Christmas Eve Dinner

After church we had family and a few close friends over for dinner.  On the menu was orange glazed ham, macaroni and cheese, simple salad, and chocolate bark.

Orange Ham Glaze

zest of one orange

juice of one orange

2 TBS of dijon mustard

1 TBS of apricot preserves

1/2 tsp of salt and pepper

1 TBS of packed brown sugar

Combine all ingredients.  Pour over spiral ham, making sure it gets between slices.  Bake for 1 hour (8.5lbs) at 300 degrees covered tightly, and then 15 minutes more uncovered.  Enjoy!

The macaroni and cheese recipe was pure indulgence.  I did make a few changes...I know surprise, surprise!  I used shredded reduced fat italian mix cheese instead of the gruyere.  The cheese section in the grocery store was swamped and I couldn't take it.  So, I opted for the grab and run selection.  I also used dried plan bread crumbs.  They did not crisp up as well but didn't impact the flavor very much at all.  It was also one less thing to wash.  I did add 2 tsp of fresh thyme to the bread crumb topping.  With the tomoatoes, delicious!  Make this dish, you won't regret all the butter and cheese!

Chocolate Bark

1 bag of good sem-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup of dried cranberries

2/3 cup of chopped dried apricots

1/2 cup of toasted, sliced almonds

Melt the chips, using a tempering method.  In a microwave safe bowl, heat 3/4 of the chips for 30 seconds, stir, heat again.  Repeat until they are melted, then stir in the remaining chips.  This will keep the bark from graying.  Pour and spread evenly over a baking sheet covered with a silpat or parchment paper.  Sprinkle with cranberries, apricot, and almonds.  Pat gently and place in refrigerator to cool.  Enjoy!