Well, it’s December again, which can be either the best time of the year for you or the worst, depending upon your attitude and circumstances. I actually used to dread December, as I was in the retail business for years and years and trying to make the holidays magical for both my family and my customers was just exhausting, to say the least. But these days, I am just a “leisurely” housewife with a grown child who doesn’t live at home most of the time, so I actually really look forward to the holidays now. They give me a chance to spend time with those I love dearly, and, to cook for those I love dearly, ta boot. I’m thinking we’ll be having Christmas dinner at home this year, because we’ve been away from home so much lately. I’m hoping Abbie will bring all of her Old Forge/Inlet college friends over for lots of visits during their month-long break at home. I promise to have lots of cookies and hot chocolate ready for you, girls.

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? I sure haven’t, but sometimes I like procrastinating this task a little—fighting crowds and traffic at the mall always seems to get me into the holiday spirit. Crazy, I know, but that’s just how I roll. And ladies, if your husbands needs any gift ideas for you this year, you might want to hand him this here column, because I’ve done you one better: I found a list (which I conveniently paraphrased for you), from Suite101.com, of five things a man SHOULDN’T buy his wife. Check it:

Five WORST CHRISTMAS

GIFTS FOR YOUR WIFE:

1. Anything related to weight loss. Just don’t do it. No gym memberships, no weight loss books, no workout equipment. Because what you’re really saying to her is,  “You’re fat, and I’m not”. You are better off buying that gym membership or treadmill together, as a couple. Perhaps you can make fitness a joint New Year’s resolution?

2. Anything with a plug—no small appliances. Because although she might complain about her rinky-dink hand mixer or hand-vac, she really, really doesn’t want to unwrap one of these on Christmas morning. Would you men get excited about, say, an extension ladder or a new drill? Really? You would? Well, that’s you, not us.

3. Clothing. A very risky choice. If you buy her something that’s a size too small, you might be sending the message that you wish she were smaller. A size too big? Then the message is that you think she’s bigger than she really is. Most women are extremely picky about their clothes. In this situation, jewelry is a much better option. It fits almost everyone. Do you hear that, Big Daddy?

4. Restaurant or movie theatre gift cards. Do you know what this means? It means that you want her to take you out on a date, with her Christmas gift. Cheapskate.

5. Any car or computer related gift. New tires or hard drive? SO not sexy. Now a new car or new Ipad—that’s SO something George Clooney would do.  

Hope that helps you guys. And for those of you who are responsible for cooking quick dinners for your family during this very busy time of year, I have a few more super easy suppers this week. The Crock Pot Beef Stew is super easy to throw together in the morning, and it makes a big pot of hearty stew to warm you up after a long and blustery December day. Fantastic served with some nice dinner rolls. And, if you’re a fan of breakfast for dinner like we are, this easy Onion and Asparagus Frittata is just for you. Served with maybe a side salad, and you’ve got dinner, fast. Enjoy.

CROCK POT BEEF STEW

Serves 4-6

2 carrots, sliced

3 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

2 lbs. stew meat (beef), cut into 1 inch cubes

1 14 oz. can beef broth

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. salt

Freshly ground pepper

1 tsp. paprika

2 yellow onions, cut into big chunks

2 celery ribs, sliced

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 tsp. red chili pepper flakes (optional)

In the order listed, add all ingredients to a slow cooker except the frozen peas. Stir just enough to mix seasonings. Cook on low for 10 hours, or high for 5-6 hours. 1 hour before end of cooking time, add peas and stir.

ONION AND ASPARAGUS FRITTATA

Serves 4

3 tsp. olive oil

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 lb. asparagus, tough ends broken off and cut into 1 inch lengths

1/2 tsp. salt

4 large eggs

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or, use your favorite kind)

Heat olive oil in a 10 inch OVEN PROOF frying pan (Calphalon or cast iron work well) over medium/high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, about 3 minutes. Add asparagus. Reduce heat to medium/low and cover. Cook until asparagus is just tender—usually about 5 or 6 minutes. In a small bowl, lightly beat eggs; add salt. Pour eggs into asparagus/onion mixture and cook, uncovered,  until almost set, about 2 minutes. While cooking, pre-heat broiler. Sprinkle cheese over egg/asparagus mixture and put frying pan under broiler. Let cook until cheese is melted and starting to turn brown. (Hint—don’t take your eye off of anything under the broiler, as things will burn very quickly). With oven mitts, remove Frittata from oven.  Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Happy eating.

Please send all recipes or comments to P.O. Box 111, Old Forge, NY 13420, or e-mail them to lnwillard@hotmail.com.