Tales from a Re-Transplanted Flatlander

I got all my shopping done except tiny last minute stocking stuffers. This includes the mascarpone cheese and lady fingers that I went all over the Giant in Burtonsville to find - and nope they didn't have it. Found it at my local safeway HA (yes Tiramisu will be happening in the house this year). Oh I also have the last minute veggies to buy but then again just right up the street to Safeway on Friday should do it - and an espresso @ Starbucks (there's one in our safeway now) to bring home and put in the fridge for the ladyfingers.

The tenative menu (voted on by the fam)

Eggplant Parmesan
Veggie Lasagne
Meatballs (little tiny meatballs)
Linguini with Marinara
The Penne Pasta dish that I can never remember the name of with Italian sausage and pretty peppers
Some Cauliflower thingy Jon is making
Probably Green Bean Casserole though I voted on salad
Tiramisu
Kahluah mousse (keep y'alls fingers crossed on that one - I'm not sure the recipe is right)
Chocolate cheese cake courtesy of sons GF

Oh and some nice-but-not-too-expensive Italian red :) and maybe a Pinot Grigio for the non red drinkers.

When people ask what Christmas means to me (obviously avoiding all theological references) I guess it's the food. I love doing a nice spread then taking an hour or so to eat it and munch and talk and just have family fun. That's always my favorite part.