I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I love this time of the year: the decorations, the songs, the spirit of the season, getting together with the family, the Food!

Wanted to share the dishes from our table this year.

Since we plan to celebrate the New Year somewhere else this year, we have decided to combine Christmas and New Years’ and celebrate with inlaws!

My mother-in-law is my biggest fan, lol, since she cooks herself she knows how much effort and know-how goes into preparing meals. She appreciates it so much! I’m glad we can share our meals with them.

I didn’t make a lot this year, but still more than plenty for our small gathering with plenty of leftovers to take home.

The Ducks were the main attraction! So Good! Came out perfectly moist and delicious. Just follow the recipe I have posted, it works perfectly every time!

I’ve made an Amazing gravy with all the drippings from the ducks!

Christmas Menu

Few side dishes and salads to go along with the Ducks:

Parmesan roasted potatoes

Roasted veggies couscous salad

Mediterranean chickpeas salad

Russian Vinaigrette salad

Potstickers with mushrooms/onions/peppers

Quiches from Costco

Mother-in-law brought her Delicious Olivier salad!

We are not big on dessert, no one in my family wants extra pounds. For us, a piece of dark chocolate or a small waffle cup (40 calories) with a small portion of good chocolate ice cream is enough. But I just got 2 Nutella cans on the BOGO sale that begged to be used up so the idea of a Puff Pastry filled with Nutella Christmas Tree came up! French Macaroons and truffles are from Costco, they were Good!

Christmas Roasted Ducks

How to make Roasted Duck recipe here >

Parmesan roasted potatoes

How to make Parmesan roasted potatoes:

Wash and pat dry the potatoes. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters and place in a bowl or a ziplock bag (easier cleanup) with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Parmesan, and paprika.
Toss until the potatoes are well coated. Transfer the potatoes to a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and spread out into 1 layer.
Dust with additional Parmesan cheese and paprika. Roast at 400F for about 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes!

Roasted veggies couscous salad

How to make Roasted veggies couscous salad:

We absolutely love these “Near East” brand Couscous mixes. They are all DELICIOUS! Just cook according to the package.
Slice and arrange the veggies you have on hand. Add Olive oil, your favorite spices, and dust with Parmesan cheese.
Roast in the preheated at 400F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Mix couscous and veggies together. Add Olive oil and a splash of Wine vinegar. Adjust to taste.

Mediterranean chickpeas salad

How to make Mediterranean chickpeas salad:

can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
cucumber, chopped
tomatoes, chopped
radishes, chopped
red onion, thinly sliced
chopped kalamata olives
crumbled feta
parsley

Dressing:

extra-virgin olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
splash of white wine vinegar
lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Potstickers with mushrooms/onions/peppers

These store-bought chicken and vegetable potstickers (Costco) re super tasty and great when you have company over. Serve them with sauteed onions, garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes in Sesame oil.

Russian Vinaigrette salad

How to make Classic Russian vinaigrette salad (Винегрет)

Ingredients:

2 medium beets, boiled and cubed (or 2 (14.5 oz) cans of beets, drained)
3 medium red potatoes, boiled, peeled, and cubed
1 medium carrot, or several snack-size carrots, boiled and sliced
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained (alternative: use pickles or marinated mushrooms)
1 Tbsp. Wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. Light olive oil
1 Tbsp. Fresh dill, chopped
salt/ pepper to taste
garnish with Feta cheese (optional)

Directions:

Place beets, potatoes, and carrots into a large pot (or boil potatoes and carrots in a separate pot), add cold water and season with salt. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially uncovered, until vegetables are soft, but not mushy.
Let the vegetables cool off.
In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients listed and adjust to taste. Enjoy!