News of West Coast snowfall drifted towards our attention in the days leading up to the holiday from family and friends. Meanwhile, a green Christmas was predicted for Ontario, with previously fallen precipitation receding steadily.
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I again refrained from vacation requests over the two-week ̶s̶h̶u̶t̶d̶o̶w̶n̶ slowdown period, for restrictions had been enforced and dangers of travel were intensified once more.
The days leading up to the holiday were filled with fatigued fingers from endless dishwashing and an overload of sweet treats on the kitchen table. Needless to say, there was little work completed during this time - neglected duties that I shall either experience the wrath of with the coming of the new year, or not at all.
The days leading up to the holiday were filled with fatigued fingers from endless dishwashing and an overload of sweet treats on the kitchen table. Needless to say, there was little work completed during this time - neglected duties that I shall either experience the wrath of with the coming of the new year, or not at all.
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Variety of sustenance was limited in the 36 hours leading up to the grand supper.
Egg and potato salad was constructed to combat a vacant, pre-feast fridge. Two week-old Yukon Golds and a portion of Little Gems were blanched and combined with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, Miracle Whip, and a healthy squeeze of wasabi. Sandy sugar cookies occupied whatever stomach space remained.
Egg and potato salad was constructed to combat a vacant, pre-feast fridge. Two week-old Yukon Golds and a portion of Little Gems were blanched and combined with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, Miracle Whip, and a healthy squeeze of wasabi. Sandy sugar cookies occupied whatever stomach space remained.
My involvement with the spread had been minimal. Beyond a rapid chopping of vegetables and reserving two of seven soft-boiled eggs, there was little effort requested of me. I could sit this one out, thankfully.
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My efforts were concentrated into preparation of the side dishes instead.
A tray of sweet red and yellow bell peppers and the prettier Little Gems had been tossed in olive oil, Himalayan pink sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, prepared for roasting alongside the turkey. Alas, given the 12-pound bird's low-and-slow cooking process, thirty minutes at 325 F was simply insufficient in rendering fork-tender potatoes.
A tray of sweet red and yellow bell peppers and the prettier Little Gems had been tossed in olive oil, Himalayan pink sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, prepared for roasting alongside the turkey. Alas, given the 12-pound bird's low-and-slow cooking process, thirty minutes at 325 F was simply insufficient in rendering fork-tender potatoes.
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Not to be exempt from our annual assortment were zucchini cooked in butter (and this time, garlic powder as well) and a fruit cocktail salad topped with egg. Blanched baby carrots were also provided for casual munching.
Despite inflation, we continued the tradition of Shrimp Cocktail Platter. Our proactiveness was not rewarded however, for the price dropped an additional dollar following our purchase.
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This year marked the first of turkey successes. Neither dry nor tough, a splendid suppleness was observed throughout the allotments for devouring. The breast was surprisingly tender, adopting distinct delineation from the rigid sections of certain years', while the drumsticks could be removed with ease. Some previous attempts had seen gushing of blood instead of flowing of clear juices; this Christmas saw the latter.
White meat proved leaner, readily accepting the richer drizzle of aromatic juices. The dark meat of the drumsticks was well-seasoned and denser, contrasting fantastically with the sweet-tart composition of (canned) cranberry sauce.
In terms of gifts, the quantity of physical offerings have undoubtedly diminished over the years. No longer do I spend upwards of an hour peeling away at Santa- and penguin-adorned wrapping paper, then bundling it up for disposal. Presents have transitioned to an electronic format - one that I grumble not about, especially if it entails redeemable credits or cash funds.
Having said that, my personal preference is to send items of use to friends and family, shipped directly where possible to alleviate the struggles of transit. I was taken back when the regular gift-givers in my circle exhibited forgetfulness (or adamant denial for material exchange), and perhaps even more so at the unexpected wrapping paper that landed in my hands a week before the holiday.
A custom-designed Sulley and Snoopy mug had me in absolute awe. From the purple background with waves to the java-appropriate size (15 oz.!) to the sighting of two of my most adored characters, there wasn't a single reason not to smile.
There is also no shortage of chocolate in our household. And though I am not opposed to having more options, I am often rudely reminded that not all varieties are in agreement with my body. (Apparently, not all Swiss chocolate are digested the same.)
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