As per the norm, the SBF, her mother (in from Helsinki, on the SAS
broomstick) and I do a Finnish Xmas Eve.

My only role in this annual delight is to prepare the birch wood smoked leg
of pork. (This is reminiscent of the Finnish sauna smoked hams.)
About a week ago, we injected and brined a leg of pork. Last nite I took it
out of the brine, dried it off and let it sit in the fridge. Also last nite,
I took chunks of birch wood, and put them in a bucket of water.

Early this AM I took out the pork to warm up, and fired up the smoker. When
the temp was at about 225F, I put on the piggie, along with some birch wood
chunks. Twelve hours later, we have a birch wood smoked, brined leg of pork.
(Unless the laws of barbecue were changed this year, it should taste pretty
good).

Outside of making certain that we have enough Finlandia Vodka on hand, along
with Linne Aquavitt, my role is completed.

During the past week and going on right now (7:30P), the SBF and Mother are
busy with the bulk of the chores. Karelian perogies(rye flour dough(filled
with arborio rice) were made a couple of days ago. Tonight they will also
make the topping, egg butter. Not very low fat with contents including whole
boiled eggs, salt and butter, all mashed up.

Did someone say herring? Pickled herring, herring with beets(the only one I
refuse to eat) and my all time favorite, mustard herring. Boiled potatoes,
too. Not to mention some homemade gravd lax.

Another favorite is Jansens temptation, a sort of potato gratin, with
herring interspersed.

Ginger snaps, Finnish fruit cake, along with almond cookies.

And one thing any sane thinking Scandinavian never forgets, is to leave the
lutefisk off the menu.!!

Normally, all the leftovers are served up on Boxing Day. Considering all the
work they have done, I would not expect them to cook the next day. So, on
Boxing Day, I will prepared the Christmas Day feast, which usually means a
roasted leg of lamb, with inserted garlic and anchovies.

Happy holidays to all.

Alan

In article <K2Myd.8298$rL3.6231@trnddc03>, "Alan Zelt"
> wrote:

> As per the norm, the SBF, her mother (in from Helsinki, on the SAS
> broomstick) and I do a Finnish Xmas Eve.
(snip)
> day. So, on Boxing Day, I will prepared the Christmas Day feast,
> which usually means a roasted leg of lamb, with inserted garlic and
> anchovies.
> Alan

Sounds swell; thanks for the report -- and it's nice to see you again!
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 11-29-04; Sam I Am!
birthday telling; Thanksgiving 2004; Fanfare, Maestro, please.
"Are we going to measure or are we going to cook?" -Food writer
Mimi Sheraton

In article <K2Myd.8298$rL3.6231@trnddc03>, "Alan Zelt"
> wrote:

> As per the norm, the SBF, her mother (in from Helsinki, on the SAS
> broomstick) and I do a Finnish Xmas Eve.
(snip)
> day. So, on Boxing Day, I will prepared the Christmas Day feast,
> which usually means a roasted leg of lamb, with inserted garlic and
> anchovies.
> Alan

Sounds swell; thanks for the report -- and it's nice to see you again!
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> Updated 11-29-04; Sam I Am!
birthday telling; Thanksgiving 2004; Fanfare, Maestro, please.
"Are we going to measure or are we going to cook?" -Food writer
Mimi Sheraton

Alan Zelt wrote:
>
> As per the norm, the SBF, her mother (in from Helsinki, on the SAS
> broomstick) and I do a Finnish Xmas Eve.
>

(Yummy sounding stuff snipped)
>
> Normally, all the leftovers are served up on Boxing Day. Considering all the
> work they have done, I would not expect them to cook the next day. So, on
> Boxing Day, I will prepared the Christmas Day feast, which usually means a
> roasted leg of lamb, with inserted garlic and anchovies.
>
> Happy holidays to all.
>
> Alan


As one of our illustrious members would say,
"It's GOOD to be you!"

Hyvaa joulua
gloria p

Alan Zelt wrote:
>
> As per the norm, the SBF, her mother (in from Helsinki, on the SAS
> broomstick) and I do a Finnish Xmas Eve.
>

(Yummy sounding stuff snipped)
>
> Normally, all the leftovers are served up on Boxing Day. Considering all the
> work they have done, I would not expect them to cook the next day. So, on
> Boxing Day, I will prepared the Christmas Day feast, which usually means a
> roasted leg of lamb, with inserted garlic and anchovies.
>
> Happy holidays to all.
>
> Alan


As one of our illustrious members would say,
"It's GOOD to be you!"

Hyvaa joulua
gloria p