La Carte

Leftover snow still rests on non-essential ground, and slick ice forms in low lying areas as slush melts and refreezes each day. In the city, shoveled parking spots are claimed with plastic lawn chair placeholders and dirty, bulldozed snow is piled eight feet high.

After work, Gus and I braved the bitter crowds and bitterer cold to collect ingredients for the ambitious twosome Christmas Eve dinner we have planned. We are still trying to decide between the three services offered by our church - our decision likely lies with where we are in terms of food preparation tomorrow evening. By a stroke of luck, Gus' clinical sight gave him tomorrow off (after all, who schedules surgery for Christmas Eve?) and, since I'm hoping to only work until noon, we should be able to start in early on the oven-centric festivities.

To start, the legacy of Mme Ponsardin will supply the champagne to accompany chicken-liver crostini and pickled herring with crackers. The fish, a Scandinavian tradition, is affectionately referred to as "fish candy" by my Uncle and will serve as a placeholder for my mom's delightful Lutefisk we will miss out on this year. (The tomte won't come if you don't eat your Lutefisk...) For the main course, Noirmoutier Potatoes with Fleur de Sel, Carmelized Brussels Sprouts and the grande dame, Roasted Pheasant Stuffed with Sage and Granny Smith Apples. The birds, currently marinating in sage, olive oil and Greek yogurt, were generously supplied to us by a colleague of Gus' who enjoys hunting the wilds of Pennsylvania in her spare time. To accompany, a taste of home from Adelsheim Vineyard, a 2007 "Elizabeth's Reserve" Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. For dessert, a Caramel Pear Terrine which required a shiny new Charlotte Mold, the purchase of which I was more than happy to oblige.

And so, with provisions unpacked and a last minute grocery list readied for Gus tomorrow, I have a few minutes to spend enjoying the tree and my latest read.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!