Leena Eats, Gourmet Communication ... Food, Travel, Gastronomy

Merry Chrismahannakwanakuh! The holidays are one of the most kick ass times of year. Nothing beats a holiday where it is mandatory to get presents and over-indulge in heavy food. Sure, the food binges mess with my ibs (gastrointestinal issues be damned!), but I’m like Oprah in a donut shop. Interesting busy holiday this year…jet-setted down to Georgia to spend time with the husband’s fam before we leave the country. Good time, cute nieces, little sleep, food was so-so (although the sweet potato pie rocked my world a little). But then it was the exact opposite when we got back to Chicago Christmas night. Went to a friend’s house, ate a ton of homemade AMAZING Italian food and wine, and caught up with old friends. This spread is what I look forward to all year long! sure, the good company helps, but who could pass up freshly toasted garlic bread with bruschetta, spicy and plump Italian sausages served with potatoes and spinach that were covered in lovely sausage dripping nummies, prime rib, a giant pan of lasagna bursting with ricotta, and of course, a dish with extra gravy. That was only half of it, and then there was a dessert table…seriously, they should start charging admission…wait, no, bad idea. They should start charging people other than me admission. Then came Christmas with my family, a laid-back, present-filled affair. The best part was that my mom is finally taking cooking advice from me! She struggled at first…I had to be sneaky and add ingredients when she wasn’t looking. But she trusts me a little more now, and roasted a juicy whole chicken with thyme, rosemary, garlic and lemon. Nice and light after a weekend of heaviness! My brother gave me a copy of our favorite movie from childhood- Ewoks Battle for Endor. Oh, you know you’re jealous. The only reason I liked it as a kid? They make pies in it–tons of them. And there is this little thing, a creature of some sort that looks like half dog half monkey, and his name is Teek. He’d eat the pies and when asked if they were good, say “meh meh!” and he said it so enthusiastic and whole-heartedly, I would laugh my butt off. My brother also made a shirt of Teek for me that says, “Teek Likes It!” Laughed for hours at that one. Meh meh. Heh. Mmmm, pies… ~LTG