Over the past 6 or 7 years our family has begun a tradition of hosting what we call as Stocking Stuffer Dinner. It is really our version of a Christmas party. We ask all of the guests we invite to bring an item to put into a Christmas Stocking, we explain that the stockings that we put together will be handed out to the homeless here in the Sacramento area by our family and anyone who would like to join us the following day. This year we will fill about 40 stockings. We include items such as food gift cards, gloves, Oranges, hand warmers, personal hygene items, cookies, etc. This has really become a popular event among our friends, especially thoes with children. We are really blessed so it really puts eveyone in the holiday spirit to really do a little something for thoes who might be forgotten during this season. The people who receive these stockings are certianly happy and really seem to appreciate the thought, and frankly it really helps us all to reflect on the amazing gifts that we have been given, a warm place to lay our heads, good food to eat and a close family that we can rely on.
So my wife and I really go all out for this event. this year we will host about 28 people, and we are doing an Italian themed dinner.
Stocking Stuffer Christmas Party
2008
Puff Pastry Pizzas
Fig and Goat Cheese ~ Pizza Bianco
Pepperoni ~ Alla Diavola
Cheese Board with fruit and toasted walnuts
Antipasti Salad
Prosciutto, Arugula, and Melon Salad
Caprese Salad
Seared Filet Mignon
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Penne with Prosciutto
Penne with Spinach
Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Herbs
Desserts
Raspberries in Dark Chocolate cups
Peppermint Brownies
Espresso brownies
Sugar Cookies
Lemon Tartlets
Biscotti
And The wines:
2003 La Spinetta – Sassontino (IGT Toscana) 95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino.
1999 Castello Di Brolio – Chianti Classico 96% Sangiovese, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
1999 Castello Dei Rampolla – Sammarco 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Sangiovese
1999 Castello Di Ama – Chianti Classico
2004 Fontodi – Vigna Del Sorbo – Chianti Classico Reserva. 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Homemade Lemon Cello courtesy of my wife for desert.
Good times will be had by all!
Cheers

