Christmas Eve Dinner

The boyfriend traditionally does not eat meat on Christmas Eve.  Never wanting to be one to break tradition of any sort (unless it has direct harm to myself or my feelings), I wanted to make a meal that would carry on this no meat policy.  The solution was an array of veggie and seafood appetizers, and lots of them.  Unfortunately I did not get good pictures because it was dark and I used an iPhone, but I will try and post better pics at a later time.  

Here is my mother's two dishes.  She made a salmon dip spread and canelli beans in endive.  I will get her recipe upon request.  

I made marinated asparagus, because frankly you need your greens.  I blanch the asparagus in boiling water until they turn bright green (about 3-5 minutes).  Then I cover then in drizzled olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper to taste, and top it off with shaved parmesan-reggiano cheese.  It is delicious and really lives up asparagus.

This is a picture of Seared Scallops with Garlic Parsley Butter (click here for recipe) was personally my favorite dish of the evening.  It was very easy to make and was definitely 5 stars worthy.  It was categorized as an appetizer, but despite getting huge succulent scallops, this easily could have been an elegant entree.  And the yukon gold potato puree that accompanies it is literally easy, delicious mashed potatoes.  

This is a picture of all the other dishes we ate.  

• Sizzling Sherry Shrimp with Garlic - Very easy to make.  Use some crusty bread to soup up the oil and garlic sauce.  4/5 stars (Click here for recipe)
• Absolutely Amazing Ahi - An OMG it was amazing!  We purchased sushi grade ahi and despite forgetting the cucumbers, this recipe was out of this world! 5/5 stars. If others didn't see you making this dish, they would think it was purchased at a fancy Japanese restaurant.  (Click here for recipe) 
• Jalapeno Popper Wontons - My poppers definitely did not come out like the picture in the recipe, but they were delicious and the dad could not get enough of them.  Neither could I.  This was my first time deep frying and I used an electric fry pan.  Easiest dish of the night and 4/5 stars alone 4.5/5 with the sweet chili dipping sauce.  (Click here for recipe)

Did you really think I wouldn't make a dessert?  Puhlease.  I made the Malt Shop Ice Cream Pie on the 23rd and put the finishing touches together on Christmas Eve.  This was to ensure that the ice cream pie would in fact become a solid entity.  And oh boy did it.  Easier than I thought and everyone had seconds.  (Click here for recipe)  

The boyfriend stated it was the best Christmas Eve meal he has ever had.  Anything for the birthday boy!