Seafood Feast

To celebrate the Eve of Christmas 2008, Mamma Oh prepared (yet again) an amazing fish feast for her growing brood.

Christmas Eve, at least in my upbringing, has always been a meatless day. The reason, at least as I've understood it, is that we need to "sacrifice" or "fast" before a day of religious significance. (I use quotes here to emphasize that this is not the Mahatma Gandhi type of fasting - to go hungry in my culture is sacrilege. So, instead we eliminate one food group and make up the difference by eating more than we would usually consume in a week!)

So, to ensure we observed the Christmas Eve "fast" Mamma Oh prepared numerous seafood dishes - steamed mussels, seafood pasta, calamari, lobster tails, and shrimp many ways - with several vegetable dishes, along with fruit, dessert, ice cream and so very much more!

I think I'm still full!

It's Christmas Eve!

I'm back home in Toronto for the Holidays. And, while I've struggled getting into the Christmas spirit this year, I awoke excited and feeling a little more merry and bright.

The overnight snow fall (or storm as some would call it) had blanketed the outdoor landscape, leaving my neighbourhood Christmas-postcard ready. And, the aroma wafting throughout the house was evidence that Mamma was hard at work in her kitchen.

At first sniff, the air was sugar-filled and I became anxious to learn what dessert was being made (cream puffs!). But very quickly the stench of the sea assualted my nostrils and I knew: it's Christmas Eve!!

As is tradition for my family, seafood and fish are on the menu today. I'll be enjoying what I expect to be an overly filling and satisfying meal at the Oh's tonight. Will share pics soon enough!

Merry Christmas Eve to all!