Twelve Days of Christmas: Christmas Eve Dinner

You can always tell who grew up in an Italian-American family. They’re the ones at the fish counter on Christmas Eve. Here’s what my family has each year. Follow it up with a nice slice of ricotta cheesecake, if you have the room. If not, sip on some limoncello.

Stuffed Shrimp

Stuffed, capped, same difference

Caesar Salad

Hey, who ate the croutons?

Linguine and Clams

Open sesame

Stuffed Squid

Every time I eat squid I remember the scene from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Take that monster.

Here’s the recipe for stuffed squid. A how to for cleaning them may be coming. Use squid that are about 5-6 inches long for this.

Stuffed Squid

• 20 squid cleaned with tentacles separated
• 1 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Romano
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt/pepper

Mix all ingredients together to form a moist stuffing about the consistency of cookie dough. Add a little white wine if necessary. Fill each squid loosely about 3/4 full and close top with a toothpick. Repeat until all squid are done. Saute squid uncovered in a large pan in olive oil until seared, about 5 minutes then add to marinara sauce along with tentacles and cook for 20-30 minutes.