At this time of the year we start thinking about all the festivities that we will be participating in. We start searching for really simple recipe ideas that we can use when entertaining but won’t keep us in the kitchen the whole night. This Roast Strip Loin recipe is fast due to the tender nature of the loin (the same muscle that New York Sirloin steaks are cut from) there is no need to marinate. I have prepared a wet rub to season the roast. The pan vegetables may also be served as a side and we will make a pan jus out of the drippings.

There is a great tradition amongst Jana’s family here in Nova Scotia that I absolutely love: it is the gift of great seafood. It isn’t uncommon for us to receive a whole side of the finest cold smoked salmon or a box of oysters, what a treat! This year Frank sent us 50 of PEI’s finest Raspberry Point oysters, it was one of my favourite Christmas gifts this year!

At last it is Christmas Eve, Jack, Ella and Caitrin have had the countdown down going for the last 16 days, and we are all pretty excited! While the kids anticipate and enjoy the arrival of the “big guy”, I really enjoy all the socializing, parties and other people’s cooking!