We spent Christmas in Japan and fortunately another public holiday aligned with Christmas Eve so we had some friends over for a big feast.
First, we had to procure a Christmas Tree. This was not as easy a task as you would think. It's 
even a little more challenging if you're not willing to spend $400 for a real one or $200 for a fake 3 1/2 foot Charlie Brown tree. We found this beauty at Don Quixote (if you haven't been paying attention that's the store where you can buy everything).
even a little more challenging if you're not willing to spend $400 for a real one or $200 for a fake 3 1/2 foot Charlie Brown tree. We found this beauty at Don Quixote (if you haven't been paying attention that's the store where you can buy everything).Next we had to set the mood. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on which one of us you talk to) we received the Josh Grobin Christmas CD in the mail a few days earlier. As a bonus, Nicole had picked up a Yule Log DVD when we were back in the states. Christmas had officially arrived.
With the mood set it was time to focus on the important stuff -- FOOD. We got started on the 
world's most complicated pumpkin pie recipe (countless ingredients & endless preparation time - but oh so tastey) and homemade turkey stock for the stuffing. Nic added a little flare to the pies with some impromptu crust work.
world's most complicated pumpkin pie recipe (countless ingredients & endless preparation time - but oh so tastey) and homemade turkey stock for the stuffing. Nic added a little flare to the pies with some impromptu crust work.
With a few hours until guest arrived Mr. Turkey was given a nice butter bath before being placed in his private sauna to get all happy and yummy.
The spread was set and the guests started to arrive. Nicole's language instructor and her daughter even stopped by to say hello and try some turkey and stuffing.
After the guests left and many, many dishes were washed we opened our gifts and went to bed with visions of leftovers dancing in our heads. As you can see, the leftovers didn't stand much of a chance.
