I can’t believe it’s Christmas already. The year went by so fast, time seems to have gone three times as fast since I became a mother anyway. Overall it’s been a really good year, but still I can’t wait for 2010. Even though I’m not looking forward to my son starting school this year—the house will be so empty and quiet—it does always feel like a fresh start and clean slate. A new chance to make all your dreams come true.

We’re having a really low-key and intimate Christmas this year. We seldom to never do something official with our second day of Christmas other than shopping anyway—one day of Christmas food and dressing up is more than enough for me. This year I’m opting for “Gourmetten”, ( I can almost see you frown!), it’s a typically Dutch thing for the holidays.

Gourmetten or (raclette) is more of a social meal where everyone makes their own food as they eat it. We use a big grill (a raclette), with small frying pans underneath it. I’ll prepare lots of small pieces of marinated steak bites, mini hamburgers, mini slavinken (seasoned ground beef wrapped in bacon), pork strips, spicy chicken, yummy gambas and mini kabobs. Not to mention loads of crispy French bread, special dipping sauces and a potato salad on the side. The small frying pans are reserved for sautéeing finely chopped leeks, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, melting cheese over your mini burgers and even pancake batter for the munchkin. It’s just a really fun way of having dinner and it can last for hours on end, which is wonderful with a large group of family or friends.

What are you all cooking for Christmas this year? I’m always curious how people celebrate their holidays and what kind of food they’re making. Here are a few of my last-minute dinner suggestions!

 

No Christmas without a good potato gratin.

 


Here’s the potato salad I’ll be making.

 


And I might just throw in these delicious Mezgaldi.

 


These best beets ever really do their name justice.

 


I bet you these creamy Brussels sprouts will convert even the biggest hater!

 


These fragrant easy baked carrots will be a hit for young and old.

 


If all else fails, go for slightly more exotic Mango & Carrots.

 


Faux red lobster biscuits will be appreciated as well, mark my words.

 

 
Whatever you do, make your very own garlic & herb butter, please!

 


And last but not least, raspberry cheesecake brownies, the dessert of champions.

 

The only thing left for me to do is wishing all you great people out there a very merry Christmas. Happy holidays from my family to yours. 

~Kay