Christmas Eve

As in years past, on Christmas Eve we gathered with the rest of the Rogers family in Honea Path. Traditionally, this has always been the day reserved for Paul's mom and step dad to host their Christmas celebration for the family. This year the theme was breakfast. Now, I'm not really a breakfast food eater. My breakfasts typically consist of something like a cheese stick and crackers. So, since the gathering was at noon, I decided to take myself some leftover salad I had from dinner on Christmas Eve Eve (or Christmas Adam, according to my sister-in-law). Well, apparently my decision didn't sit well with some folks, but ya know what? I sure enjoyed that salad!!! I love my salad so much, I've made it three times this month for different gatherings and still plan to make it once more before the year ends. And since everyone I've made it for seems to enjoy it too, I'm going to share the recipe. Next time you're invited to breakfast at lunchtime, take some salad!
Spinach Mandarin Poppy Seed Salad
Recipe from Our Best Bites
8 oz. (1/2 bag) of baby spinach
1/2-1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 thinly sliced medium red onion
1 large avocado, cubed
8 oz. mozzarella or Swiss cheese, shredded
1 12-oz. package bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 large can Mandarin oranges, drained
Poppy Seed Dressing, to taste

Combine all ingredients except dressing in a large bowl. When ready to serve, toss with desired amount of salad dressing and serve immediately. If you anticipate leftovers, just let your eaters dress their own salads because the dressing will make the greens wilt.

Poppy Seed Dressing
Recipe from Our Best Bites
1/3 c. white vinegar
1 tsp. Kosher salt
A few turns of freshly ground black pepper
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. mustard
1 green onion, ends removed (both the “hairy” end and where the green part starts to get floppy)
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. poppy seeds

In a blender, combine vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, and mustard. While the blender is running, add the green onion. Continue running the blender and add the oil in a steady stream and is fully incorporated into the dressing.

Pour the dressing into a serving or storage container and whisk in poppy seeds. Serve over leafy greens.


On Christmas Eve night, we always get new pajamas. This year all three boys got pirate themed ones! What could be more masculine than that?! And after we were all ready for bed, the boys received a sneaky visit from their personal elves, Buddy and Peter. Those two elves, who have never been caught, always leave fun surprises on the doorstep. My boys sure love those elves!