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Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Day

It was a beautiful morning... :)



The blanket of snow covered all but the dried sage, yucca and plum thickets.



I had my heart set on smoked crab legs but needed to come up with a side dish.

The twice baked potatoes were easy to put together. I baked the potatoes early and let them cool, then scooped out the centers leaving just a shell. I sauteed minced scallions and garlic in bacon drippings, added the cooked potato, butter, milk, seasoning and shredded cheese. Whipped until fluffy...then filled the potato shells and topped them with shredded cheese and crisp bacon.



The only king crab legs available in my area are frozen... so I thawed them out.



I wasn't sure how many would be here for supper.... so I put three steaks on the Hasty Bake to smoke too.



added the stuffed potatoes, a pot of spicy shrimp and the crab legs last....



The crab legs just need heated through. They take on a great smoky flavor. :)







While supper was smoking I noticed a trail of deer slowly making their way across the pasture...



They're not easy to see... just above the top line of brown sagebrush.



There were 5 whitetail does, heading south......



When the steaks had taken on a bit of smoke, I gave them a quick high heat sear.









I did make a salad, but I couldn't get those smoked crab legs off my mind. :)





I tried a few spicy shrimp.. ate about half of my tatoe, didn't make it to the steak.....



This was what I had been dreaming of all day. lol



I spent most of the day talking to distant relatives on the phone. It was bittersweet to hear their voices but not be able to spend more time with them. Hopefully things will change next year. :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful day!

22 comments:

Big Dude said...

Wow - what a feast you whipped up. We had twice baked taters as well, definitely one of my favorite things - I'll have to try them in the smoker. It was nice to have a white Christmas and get the much needed moisture. Suppose you could grow king crab in that shrimp pond :-)

cowgirl said...

Thank you Larry! Those tatoes are my favorites too. :)
I bet you had a wonderful feast.. I need to check out your blog!
If I could raise crab in my pond I would be in heaven. lol
I need to check into it.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Larry, thanks again! :)

Triple T said...

Hi Jeanie! Hope you had a great Christmas! I love your pics and the great dishes you cook! I'm looking forward to next year. I hope you have a great 2012. I've enjoyed haveing you for a friend this yrar! Thanks for letting us share in a little part of your life. Your Friend Mark:)

Sid said...

Jeez! A white Christmas. I,m jealous. Hope you took another shot at snow angels :) Dinner looks great as always (I think I could go swimmin' in that pot of shrimp!) Sounds like you're still hurting from your loss earlier this year. Remember, the potential to smile is always here with us. Another Chris

cowgirl said...

Mark Thanks! I hope you had a great Christmas. I've enjoyed getting to know you this year too...and hearing about your farm. I'm sure you and family love the fresh milk and pork!
Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to visiting more with you in 2012. :)

cowgirl said...

Chris Thanks! :)
You must live in an area with no snow?
I haven't had the chance to try another angel, but I think I will! :)
I had leftover spicy shrimp for lunch today.... It's one of my favorite finger foods.


You are very perceptive Chris. :)
Yea...haven't quite dealt with the earlier loss of a sibling. Got hit again over Thanksgiving with the sudden death of my friend.
My priorities in life have changed.

I love your advice.. I will always remember to smile. :)

Thanks Chris.. (((HUGS)))

btw...Hope you had a great Christmas!!

David said...

Merry Christmas!

lisa said...

That makes my mouth water just looking at it. Crab legs are my mothers favorite. One year I bought just her a bunch of them and I tell you, she was not sharing when I bought them for her ;)

Mrs. JP said...

What? White Christmas AND Surf n' Turf...that's a great combination. I hope you had a good day.

Anonymous said...

Those shrimp look wonderful. I think you've settled my New Year's Eve menu.

Dave~ said...

What a beautifull Christmas morning!! That first shot looks just like a perfect picture for a Christmas Card. And as always, I wish I could have shared that meal! I'm glad your Christmas was nice, and I wish you the BEST new years ever!

Dave~

cowgirl said...

Merry Christmas David, nice to see you!! Hope you have a great 2012 too!

cowgirl said...

Hahaa... I don't blame her Lisa! They are my favorites too. :)
Hope you had a great day!
Thanks... :)

cowgirl said...

It was just about a perfect day Mrs JP! :)
Thanks..

cowgirl said...

Hope you have a great 1012 Kirby, Thanks! :)

cowgirl said...

Hey Dave, hope you had a nice Christmas too! Good to see ya. Thanks! :)

Old Smoke said...

Surf 'n turf and a white Christmas too!
I have been eating (dungeness) crab since the season opened here. I go to the boat and buy them live and cook 'em here, cool 'em, crack 'em and eat 'em, Yum! I'll have to try them smoked some day :) I got to spend time on the phone with my son, also. We are planning a trip for June.
Here's hoping 2012 is a better year for all....

(((HUGS))) <<<<<< Happy New Year a bit early. Just in case I don't see ya again before Sat. night....:)

Ross in Ventura said...

Thats a wonderful meal and setting for Christmas

Ross

Three Dogs BBQ said...

Lookin good Jeanie! Happy New Year!

bill

cowgirl said...

Rick it sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas!! I envy you and your dungeness crabs.. I would love to be able to buy or catch them fresh. :)
Hope you have a safe and happy 2012!! Thanks Rick. :)

cowgirl said...

Thank you Ross! Hope you, Jackie and family have a wonderful New Year. :)

cowgirl said...

Thank you Bill, it's nice to see you! Hope your 2012 is a good one too. :)