Bianca Cooks Christmas Dinner 2010 - "I'm Back!"

My dear brother and sister Gary & Honnie graciously allowed me to cook Christmas dinner this year and it literally changed my life!

Since being diagnosed with PD, I had put my love and desire to cook and bake for others on the shelf. I no longer could use knifes like I once could. It was hard for me to open cans and bags and just about everything. I thought my love for all things about cooking would have to be satisfied with watching the Food Network, going to the SOBE Wine and Food Festival and collecting cookbooks.

The simple  act of letting  me cook such a big meal was the greatest gift Gary & Honnie could ever have given me. (BTW they also gave me the Flip Camera!).  I will be forever in their debt.

So here's the spread. I AM back!

Our Buffet Cornbread/Andoille Dressing, Sweet Potatoes w/Lime Syrup and Chives, Mac and Cheese & Glazed Ham

Waldorf Salad. Recipe from Epicurious.com! Delicious! http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Waldorf-Salad-102179. I substituted the cherries for dried cranberries from Trader Joe's (the ones that have orange) and pecans.

Kansas City Fully Cooked Spiral Ham http://www.kansascitysteaks.com/Hickory-Smoked-Spiral-Sliced-Ham.3.htm THIS HAM WAS DELICIOUS. It is fully cooked so all you have to do is thaw it and make the glaze (glaze pouch is included).

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Macaroni-and-Cheese-239270 Another delicious recipe from Epicurious.com! Macaroni and Cheese - the crunchy topping is the bomb! I cooked the macaroni for only 5 minutes so that it would still be "al dente" after it baked!

Our Delicious Andouille Sausage & Corn Bread Stufing. The recipe is from Epicurious.com! The only change I made was to soak the bread stuffing mix in chicken broth BEFORE adding to the sausage mixture. It makes if crunchy on top and very moist inside! http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Andouille-Sausage-and-Corn-Bread-Stuffing-102481