I honestly didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. I really didn’t. However, the show must go on. I wasn’t in the mood for a traditional Jamaican dinner or breakfast, neither was I in the mood for a glazed ham or collards.  I prepared all that on Thanksgiving day and just wasn’t feeling the vibes for all that goodness. Today I wanted simplicity.

Last night as I pondered, in an attempt to gain some inspiration, the light bulb went off. Steak, Chicken and Oxtails  and Parmesan Cheese were supposed to be the star of the show.  I just had to figure out, how it was going to be prepared.

My friend Stacey called last night, unexpectedly, wanting to know what was for dinner today. When I told her steak and chicken, she replied, ” that sounds boring.”  I hadn’t anticipated any guest for Christmas. She  too, also had other plans but I guess she made some changes as well.  Anyway Stacey girl,  this one is for you!

The thought of peppered steak raced through my mind, but I still wasn’t quite feeling it.  I really wanted something extraordinary but my mind wanted me to prop my feet up in bed and go to sleep. My heart was in the kitchen but my body was channeling the bedroom. I decided to prepare Beef with Broccoli and Cauliflower, with Roasted Potatoes topped with Parmesan Cheese.

Well, after much contemplation and just “winging it” in the kitchen, I managed to prepare my Star Dish, Rice and Beans (so much for the roasted potatoes….maybe another day), Cauliflower Mash,  Braised Oxtails, a Carrot Cake and an Artisan Lettuce Salad.

So much for someone who just wanted to sleep huh?