas Pam and please give Steve a great BIG Hug from all of us!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. PamDecember 21, 2015 at 8:01 PM

      Your Christmas Eve sounds so cozy together... and the meal sounds delicious! I should add it to the list above. We will be in Florida. We are looking so forward to the little vacation, not to mention the girls and those little grandsons. I will definitely give Steve that Hug.... same to you; Hugs to all.

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  2. CinnamonDecember 21, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    Pam!!! Yum!!! Can I just come eat with you? Oh my goodness! Everything looks delicious. Again, you've made me hungry. Literally mouth watering right now :-)

    I love looking at your site as I prepare a meal. Many times I set my computer on the counter top as I browse through your blog. Looking for recipes and then making them. Always a hit!!

    Thank you for sharing~ Cinnamon

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    1. PamDecember 23, 2015 at 5:53 AM

      Oh, thanks Cinnamon.... that is so sweet. I love to think of it. Such a compliment, especially since I think of your family as the cozy family I love being a part of through your blog. Hugs.

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  3. Anne PayneDecember 22, 2015 at 7:28 AM

    Yum! My mom always made Chili Relleno Casserole at Christmas. I haven't had that in years! I'm not sure what we're having yet. Soup sounds good except the weather is going to be warm and not cold. BooHoo. :-)

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    1. PamDecember 23, 2015 at 5:55 AM

      Thanks for stopping in Anne. Yes, we are actually in Florida as I speak... it is fairly warm; We are thinking of having Linguini with Clam Sauce, I haven't had that in years either, since my Mom last made it. Merry Christmas.

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  4. living from glory to gloryDecember 24, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Gretings, And it is Christmas Eve and I am making a Chicken and Broccli and cheese casserole topped with croutons and of course the french onions crispies...
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
    Happy New Year, Blessings, Roxy

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    1. PamDecember 26, 2015 at 10:27 AM

      That sounds delicious Rox; Thats a great idea. I can just picture you all together, and what a cozy evening it will be.

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  5. CamilleDecember 26, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Merry Christmas my friend! Your photos (I always say this) are SO yummy! :) Your traditions sound lovely....your family is blessed. We always do a special dinner of appetizers and finish with Devon cream tea (scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam) in front of a roaring fire on Christmas Eve....it's one of our family's favourite traditions. Big Hugs to you! Love, Camille

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    1. PamDecember 26, 2015 at 10:28 AM

      I love your traditions Camille. We were just talking about an appetizer dinner for Christmas eve... might have to do that next year. Love that you finish with a cream tea; so cozy and a really special tradition.
      Hugs,
      Pam

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    2. UnknownMarch 21, 2016 at 1:09 AM

      Christmas is centered to family get together. I make it a point to prepare something special on the table. I usually refer to http://www.Mealplans4thefamily.com/ for family dinner ideas to add some twists. It has been useful ever since.

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