A Night in Bethlehem (Recipes)

I was going to prepare a rather large, fancy, dinner for Christmas this year but then I was in church talking with a few ladies and one of them shared a family tradition of hers and I absolutely loved it. Each year, on Christmas Eve, they would have what they called "a night in Bethlehem". They prepare foods that were served during the time of Christ, eat on the floor (as was commonly done during that time), and the children dress up and perform the nativity. How lovely does that sound?! I just adored the idea so I began to research recipes and found a few that turned out to be quite delicious.

Israeli Flatbread

*I made smaller breads and fried them in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil, the recipe says that it makes 6 flatbreads but I easily made double.

Israeli Roast Chicken with Jerusalem Salad

*I used chicken thighs (bone-in) and removed the skin. I cooked them for 1 hour at 350 F.

Also, I ate my chicken gyro-style with the flatbread and Jerusalem salad, and also with a quick yogurt sauce made with plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Fig & Nut Appetizer

*I used 6 dried figs, 1/2 C chopped walnuts, 1/3 C brown sugar, 2-3 Tbsp water and brought it all to a boil for a few minutes then poured it over 1 8oz block of neaufchatel cheese (cream cheese) on a plate and it was perfect, I wouldn't change a thing that I did. We ate this with crackers and it was scrumptious!

I also served some roasted veggies. This dinner was rather simple and full of flavor, everyone loved it!