Yes, I’m still around…though not posting much and I offer apologies to everyone for my absence. Christmas is such a busy time for me because on top of the holiday, I’m also planning my daughter’s birthday blow-out. I’m woefully behind on everything. I also just got back from a super fantastic trip to Orlando with my whole family. Yes, Disney was involved. We had a blast, but now we’re all scrambling to get ready for the holiday. My cell phone ran out of power twice today! Hopefully, by the time you read this, I’ll be done with my shopping…but as of 7:43pm last night, I was not done.
Yesterday morning, I went to my aunt’s to roll deviled crabs for Christmas Eve. (I realize that these are pretty much a Tampa delicacy…they’re basically spicy crab croquettes. Tampa used to be famous for our blue crab and I think my love for these is an offshoot of that time in my childhood when we’d go out into the bay at midnight on a full moon to net the crabs ourselves.) Then I ran home and cleaned up so my sister in law and I could make flan. My grandmother used to make the flan, but after she died, my SIL and I took over. We used to drink frou-frou drinks while we made them (it takes a LONG TIME to caramelize all that sugar,) but learned last year that they actually come out better when we’re sober. Darn it. So we drank diet root beer. We don’t know how they turn out until we take them out of the flan pan tomorrow. I have back up desserts, just in case.
My “famous” dessert is a peaches and cream bread pudding that I learned how to make in a cooking class in New Orleans. I usually save left-over Cuban bread all year, freezing it when we have some left over to make into Christmas Eve dessert. However, this year, my daughter discovered her latent love for Cuban toast. We now have no leftovers! I had to go to my mother and sister in law’s to pick up theirs. We eat a lot of Cuban bread around these parts. (It was invented in Tampa…did you know that? NOT Miami! Or Havana, LOL!)
So today, as you read this, I’ll be cooking. A lot. I’m also going to try and make cookies. I’ve never done that before, but I got this great recipe via Diana Peterfreund by way of Pioneer Woman and though I did NOT pay $12 for ground cardamom, I suspect they will be tasty nonetheless. I’m substituting with nutmeg. (Edited to add: a neighbor actually had cardamom and let me have a 1/4 teaspoon for the recipe. Will report back!)
On top of it all, I’m not pleased with one present I bought for my niece and I think I have to take it back. And I forgot my brother’s birthday…again. It’s Christmas Day, poor guy.
So…what last minute things are you doing? How do you spend Christmas Eve? Ours (if you haven’t guessed) is celebrated as Noche Buena…the Cuban Christmas Eve. We have roasted pork, black beans and rice, plantanos (fried plaintains), deviled crabs, flan and about a hundred other appetizers and desserts. We’re forty this year. On Christmas day, we go Italian. Manicotti, sausage, meatballs, spaghetti, cassata and cannoli. Okay, I bought cannoli and there is a very good chance it won’t survive until Christmas.
Let the calories begin!
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The winner of a copy of REACTION TIME from Alannah Lynne (Monday’s blog) is #36 Caffey! Caffey, you can contact Alannah at alannah@alannahlynne.com to retrieve your prize! Congratulations!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Poor Julie. Normally, I’m in your shoes. This year, all the presents are bought, wrapped and under the tree, the stocking stuffers are divided up, and home-made rolls made for the neighborhood (but two not delivered yet as they weren’t home). I don’t know what to do with my Christmas Eve.
We normally have lasagna for Christmas Eve dinner with traditional dinner ( :gobbler: dressing, giblet gravy, etc.) This year, the in-laws have gone vegan, the future in-laws are coming Christmas afternoon and I was told I was in charge. Bwahahaha. Tonight is pizza from Murphy’s – they make it to order, you bring it home and bake it. Christmas morning brings my homemade cinnamon rolls and Mimosas (OJ and champagne). Christmas lunch? Turkey breast for sandwiches (the best part of the turkey as far as my immediate family is concerned) and pumpkin pie. Dinner? Lasagna with homemade dinner rolls. I’ll make as much and freeze today as I can. And clean house.
My mother had a tradition of saying “Christmas Eve gift!” when she answered the phone or saw someone for the first time during the day. I have no clue why. She passed a year ago October. And since I’m first to comment (yay insomnia :hairpull )…
CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT, jungle buddies! Have a safe and happy holiday season no matter which one you celebrate.
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Gah. This is what I get for typing on three hours sleep. Traditional dinner comes mid-afternoon on Christmas Day. *headdesk* *crawls back into bed and hopes for more sleep*
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Just doing a quick drive-by to wish everyone Happy Holidays! I hope they are extra special this year and that the time is spent with loved ones. Be safe & happy. Hugs to you all :flower4you:
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My car is packed up to go to my dad’s at lunchtime(my office is open until noon). I have everything wrapped and ready to put under the tree, and I’ll deliver 2 rum cakes as soon as I get to town.
