<p>On Christmas Eve we have a large meal with my husband’s family. Christmas morning we have bagels and lox, which is quite filling. Then we graze the rest of the day. As the years have progressed, the number of foods on the grazing table have diminished in number, but that might change as our family grows. This works so much better for me since I don’t enjoy cooking, and wouldn’t want to be a slave to the kitchen that day.</p>
<p>Beef tenderloin, potatoes of some type and probably asparagus.</p>
<p>I found this idea years ago and it has worked so well … we have a small group. Cornish hens - put two in an oven bag. Stuff with stovetop and surround with green beans. Put on cookie sheet and bake. There is almost no clean up. So with table pre set and this - Christmas day is very easy. And yummy.</p>
<p>The years I don’t work the holiday, I end up hosting a large dinner for all those of us with no local extended family. Though this year, having kids around is so precious, that I am mixed on the large gathering of friends. Recent years, I’ve had no kids home, so very happy for the large party. However, will forge ahead, and enjoy. </p>
<p>Not much of a meat cook here, and though I like turkey, is too much last minute work. So have arrived at brisket as the perfect make ahead dish for a potluck sort of crowd. I have an internet recipe with dried fruit that I like. Does anyone else have an elegant sort of brisket recipe? Or is elegant not a word associated with brisket?</p>