Christmas Dinner with the Family

As one might imagine we like hosting events here at Growing Boys Farm and what better event to plan than a big ole Christmas dinner for the Lykens clan. I have fond memories from Christmases past with my Grandparents. There were always presents under the tree but none of them could be unwrapped till dinner was done and every single dish was washed, dried and put away. That was torture to a child but now as I have grown I appreciate the routines my Granny had even on this sacred holiday. My Granny was not one to decorate much (only a tiny tabletop tree and a wreath)but  she was one of the best cooks EVER. Her holiday spread would put any chef to shame. My Granny has been gone for several years but the tradition of a holiday feast has lived on. I thought I might share with you our Christmas Dinner Menu and a few recipes, one of which is very special to me.

 

Ham (local and pastured from Johnson Family Farms)

 

 

Apple Brined Slow Roasted Chicken (from Growing Boys Farm)

Broccoli Salad

Chinese Cabbage Salad

Corn

Mashed Potatoes

Deviled Eggs

Kale with vinegar

Mac and Cheese

Green Beans

Rolls

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

Butterscotch Pie and

3 Different Chocolate Pies

 

 

Disclaimer: These are not the most healthy recipes but hey it's Christmas Dinner!

 

Chocolate Pie

 

"Why?", you might ask, "Were there three Chocolate Pies at the family Christmas?" That would be because my Granny made the most AMAZING Chocolate Pies. To this day they are still my favorite dessert bar none. Someone ask one time what type of food I cooked best and I think it would be Chocolate Pie. It was the first thing I really learned to cook on my own and I still try to immolate my Granny's Chocolate Pie oh and her biscuits but that's an entirely different subject.

 

1 Pie Shell Cooked

You can use store bought but I like to make my own

Filling

2 Cups Sugar

3Tbsp Cocoa Powder

4 Forkful corn starch

2 Cups Whole Milk

3 Egg Yolks

Meringue

3 Egg Whites Room Temp

6 Tbsp Sugar

Scotch of Cream of Tartar

 

For Pie Filling

In a large sauce pan mix dry ingredients

In mixing bowl whisk milk and sugar

With stove top on med/high Add milk mixture to dry ingredients

Whisk till lumps are gone then stir constantly

When chocolate mixture gets to a thick pudding consistency pour into cooked pie shell

 

For Meringue

Beat Room Temperature Egg White till they form soft peaks

While beating gradually add sugar and cream of tartar

Continue to beat until stiff peaks form

Spoon meringue over cooled pie filling

Broil in oven until lightly browned but don't run off and leave it

because it will burn fast.

 

Clover Leaf Rolls

2 cups warm water

1 1/2 Tbsp Yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter or olive oil

2 t salt

4 cups unbleached white flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

I use a bread machine to mix the dough

and when dough is ready rolls into 1 1/2"

ball and place 3 balls in each hole of a

buttered muffin tin. (Great job for Growing Boys or Girls)

Let the dough rise again until

each roll is peeking over the top of the muffin

tin. Bake at 350 for 14min or until golden.

This is the same recipe I use

for White Bread but bake in loaves for 25min

 

Enjoy or as we did  Enjoy x 3