the holidays are for eating

And eating, and eating, and eating.

It's a very, very, very good thing that I've kept up with my running, or I would soon be a candidate for The Biggest Loser. This year's holidays have just been entirely too delicious. And best of all, I didn't have to cook anything, and just got to kick back and enjoy the gluttony.

A sampling....

Before traveling for the holidays, my aunt Monika and uncle Jochen visited from Germany and cooked us a delicious dinner of steak with cream and wine sauce and an incredibly simple and tasty potatoes au gratin. 

Jochen and Monika at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood

First night dinner at the Bunges' home in Rockville, a gorgeous rack of lamb with Brussels sprouts made just for me (well, everyone ate some, but I was the only real sprouts lover present)

Christmas morning brunch, including homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast potatoes, stewed apples and quiche (the quiche was devoured too quickly to make it into the photos)

Paula, crazed after doing all of that cooking (or, actually, after receiving a new knife and whetstone from us)

Nephew Jesper gets his first riding lessons from dad Henrik. Those pedals are still a bit too complicated.

At Aunt Lynette's and Uncle Roy's home in Florida, lots to snack on: divinity with nuts and Mae Mae's "trash" (a chex mix-type creation that got its name from being mixed in a big trash bag... it is irresistable)

 

Aunt Lynette keeps an enviably gorgeous home, and her dining table and place settings are no exception.

The family celebrated Christmas on December 28, and for the big meal, Aunt Lynette and Uncle Roy prepared a true feast -- an astonishing 12 dishes in total.... all of which were ready at the same time. (Aunt Lynette, will you please give me lessons?) The men watched the outdoor food prep, while the ladies tended to things in the kitchen.


Mae Mae watching over meal preparations inside

Uncle Roy fried one of his world famous turkeys for the main entree, on the back patio

The other men circled like vultures

Emily consulting a recipe from the Pioneer Woman cookbook

Aunt Lynette and cousins Hannah and Sarah try to stay ahead of the dishes (Hmm... I probably should have helped instead of snapping photos...)

Entree #2, Lynette's delicious brisket

Killing time, Hannah and I enjoyed her Leapfrog alphabet game

Sarah Kate in a pensive moment

Hannah shows her funny face expertise

Sarah Kate shows that she can keep up, despite her inexperience

The turkey comes out of the deep fry

A fried turkey looks a bit less modest than a roasted turkey

Carving time

Of all of the things that I have called world famous, these truly are (or should be!) -- Lynette's amazing, homemade, buttery yeast rolls

Lots of veggies and trimmings on the stove

Emily and Sarah Kate caught in the act

Cheesy green bean casserole

Delicious sweet potatoes in brown sugar vanilla sauce, green bean casserole, cheesy broccoli rice and marshmallow fruit salad (ah, memories...)

The rolls are out!

Mark is delirious with hunger

Aunt Lynette explains what all twelve (!!!) dishes are

A fully-loaded plate

"No talking. Eating."