Christmas Eve dinner is dialed in Starting with Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana & Kale Salad

Christmas Eve dinner is dialed in Starting with Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana & Kale Salad 


Christmas Eve dinner is dialed in-thanks in part to friends on Facebook.
 This is what I will make
 I will make a dip :

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sour cream (I used light)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sliced green onion

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 F.
Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon and green onion. Spoon mixture into a 1-quart baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and hot.
Serve with bread slices, crackers, or veggies.
Followed by:
Dinner is:

 Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
1/4 c bacon bits (i use real bacon)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 c kale, (or swiss chard) chopped
16 oz can chicken broth
1 qt water
1 c heavy whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1 brown sausage links in pan. drain grease very well. cut links in half lengthwise, then in 1/2 inch slices.
2 Place cooked Italian sausage, chicken broth, water, garlic, potatoes, salt, pepper, and onion in slow cooker.
3 Cover. Cook on High for 3-4 hours until potatoes are cooked and soft.
4 Turn the crock pot off and add the chopped kale.
5 Return the lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
6 Add whipping cream and serve., 
I will serve this with a lettuce, kale, and spinach salad and a citrus dressing.
Here is the 
Citrus Dressing I use:
INGREDIENTS:

Dressing: 


4 Tbsp  orange juice 

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
½ tsp dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

The nibbles are carrots and crackers for the dip and veggie spring rolls from the Dollar Tree and Crab Ragoons. 
I already have the peppermint fudge and cookies if I get a sweet tooth.
Its just me so I am going to have the things I like and relax and enjoy the evening.
While writing this it became time to deliver the cookies and gifts. My neighbor and I delivered cookies to six people and gifts to two. One of these people we gave gifts to was our 87 year old neighbor.
I asked her what she was going to do for Christmas Eve.
She got a little teary and said nothing. She also did not think even her son would call. I know her family will celebrate Saturday but she will be alone for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I could not let that happen. I told her what I was making for dinner and said I will be bringing it over. She started to smile and said she would make finger foods. She was so pleased. 
How could I not spend the evening with her?
Later after dinner I will get her to go over to the community room and we will put together a puzzle. 
I know that does not sound exciting but it will make her day special.
Here are a couple of the collages I made of the room and the homes we decorated and she helped all the way:

Don't feel sorry for her or thing this lady is just old and feeble. No she has more energy that most 30 year olds. I would take her to see the Christmas lights but I am night blind. But what we are going to do will be fine.


I know we will have a great evening and I hope you all have a great Christmas Eve!

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