Christmas Goose
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.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Christmas ’14
We 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.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Christmas Eve ’14
A 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.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Noms, Scotch-Irish
The 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:
by rsiv with
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Lots of catch up, and stuff randos won’t be interested in…
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.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Jerk chicken for Parker
My uncle has been laid up recently. I thought his favorite meal might be a welcome change from hospital food so I went to the teets (‘Merica). Parker taught me a lot about the joy of cooking during holidays and at Bulldogs in Ocean City. He also taught me about jerk chicken. I gathered the requisite ingredients, and then went to EF’s photoshoot.
Hours and hours later, I got down to business.
I used a cheater marinade, but did grind my own jerk spice mix. I do what I want.
The different between good jerk and everything else is pimento wood. If you don’t get pimento smoke on your jerk, it isn’t jerk.
Kate and Dan made some excellent fried plantains and black beans and rice.
Heaven. Pro tip, guinness is what one drinks with jerk. I did also have some red stripe and ginger beer though. Treat yo-self.
Marteen brought a gift, and a very nice new gf.
Hope you enjoyed the jerk Parker!
by rsiv withWarning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Thanksgiving (I-talian style) with the inlaws, FJ’s Bday
With the new addition, we couldn’t make it out to the inlaws this year, so they came to us for lunch. I went to the Italian Store for some milanos on hard.
FJ got a nice port, a flight of Madeira, and a fancy new wine contraption for his bday (also, his first grandchild).
We put on some jazz, mulled some wine, enjoyed some leftovers, and then had my sister’s blackberry jam cake.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Happy Thanksgiving
Thursday I had a little wine, and headed out into the cold. I got the smoker going, and threw in the ducks.
FJ got the turkey on the rotisserie.
If you’re still doing some holiday shopping, check out that pic above of my dad using his blo-poke. Its handy by the hearth, but also very useful for smoking/grilling. You can get one at Orvis, but they’re cheaper factory direct and the guy that makes them even called me to make sure I was happy with mine.
Then we headed inside to enjoy the meat and cheese we scored at arrowine.
FJ’s turkey came out great, and we didn’t have any rotisserie motor failures this year.
Otto is enjoying some sauce next to some champs that Kate will be able to saber next year (practice makes perfect…).
I know its been a while, but how about a (beer) cocktail recipe. I had this at McCormick & Schmick’s a couple weeks ago. Their version included sugar, or some sweetener. I prefer mine with straight pumpkin. Pour a guinness into a glass. Add about 1.5 oz pumpkin puree. Stir it in well. Top with some pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy.
This was my great uncle’s pipe.
My sister’s bf Ry brought me some holiday brown sauce, so I poured the guys a couple fingers. Then it was time for dinner.
Everything came out great. My cousin’s fiance came in a little late, so we had a second round much later that evening. It was great to finally meet Dan.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Post be-be catch up
It 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.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Baby was healthy, Momma was hungry: Gypsy Soul catered the delivery
We had brunch at Gypsy Soul just before our daughter was born. While there, Chef RJ graciously offered to make HB some food after she gave birth. HB abstained from deli meat and uncooked/cured meat for nine months, so she was in desperate need of some charcuterie. The team at Gypsy Soul sent over a selection of sandwiches, homemade salt and vinegar chips (that were subtle and delicious), bread, a selection of meats, condiments, and desserts. It was a decadent lunch to say the least.
Nicole was in hog heaven. I can’t imagine what nine months of no prosciutto is like.
We can’t thank Chef RJ and Chef John enough. Everything was amazing. If you missed my other Gypsy Soul posts, check out a dinner post here, and a brunch post here. If you’re in the area, definitely check them out.
by rsiv withWarning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet