I love Xmas and the festive spirit. What I don't love so much is the idea of being stuck at home cooking all day when there are so many exciting things to do outside! This year, I really felt like seeing the movie The Big Short, since I had loved Michael Lewis' book and was curious to see what it would be like on the big screen with my favorite actor Christian Bale as one of the main characters.

So we went to the movies, and when we got home it was already 6:30pm. And I had not started my dinner yet... No panic: I had 1) my lovely daughters to set a nice winter themed table and 2) my foolproof duck magret recipe.

So we were able to put together a great Xmas dinner in less than 90 minutes:

Amuse: endive leaves with whipped cream, chives and salmon caviar

Roasted duck magret with pears

Chestnut purée

Fried potatoes and steamed string beans

Chocolate Bûche de Noël

I got the buche from Payard, otherwise I would have needed another 3 hours of work. 

Aside from the duck magret, the chestnut purée was a breeze to make: buy a jar of pre-cooked chestnuts, pour into a pan, cover with milk. Bring to a boil and cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Purée with a hand stick mixer. Add more milk if it is too thick, as well as crème fraîche, salt and pepper to taste.

Don't forget to put on a few holiday records! Our family favorites are The Brian Setzer Orchestra (also known as The Stray Cats sing Christmas), the Beach Boys sing Christmas, Chris Isaak, not to forget of course the unavoidable and much loved Frank Sinatra. Happy holidays everyone!!!