We always have my dad’s homemade pizza for Christmas Eve dinner. We take one to my grandmother and then we go to the 11:00 church service. I love it because we are in church when Christmas begins. My brother is driving from Omaha to West TN this afternoon(looks like he won’t get in until after 1 am). In the morning we will have breakfast casserole, hashbrown casserole, and cinnamon rolls. Tomorrow night we will have our traditional Christmas meal(country ham, 2-3 casseroles, salad, rolls, and chocolate chess pie for dessert). I’ll drive home tomorrow night just to drive back to the hometown after work on Friday.
We are having Christmas twice this year. My cousins won’t be in until late Friday, so we are having a second Christmas day on Saturday. This will be the first year in over 10 that my brother, sister and I will be together around Christmas. I can’t wait!
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“Christmas Eve Gift!” (I like it Silver!)
Julie, your day looks to be shaping up like mine. And tooooo funny on the cardamon…I found a recipe for gingerbread cake that I want to try, and it calls for that, too. When I went to the grocery store and saw how pricy it was, I wondered what I could substitute for that 1/4 tsp. Guess I’ll try nutmeg…unless I have a spiced-up neighbor.
We usually have lasagna on Christmas Eve but since we’re going to my sister’s, I made it last night. Yummmmm…
Tomorrow, I’m doing dinner for everyone. My father & his wife are in town, as is my brother, his wife, and their newborn baby (he’s soooooo cute!) Plus the local family. Will be a big group. I got a 25 lb turkey, plus a pork loin that I bake in a pan full of wine. And everything that goes with it.
Fortunately, the girls are old enough to be a big help. I gave them each recipes yesterday and they went to town! So I only really had to do the hard stuff, like my almond rocka–which turned out wonderfully, without a single burn! And my fudge, which also was great and I didn’t have to make 4 times to get right (yes, I have made 4 batches, throwing the first three out, in previous years.)
Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and that Santa is good to each and every one of you tonight.
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More power to those of you who are cooking and cooking like crazy. And bless all of you who still need to find presents!!!
Merry Christmas Eve!
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Good morning everybody…
Jules, you sound MEGA busy…I got tired just reading all of what you have to do…it sounds like you guys will have another wonerful Christmas together…
I don’t do much for Christmas preparation…this year, I sent the presents to my mom’s house via UPS and I am gonna spend some time with just me…gotta get my head on straight…
I hope that everyone has a wonderful time with their families and friends though…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Usually, this year we’ll head to my mom’s house (about four hours away), but since she’s snowed in (and we are, too….with this series of rare storms) and I have no working oven (thus haven’t been able to make my Christmas cookies, wah!), we are having Hungry man tv dinners…we’ll make it work. What’s important is that we’re all healthy and safe, right?
Happy Holidays!
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I totally forgot to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful time.
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I am baking cookies. Snickerdoodles, wedding cakes and cherry bars are on the list. Have already baked sugar cookies, gingerbread men, peanut butter cookies, and toffee bars. However, the deviled crab and peaches and cream bread pudding sound so much better.
Have a great holiday everyone.
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Ooo so much good food! I’m jealous! The family (immediate only) won’t even all be together until 11:30 PM tomorrow. So… we’ll have 1/2 an hour of Christmas? :\
Last minute… I have to take the dog out for a walk, pack my car, and drive home. Then, it’s time to wrap all the presents. :) So, last minute, but not TOO much, I hope!
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Julie, it sounds like you are super busy. Wow, what a menu! All the shopping is done. Thank goodness.
My M-I-L is here. My mom couldn’t come out this year. My B-I-L and his family were supposed to come over tonight for Christmas Eve but because I’ve had this virus, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Even though I’m feeling so much better. I took a hot shower, did my hair and put a face on. I actually look half-way human again.
I want to wish all the Plotmonkeys–Julie, Carly, Leslie and Janelle–and all the Jungle Babes the Merriest Christmas and the best New Year ever!!
Cher
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Wrapping gifts while waiting UPS to arrive with the final one.
Christmas is at my brother’s this year – we will number 28. Diner will be a mixture of Chinese and American food – I always make a sirloin atrip roast, someone does turkey and the rest is always a surprise. Between munchies, dinner and dessert, it’s an all day eating fest. One thing we do have to watch out for are the two dogs, Lady and Barkley. Last year, my nephew turned away for an instant – when he turned back around, Barkley was happily swallowing the slice of roast tht was on the plate.
Season’s Greetings to all!
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:givethaks To the Wonderful Plotmonkeys :monkey :monkey :monkey :monkey and all the rest of you here in the Jungle, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays. Enjoy how ever you spend the holidays enjoy, relax take time to be with those you love.
for sharing the Jungle all year. Visiting here everyday is must that always is interesting, always entertaining no matter which Plotmonkey is blogging for the day. 
:flower4you:
:rain Yea, we’ve got rain!
