The day after Christmas, we decided to smoke a goose. I got up early and got the smoker going. This is about the time I realized I’d been a bit ambitious this year with a new bebe and everything. While cleaning the smoker, we saw we had about a gallon of duck fat in the water plan.
Shelier came out and cleaned it, while I was getting everything going.
FJ enjoyed a soak, and then went to see his personal trainer.
I cracked a beer.
For lunch, I fried up some leftover steak, eggs, and potatoes.
I wasn’t very happy with how the skin came out on the bird, but nobody complained. We smoked some potatoes in the goose fat. Then LeBeef and I made a spiced fig gravy.
Everything was great, but we definitely have some lessons learned/best practices for next year. The icing on the cake, was apple pie (not pictured, but homemade), with homemade whipped cream.
by rsiv withWe popped a bottle and then got into the prezzies.
CK brought me something fancy back from Scotland.
FJ got some special Tequila, and some toasting glasses from HB.
For Christmas dinner, we used to do a more traditional thanksgiving-style meal, but we’ve switched to steak. FJ and LeBeef picked up some bone-in ribeye from the Organic Butcher of McLean.
Dinner turned out great. CK serenaded us with her cigar box guitar, and then I went out with the dogs, and got a feel for my new rod.
by rsiv withA day or so before xmas, I had my parents over for some nog. Nog is never noggy enough for my taste, so I topped ‘er off with some brown in honor of FJ.
On Christmas Eve, we have several family traditions. One of which, is vodka martinis.
Then we go to a party in A-town, that I’ve been bartending at since I was 8. I switched to gin.
Then when we get home, its time for champs, caviar, a little more vodka, and FJ’s version of The Polar Express.
We ended the evening by opening our stockings. Ry got his own this year that LeBeef embroidered herself.
by rsiv withThe other evening, I grilled up some poblano and anaheim peppers to serve with some wild boar sausage. I used to grill more bell peppers, but I’m pretty hooked on the spicier ones now.
The Tracys got me a bacon jam sampler for xmas (very good with cheese, or on a BLT). I enjoyed some fine Scottish beer that CK enjoyed in Scotland.
I picked up some lamb and brussels at the local market, pan fried both, and seasoned with a little balsamic reduction and opened a bottle of rioja.
The Tracys also got me a Balducci’s taco salad.
CK brought me back some Bramble Jam from Scotland. I’m not sure how its different from blackberry jam, but it certainly had a delicious and unique taste. It was a cold rainy night, so I put some Rob Roy on the telly, and fixed a fry up.
I enjoyed some more Scottish beer, but went with a more American brown sauce made by some of my people in Clan Russell.
CK and RY brought me back some very interesting drams, but I haven’t invented a good enough excuse to open them yet.
I’ve also been feeling this Tullamore Dew commercial. It was clearly effective.
Another tune from the Emerald Isle for your drinking pleasure:
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FJ came over, and we loaded up the 30 footer to hang FJ’s wreath. I’m not a huge fan of heights, but we got it done.
Since I have the new bebe, I got out of putting up the little trees that line the driveway this year. Its always a cold tedious task, so I was happy to avoid it, but it makes the house look like a holiday car commercial, and I’m glad Swaggy-we and FJ got them up. Later that evening, I had a surprise for FJ. HB really wanted a picture of EF and Santa, but the doc said germy malls and unvaccinated bebes don’t mix. So I went on amazon prime, and in two days, Santa popped down the chimney.
Thursday we had a little cocktail party. I went to Dominion Wine and Beer to get some provisions.
It was nice to see everybody, and a welcome change of pace from the dipers and fussiness.
Chelsea was going to be in Scotland for her bday, so we celebrated early. Then she and Ryan headed to Scotland, while FJ and Swaggy-we rolled to West By God Virginia, so HB and I were new parents that were house and dog sitting. Yay.
We made the most of it with Taco Bombas.
Then daddy enjoyed some much needed hot tub and sauna time.
The next day I interrupted band practice to let the dogs out.
Then Otto von Bismarck (Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg) helped me pick out a Riesling to pair with some chinese.
After lunch, HB wrote some thank you notes, and then we headed out to walk to the dogs, and take EF on her first walk.
After a light stroll, I rewarded myself with a stogie and some sauce and enjoyed watching the clouds roll by. I rounded out the evening with a nice schvitz.
I gchatted with the buggins and Ry, who were having a great time in bonny Scotland.
I enjoyed a salteña. FJ finally got an xmas tree for his office, which was decorated with all my favorite ornaments.
LeBeef and FJ had their xmas party, and EF attended virtually via her baby monitor.
On Chelsea’s bday, I picked up some flowers from her for my moms.
Then I enjoyed some of the truffles that Christine brought over. They were quite delicious.
Most festive holiday pano-selfie ever?
We tried out the coravin on some port, and HB enjoyed some rare tuna steak for the first time in nine months.
by rsiv withIt snowed in in VA on Wednesday, but we braved the cold and went out on the baby’s first errands anyway to prepare for Thanksgiving. We started at Heidelberg Bakery to get some sweets. I grew up in Arlington, but it was HB’s first visit, and she was quite impressed.
Then we swung by Arrowine for some cheese, meat, malbec, and sparkles. Arrowine has an incredibly knowledgable and helpful staff. I really only go around the holidays or when HB and I throw a dinner party, but each time is a treat.
Then for dinner my mom swung by Taste By Katie (and has been super helpful in general. I don’t know what we’d have done without her these first weeks home). I’d had some leftovers from when Katie catered my wife’s baby shower, but I’d never had her dinners. I was very impressed. The pork dish was delicious and substantial.
I capped off the evening with a little Russell’s Reserve.
Then it was back to the grind (sort of).
My sister and her bf came over for EF’s first picnic. It was a beautiful day out, and the Italian store sammies were great.
Then EF had a checkup, and all was well.
Shelier made the best leftovers I’ve ever had: duck and turkey pot pies.
EF watched her first western. Her great-papaw would be proud.
And I made a risky breakfast decision.
by rsiv withM&S Tysons is my go-to for special occasions and entertaining out of town relatives. It has great food, an amazing raw bar, and plenty of options for everyone. As you can tell from the menu, we just went for FJ’s bday.
My swordfish casino was great, and HB’s flounder was delicious. Unfortunately, I failed to get a picture of the oysters, and the insanely good guinness mixed with pumpkin puree (a must try).
I saved my favorite part about the Tysons McCormick & Schmick’s for last. The private booths are awesome. I’m not much for crowds or loud restaurants. These booths are perfect when you just want to enjoy the company of your group without interruptions.
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