Garlic Knots

We got home from our Wedding/Honeymoon last night, we ate the most amazing food, which I am going to try to create recipes for to share with you. Here are a few of the upcoming recipes:
Cream of Poblano Chile Soup
Creamy Parmesan Soup
Green Curry Chicken
Grilled Grouper
Lasagna Bolognese
The way my mind works, always thinking of food :), I am on to thinking of Thanksgiving. This first recipe is for the amateur cook. If you are lucky enough to be invited for dinner you won't want to show up empty handed. While you could bring a bottle of wine, offer to also bring the bread. (It will look like you tried!) Tell your host you are going to bring your delicious rosemary garlic knots. They sound harder to make then they are. You can do this & still have time to get all dressed up for the party.

1 (11 ounce) container refrigerated bread stick dough (I like Pillsbury)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
Tie the dough into 12 knots and place them onto a cookie sheet. Brush the knots with the egg, and sprinkle the rosemary and garlic onto the knots. Bake the knots according to the package directions.

Christmas Dinner

My friend Jenny emailed me yesterday looking for a dinner idea for two people on Christmas.  I think whether you are cooking for two or twenty you should keep dinner as simple as possible so you can enjoy your time with family.  At the Minch house we usually had Prime Rib.  (My Dad is not a turkey fan and I don't love ham)  This year at the Buechel house I was going to make a Prime Rib but found that a Beef Tenderloin was more economical.  (You can also buy a smaller cut, since there is not much fat waste.)  Here is what we are having in the order I am preparing it, maybe it will help someone else out! 

Hors d' oeuvres (I don't think you need much here, you've been snacking all day)

Bake Brie 

I will make this tonight and put it in the freezer, just let it thaw before you bake.  This recipe has apple and brown sugar, I am substituting dried cranberries for the center.

We will also have a simple cheese and crackers tray.

Main Course

Cranberry Sauce

I will also make these tonight and keep in the refrigerator.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes 

These I will prepare Christmas afternoon, while people are napping and bake before dinner!  I am adding carrots.  

Mashed Potatoes

My sort of Aunt Judy's are the best.  These will also need to be made Christmas day.

Beef Tenderloin

For this it need to marinade 6 hours, so after the presents are open, go in the kitchen to marinade this quick.

Garlic Knots

These are always a hit and quick to make.  If you have kids around let them do it!  

Desert

Pumpkin Cheesecake

What else would we have, it is Matt's favorite!  I am also making this tonight.  Although I did tell Jenny to buy one of those Mrs. Smith's dutch apple pies, they are my favorite!

Have a Merry Christmas!