I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Can’t believe it came and went so quickly. We had a very good one and are still enjoying the extended holiday season as Ro-Ri San and the boys only go back to work next week, after the New Year. It is great to spend time with the family and to meet up with old friends.
We had a cozy and intimate Christmas Eve dinner for the family and only had friends over the day after Christmas. That worked out really well as it gave us a chance to enjoy Christmas morning opening presents over a leisurely breakfast. We even had time to do some ice skating at Centennial Lakes Park. The preparation for the gathering came in the afternoon. I made this panna cotta for dessert. The slightly tart cranberry orange sauce complemented well with the silky and creamy panna cotta.
This elegant dessert was a breeze to prepare and was done in under 20 minutes. I used dessert glasses this time so that I did not have to deal with unmolding the panna cotta when the guests were here. For a festive touch, I made a red sauce using some frozen cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, and sugar.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:60]
Here are some pictures of the festivities over at our house…
It’s a blue and gold Christmas tree this year.
One of the most enjoyable thing to do when hosting a gathering is setting the table. It is fun to match the dishes, silverware, glasses, linen, and centerpiece for the occasion.
We had rib roast and twice baked potatoes for our Christmas Eve Dinner. The rib roast was very juicy and tender and it came out perfect after almost 5 hours. Please check this post on how it is prepared. For the gathering on Boxing Day, I decided to prepare an Asian buffet instead.
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas (December 26th). It is a British term used in Malaysia and the rest of the English speaking world except the US. I instinctively use the term even now. 🙂
For dessert, we had panna cotta and the Gingerbread Nativity. Everyone was a little sad to see it being eaten but enjoyed it nevertheless, as it was really tasty. This is what’s left after the gathering.
Of course, there is that Rich Fruit Cake…a must have every year!
Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 8)
Angie's Recipes says
So pretty! Snow white and cranberry red..beautiful colour contrast.
Kitchen Belleicious says
Its just gorgeous looking and I love the color and flavor of the cranberry orange- definitely the perfect time of year for those flavors.
Sylvia@Peaches and Donuts says
What a festive looking dessert and it was a great idea to place them directly into dessert glass. It’s so much easier!
Patty says
Very pretty! I can imagine this is delicious and such a colorful holiday dessert. All the food looks good at your house Biren;-)
Happy New Year!
Shu han says
wow your christmas dinner definitely looks good. in fact, it looks like a proper catered spread!
kitchen flavours says
This is a lovely and delicious Christmas dinner!
Wish you and your family Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
vianney says
so pretty!! I love the color contrast, the color of christmas!! thanks for sharing!
Jeannie says
What a scrumptious spread! I am sure your family and friends enjoyed themselves very much! Lovely decorations too! Wishing you a very happy new year:)
petite nyonya says
wow, did you prepare all that food? must be a lovely christmas dinner for your fmly and friends!
Biren says
Yes, I did prepare all the food. Some like the potato croquettes were made the day before and I just had to pop them into the oven the next day.
mycookinghut says
Wow! Lots of food! I love pannacotta – my fav dessert!
PolaM says
Isn’t it incredible how easy it is to prepare panna cotta? And it looks like such a delicacy! Glad you enjoyed your Christmas!
Jessica says
I love the panna cotta glasses. Could you tell me where you bought them? Thanks!
Biren says
I am afraid I am not able to tell you where the glasses were purchased as they were a gift. However, there are many other lovely dessert glasses out there that would work just as well. 🙂
Jessica says
Oh Ok! Thank you for you replying!
rebecca says
beautiful panna cotta i made my first last week happy new year big hugs
and love the tree i don’t want to take mine down
Blackswan says
Hey Biren, this is one of my fave desserts! Love the combi of red & white 🙂
I too, enjoy dressing the table for meals. U did a pretty good job & i love the settings. Been really busy but just wanna drop by to wish u Merry Xmas & Happy 2012!
With love from Singapore,
Shirley’s Luxury Haven
tigerfish says
The setting is so cozy and warm. That makes food even more delicious.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Roxana GreenGirl {A little bit of everything} says
So pretty and so festive! The tree is so beautiful Biren!
Happy New Year my friend! Wish you all the best in the coming year!
Magic of Spice says
What a beautiful Christmas, and such a delightful panna cotta…love the sauce!
Happy New Year to you and your family Biren, wishing you a brilliant 2012, hugs
mjskit says
What a fantastic idea to pour a little cranberry sauce on top of panna cotta! My husband loves to make panna cotta so I know he’s going to want to make this! Of course he also love a cranberry orange sauce so it’s perfect! Can’t wait for him to make it! 🙂