Monkey Bread and Mimosas - a Christmas tradition

Through the years we've altered the recipe a bit, here are a few suggestions:

- Dip the raised dough in melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar

- No need for evaporated milk

- Top raw monkey bread with a drizzle of Karo syrup

Let it rise.

A decadent start to any morning.

And it's gone.

Until next year...

Our flight was cancelled and with limited travel options until after the New Year, I have a few extra days in Colorado to cook, eat, wine and dine.

It's snack time, and we're having bacon wrapped dates with blanched almonds.

I start by pitting the dates, cutting a slice down the length of the fruit, and replacing the pit with an almond.

Then using about 1/3 - 1/2 a slice of bacon, tightly wrap the date and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

So very delicious, quick, and easy.

Phase 2: Colicchio suggests cooking the braised ribs in a cast iron casserole dish.
I couldn't find the suggested cookware so instead used a large pot with an oven friendly top.

Mashed taters...

Constantly checking, rotating, mixing, and turning

The meat was so tender the bones just fell out

No potato masher? Use a bottle of wine.

Per the recipes suggestion I strained all the veggies and herbs for a smooth gravy.
I think next time I will leave some of the onions and carrots in for added texture

Waiting...patientely...

The beef was served over mashed potatoes with a generous serving of gravy.

A perfect Christmas Eve dinner.

Bon Appetit from Mile High.

Merry Christmas Eve Dinner - Braised Short Ribs are on the menu, and I'm ready to cook!

Phase 1: Prep work began the night before allowing the ribs to marinate for 24 hours. Yum.

4.5 lbs of flanken (cut perpendicular to the bone) beef short ribs

A good way to reference your recipe and spill on your computer.

My Aunt was a great kitchen helper, chopping, cleaning, slicing, dicing, and pouring wine.

Short ribs are seared, and the veggies are browning.

Wine for the ribs.

Wine for me.

Until tomorrow....

Breakfast in a pinch - Egg in a Basket with blackberry jam!

Feeling the effects of vodka soda I set out to make a filling, fueling morning meal.

Wine glasses can be used for more than just wine!

Butter = healthy right?

A delicious way to start the morning, and pretty filling too.

Merry Christmas Eve!