Christmas at Karnes #21 once again witnessed the convening of appreciative DP8 guests, with the Quinns making DP10. A festival of lights greeted us as we climbed Pine Meadow Lane.

The weather, although a tad erratic this season, remained cold but dry this evening, allowing for problem-free driving and footing conditions. We can recall a few Christmases past challenging those skills. And for the fourteenth time, Kallie wildly greeted us, semmingly not having lost a step. Five minutes took care of this cavorting!

One again, Deb K created the entire dinner. We other eight sat back and marveled at her hard work, creativity, and excellent dishes. Of course, Chay’s role was often debated around the table, always worth a chuckle or two. Any comment here hardly expresses the depth of our appreciation of their collaboration.

A couple times, we slowed and pondered, about the wonders of life, the sharing of experiences, enjoying company of longtime friends, recognizing both the transience of life and our desired immortality. Humor, caring, and joy mingled and melded for another opportunity to enjoy and remember.

Note: In keeping with the wish to limit cell phone use, the only picture taken (by Joyce) was of the Santa hors d’oeuvres.

Back to the scene. The Quinns complemented the Karneses, Teators, Notarnicolas, and Monteverds. The counters acted as magnets, with one cluster around the kitchen island and another cluster at the dividing counter. And the rosters at each changed sporadically.

Course #1 - Hors d'oeuvres

• sweet and sour mini-meatballs
• Santa charcuterie board (see photo)
• assorted crackers

            We spent almost an hour toothpick-spearing, noshing, talking, laughing. almost finishing off the Christmas guy.

The call for “dinner ready” was announced. Another inviting scene with the table for ten set in a Christmas theme. A Karneses’ tradition of a favor once again pleased the masses – a Krause Christmas chocolate.

And Deb K insisted, with aid from Chay, that they relay the dishes to the table. We always protest but that look, that look, quieted us to accept the generous offer.

Course #2 - Salad

• Greens with pear, pomegranate, shaved parmesan, pistachios, and champagne vinaigrette. A look back at salads of Christmases past shows a salad chef with a variety of fresh and tasty touches.

Course #3 - Sorbet

• A cranberry-orange looked brighter and tasted fuller than many past ones and proved to be another keeper.

Both Deb K and Chay disappeared, only to return with a plate to be set on the table until the full contingent of choices were full, the two of them sat, and we commenced to enjoy another feast.

Course #4 – Entrée and Sides  

• Beef Braciole
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• Chicken Cacciatore
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• Cranberry-orange sauce
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• Hazelnut green beans with prosciutto and dates
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• Marian's Roadside potatoes
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• Hawaiian Dinner Rolls with Butter

            Every year reveals one more facet of creativity. Although this year was no exception, the two main dishes felt soul-satisfying, winter-tough. The braciole strings barely held the tender meat together.

Beer and soda were kept winter cold on the back porch. A couple wines on the kitchen work area awaited and a pleasant flow of water and alcohol paced the evening.

Just as the gustatory and digestive systems had quieted, it was at this juncture we retired to the den. And for the first time ever, we did not exchange and steal gifts.

            Instead, we had donated $300 to Greene County Community Action Support a Family for Christmas. Our gift went to a mother and son, with some specific items mentioned. Deb K did the shopping, both for the items and complement of gift cards. Names of recipients are not divulged. Although the excitement of gift theft is enjoyed, the satisfaction of helping others seems more important than ever.

            To pass enjoyable time, and possibly start a new trend, the Karneses created a Christmas trivia game, with the remaining eight calling out answers. Information for the questions had been scouted for and became the basis for the questions.

            The Karneses awarded two prizes – a $25 card, and a $10 card. Winners: Joyce and Deb T.

            It was during this time, or just before, Kerry was not feeling well, not well enough to stay and he and Julie excused themselves. We shared our regrets.

The call for dessert was declared. And the only unannounced course was revealed.

Course #5 - Dessert

•             Placed side by side on the table runner, six feet of five inch pies made quite a sensation. Choices of chocolate, blueberry, and pistachio cream pies awaited. We awaited Deb’s explanation of preparation before enjoying one or two of the choices.

The evening was winding down. However, with the Quinns gone and the Notarnicolas having to leave to start a lengthy trip toward Florida that evening, we other visiting foursome decided to go with the flow. Before darkness would waft us homeward, we hoped that 2024 might lead into a productive and worthy 2025. And challenges lay ahead, known or not yet invented, and we hoped we may have the grace and strength and support to see our way ahead.

We humbly and gratefully accepted this generosity of one our culinary highlights of the year. Thank you, Deb and Chay, for your efforts and such grand hospitality.

Merry Christmas to all!