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I was up early and out to the grocery store. Then I came home to make my sauce and the lasagna for Christmas Dinner tomorrow at my parents. I also made a birthday cake for my niece, her b-day is Jan. 2nd but we celebrate on Christmas. I think I’m ready now, or as ready as I’ll ever be.
Today on Christmas Eve we go out to dinner with my in-laws (mil & fil) to a Chinese restaurant. We started that new tradition a couple of years ago and it stuck.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Hope Santa is good to you all!
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CONGRATS CAFFEY! AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL! ENJOY! :flower4you:
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OMG, Julie, I didn’t know you make homemade Devil Crabs. So can I put in a request for my b-day now???
It’s so hard to find the great ones we did as kids in Tampa.
I’m baking this afternoon and in the morning doing side dishes and relish trays to take to SG’s sister’s house. Which feels odd since I’m used to doing most of the cooking.
Hope you and everyone else in the jungle has a wonderful holiday!
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Ev — I laughed at your post. You go on about how you have everything just about done for Christmas, and I’m wondering how you’re getting it all done — then in your second post you say you’ve only gotten 3 hours of sleep. AHA! That’s how you’re doing it all — not sleeping!
We’re having a very low key Christmas Eve and Day here in Oregon. We’ve rented movies and bought all our favorite snacks. Maybe we’ll venture out and actually see a movie at the theaters, if it doesn’t snow. Again. :freezin
No matter what you celebrate, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Everyone!!!
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I just finished making lasagna for tonight. My girlfriend, hubby and daughter are coming over. It is low key on Christmas Eve.
Tomorrow to my parents house.
I stopped at the liquor store also today for a bottle of Arbor Mist
Merry Christmas everyone
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I hope your done shopping by now Julie. I am one of those shop on Christmas Eve kinda gals and I am done!
CARLY,
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!
While I was finishing last minute toys at Walmart I found 1
Yup they only had one left…..Secret Fantasy!
Yahoooo! I’ll read it whle waitin for Santa.
Hugs to all Plot monkeys and everyone on this wonderful list!
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hi again everybody…
congratulations on winning Alannah’s book Caffey…I hope you enjoy it.
Jeannie, when I went to Walmart, there was only one copy left there too…I am glad you were able to get it…
Janelle, I hope that you get a chance to go out to the movies with your family…if it snows you got back up ideas right?
Happy Holidays everyone…eat, drink and be merry with all your friends and families…Have a blast no matter what…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Happy Holidays, everyone!
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Great! I’m looking forward to reading REACTION TIME. Thanks!
My hubby working today so should be home in a couple of hours. We doing to be watching some movies tonight. After having record amount of snows this week, its now raining! Its a horrible mess out there so we are trying to get the melted snow away from the house to stop the basement from flooding more. Hope it does. This wasn’t the Christmas Eve we expected! I already watched WHITE CHRISTMAS last night! I haven’t seen it captioned before so it was so good to see! I missed part but i’ll find it on TV again!!
You all have a wonderful Christmas and Holidays too!
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Hey, Silver…..we are having Papa Murphy’s pizza tonight! Love that take and bake pizza… and Christmas Eve Gift back at ya.
I love the site Pioneer Woman but it’s been ages since I checked in. I am due to head back there.
Happy Christmas Eve!
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Kirsten, we LOVE Murphy’s! And yes, Janelle, it’s amazing what one can accomplish in 21 hours – like blow up the vacuum cleaner and have to dash to Walmart one hour before closing on Christmas Eve. I shall have nightmares for weeks! Weeks, I tell you!!!!
And then the roll dough didn’t rise. So…tossing that and starting over. Heh. It’s only 8:00 p.m. At least we aren’t having to put together Santa toys for under the cactus.
Oh, Leslie! I did some digging and evident Christmas Eve Gift! is an Irish thing. The first one to say it is owed a small gift or token by the other. Now we know.
Have a very merry Christmas, lovely folks! And happy Hanakkuh! And felicitations for all others celebrating in their own way. Wee…Looks like I was first and probably last. Go me.
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Twas the night before Christmas
and not a creature was stirring
except for this mouse….
Happy Christmas to All and to All a Good Night! :heart1:
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I spent Xmas eve day in Tampa at Busch Gardens with my mother and daughter. It was a nice day. I made sure to get really wet!! LOL
Then I spent the evening at the Magic Kingdom to see the fireworks and the parade, got hot chocolate with vanilla ice cream on the way out and walked through the “snow” on Main Street to the bus.
Everyone else is sleeping, I am checking email and going to go to Disney Hollywood in the AM and then we are getting together at Fort Wilderness for dinner.
No cooking, no cleaning, no present shopping and most importantly NO SNOW!!
I could get used to this. Really, I could.
Except the no presents part.
Merry Christmas everyone!! and Happy Hanuakah too!! (sp)
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yea cathie u again lol. congrats girl
:gobbler: