pips_pekins Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 I know we have the Christmas thread which is lovely to read through but I am always even more interested in what people are eating for Christmas lunch or dinner For the last 5 years, I have always cooked a turkey but this year we are having beef. All quite traditional so I would love to know what others are having and whether or not we are all a very traditional bunch or not (I imagine not!) A friend of mine used to always cook something totally un-Christmassy such as chilli or a chinese inspired meal. My brother, who loves to cook Christmas lunch, has worked his way through almost every part of every edible creature I would also be really interested to know what starters you serve, if any, as this is the bit that I always get stuck with and usually resort to a pate or something else with bruschetta. Also my lot are so fussy that although when asked they usually respond 'oh, whatever you want to cook', DS has to have peas with everything and carrots, OH won't be happy if I fail to do caramelised shallots, everyone wants yorkshires and after all of this, I have a quorn escalope and a large sloe gin No Christmas pudding this year either as only 2 of us ever attempt to eat it and DS and OH don't eat anything with raisins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 This is the first time I'll be cooking Christmas dinner for about twenty years! No starter, but I'll serve cheese straws/sausage rolls with sherry earlier on in the day. Turkey, brussel sprouts, parsnips (there HAVE to be parsnips!), roast potatoes and probably carrots and peas, and bread sauce - I will do stuffing, but I could live without that. Christmas pudding, which has to be served with hot white sauce, although I will provide cream for the Philistines, and I think I will also offer warm mince pies as a lot of people find Christmas pud too heavy after the meal. And then I'll need a lie down for several hours .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 My family always insist on prawns in a caper and mayo sauce, rolled in smoked salmon for starters on christmas day I think it's the highlight of their year! When there were only the 3 of us, I used to vary our main course, we've had beef wellington, goose, pheasant, duck - anything out of the ordinary really. Now I have the younger boys to consider as well (and everyone eats so much more!) it's easier to do a turkey Although will hopefully have some wonderful beef this year, so may treat us to that on christmas day instead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 We don't do turkey here either,as we really do not like it. For the past few years & have done a spiced aromatic Ham as my meaty centerpiece. It is dead simple,as most of the cooking is done the day before - it just needs 40 mins or so in the oven to finish it off,& it looks wonderful with the criss cross top & the studded cloves. The leftovers are pretty good too! I do all the traditional extras like roast potatoes (in olive oil so my veggie daughter can eat them too), carrots,sprouts,yorkshire pudding,& I ALWAYS get the M&S garnish pack with little sausages,bacon rolls & stuffing balls. We have bread sauce & cranberry sauce too,just not the Turkey! My Veggie daughter has a Mcsween Veggie Haggis, which is divine & tastes just like stuffing (so we all have a bit too!) I have guests here this year for the first time in a decade,& although I suspect they may be expecting Turkey,well...thats tough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 After much thought and haggling........Mr W &I are having turkey, Little Miss Webmuppet will be having chicken, with all the normal trimmings. I normally do a gammon as well. For pudding Mr W and I will be having homemade Christmas pud and LMW will have trifle. Well thats the plan at the moment. I haven't thought about a starter yet............I don't know if I can face trying to get Mr W and LMW to agree on a starter.........I failed dismally on the main course and pudding! According to LMW we won't be having venison casserole on Christmas (which we have had on Christmas Eve for years) we will be having garlicky chicking casserole with home made bread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 As I'm pretty sure I've said on similar threads in earlier years, I've never had turkey on Christmas day. If we want to be really traditional, we have goose, but over the years I've had chicken, duck, guinea fowl, pheasant, venison, pork, lamb, beef, salmon, trout, rabbit, hare, sole, nut roast and several different types of pie. This year, I'm doing a crown roast of lamb, although I might change that to Guards of Honour if I get fed up trying to get a decent shape to the racks. To start is often moules mariniere with plenty of home made granary bread to dunk, but this year I haven't decided yet. I'll probably do something seafood to balance the meat for the main course, but will most likely avoid prawns since they're a bit to ordinary. Seared scallops on a bit of bubble and squeak? That might work... Pud will definitely be Christmas pud, and my son has made plenty of mincemeat so mince pies will be available for anyone who's not yet full. Might do a lime sorbet as an alternative if anyone really feels they can't do Christmas pud, and we'll certainly make another batch of rum butter for the occasion. We haven't got the wine yet, but we'll almost certainly have either a Chablis or a white Burgundy for the starter and a decent red Burgundy, claret or Barolo to go with the lamb. We're not great drinkers, so we find it easy to justify pushing the boat out for the Christmas bottles. A cheese board will certainly make an appearance, and will have at least one blue cheese, one soft rinded cheese, one hard cheese (probably some Cheddar Gorge cheddar) and something from the Jarlsberg/Emmental/Gruyere family. Walnuts will also be around somewhere. I hasten to add that we usually start Christmas dinner around 12:30ish and stretch it out to finish around 4-5pm, so even if it sounds like a big dinner, it realistically does the job of two meals on that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sage Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 For us its Capon, pigs in blankets, roast spuds, roast parsnips,yorkshire pud,stuffing, carrots, peas and sprouts lashing of gravy. Pudding is usually bakwell tart with icecream (several hours after lunch) Sage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 We haven't decided yet, there is just going to be the four of us this year (hurray) the in-laws are going to SIL, my mums is dead (really miss her, she was always part of my Christmases) and my brother doesn't do Christmas. In laws are coming on the 26 or 27, so we can do and eat whatever we fancy!!!! Lots of board games, movies and Lego building. We will have a full Christmas dinner when there is more of us, we may have a Sunday dinner but we need a family powwow to decided! A lazy family day in store, I might stay in my pj's until we go on a dog walk in the afternoon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted November 26, 2011 Share Posted November 26, 2011 OH hates turkey.... So we will have chicken and all the trimmings... Sausage wrapped in bacon, stuffing, roast parsnips, carrots, sprouts, prob peas.... And he will prob want Yorkshire puds. Desert will be a Christmas pudding which will be ignited in brandy..... OH and FILs favourite part of the day We don't tend to have a starter, but we do have croissants for breakfast and smoked salmon and a cheese board for tea , and Christas cake is always available Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 For the last few years we have had Chicken with all the trimmings and a chocolate gateau and cream for pudding. None of us like Turkey or christmas pudding. We don't have a starter as there wouldn't be room for the gateau if we did This year DD has asked for pigs in blankets and Pringles for her Christmas meal, DS has asked for bacon rolls, OH wants Duck. DD and DS do not like Duck Our Christmas meal menu has yet to be decided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 Ok, so far, I think I want to go to Major Bloodnock's house for Christmas dinner, please - although pigs-in-blankets and Pringles has a certain attraction, as does the idea of a pyjama day! I thought I'd have goose this year, as I am not a big fan of turkey, and I think goose is much tastier. Then I discovered the price of a goose on Waitrose online We're having free range turkey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 Ok, so far, I think I want to go to Major Bloodnock's house for Christmas dinner, please - although pigs-in-blankets and Pringles has a certain attraction, as does the idea of a pyjama day! I thought I'd have goose this year, as I am not a big fan of turkey, and I think goose is much tastier. Then I discovered the price of a goose on Waitrose online We're having free range turkey. I'm flattered. To be honest, it sounds rather grander than it is; Christmas day here is really a leisurely stroll through the blizzard of wrapping paper (the kids have yet to master the idea of tidying up as they go along) whilst I potter around in the kitchen. Each course is ready when it's ready, so no-one has to stress about timings. I know what you mean about the price of goose, but since I usually only have to feed four of us, it's not prohibitively expensive, even at the current price of around £10 - £12 per kg. I also find I get loads of goose fat off whilst roasting, which I keep for spud-roasting duties for the coming year. Since the goose fat is also priced at around £11 per kg (not that I'd buy it at that price) I can kid myself the goose being consumed is between 10% and 20% cheaper than the actual price I pay. That said, I need no justification really for splashing out on what is, after all, a once-a-year celebratory meal, and if I need to make a few more cheap casseroles in the months leading up so as to save up for an expensive bird, that's not a big problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 Bog standard Christmas fare here ... with gluten free alternatives for me. If I'm honest, I prefer goose to turkey but have met with fierce resistance on the subject. I might just pitch up at the major's, along with Olly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 Sorry to be ignorant but what does goose taste like? I've tried duck, but we found that too fatty. ES doesn't like beef or lamb, DD doesn't like lamb & YS only likes chicken. I don't eat pork & none of us are keen on turkey. Since it's just me & the kids, I might as well do achicken, but it seems a little boring... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 It is more like duck in terms of texture, but with a different, and in my opinion, nicer flavour. It is not as greasy as duck, or as dry as turkey. The downside of a goose is that it doesn't have as much meat on it as a turkey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 We are going to my parents We will be having turkey, roasts spuds, bacon rolls, chipolata sausages, stuffing, bread sauce and cranberry sauce. Not sure what veg Mum will do this year. We always have two pudding to choose from, a trad christmas pud with both brandy butter and a brown rum butter and then an alternative that is usually my job to make and bring. It could well be a cheesecake this year. We don't have a starter but usually have some smoked salmon on brown bread nibbles with a glass or two of champagne as other rellies and friends not coming for lunch pop in for a drink. Around 5pm there is always cucumber sarnies (family christmas tradition) and cups of tea and christmas cake for anyone that wants it. Around 8pm there is cold turkey, a cold ham joint, salad and jacket spuds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted November 27, 2011 Share Posted November 27, 2011 Sorry to be ignorant but what does goose taste like? I've tried duck, but we found that too fatty. ES doesn't like beef or lamb, DD doesn't like lamb & YS only likes chicken. I don't eat pork & none of us are keen on turkey. Since it's just me & the kids, I might as well do achicken, but it seems a little boring... Both geese and ducks have a fair amount of fat, and it has to be said that layer is excellent at keeping the meat moist and internally basted whilst cooking. The trick is not to end up with loads of fat on each slice that's served, since that's just not appetising. I find the best way is to stab the skin all over the place with a fork so there's plenty of holes for the fat to run out as it melts. That way, when the bird is cooked, you'll have nice crisp skin, moist meat and relatively little fat. Better still is if you can combine this with having the bird stood on a wire rack with teh roasting tin beneath to catch the fat. Beware, though, that you'll need to empty it once or twice during the cooking time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted November 29, 2011 Author Share Posted November 29, 2011 Wow. Some lovely Christmas meals being served up by omleteers around the country! And I have been getting some really good ideas so thank you. I think I will do hot prawns as a starter (although DS has also suggested bruschetta with prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella as served in a certain Italian restaurant!). Mains will be beef with all the trimmings including sprouts. Cinnamon, you reminded me that I have a veggie haggis in the freezer, so I may well have that. Pudding is probably going to be either lemon tart or profiteroles. I have already bought the crackers for the cheese board and the port! Like majorbloodnock, we tend to have one hard cheese, a blue and a squidgy one I have wines hidden away in the shed and new bottles of Drambuie, Glayva and Brandy under the bed with a box of Thorntons' mint selection Boxing Day, amazingly they have all agreed on chicken, so I will serve stuffing and pigs in blanket with that. I usually make a trifle but not sure that I will bother this year as there is always too much food left over as it is . Last night DS asked what we were going to have for Christmas Eve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 ...I think I will do hot prawns as a starter (although DS has also suggested bruschetta with prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella as served in a certain Italian restaurant!).... I'm guessing you've already an idea in mind for how to serve the hot prawn dish. However, just in case you find yourself struggling for inspiration as to what to serve them with or on, I've found blinis are a good get out of jail free card. Last night DS asked what we were going to have for Christmas Eve If mine asked me that, he'd get the answer, "No idea. What did you want to cook for us?" Mind you, in fairness, he'd almost certainly give an answer and then go ahead and cook it. Many's the time I've blessed our decision to let the kids loose in the kitchen from the earliest opportunity.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted November 29, 2011 Author Share Posted November 29, 2011 I'm guessing you've already an idea in mind for how to serve the hot prawn dish. However, just in case you find yourself struggling for inspiration as to what to serve them with or on, I've found blinis are a good get out of jail free card. No, I hadn't got that far so thank you for the tip If mine asked me that, he'd get the answer, "No idea. What did you want to cook for us?" Funnily enough that was my question! Turns out he will be doing teriyaki salmon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I'm guessing you've already an idea in mind for how to serve the hot prawn dish. However, just in case you find yourself struggling for inspiration as to what to serve them with or on, I've found blinis are a good get out of jail free card. No, I hadn't got that far so thank you for the tip If mine asked me that, he'd get the answer, "No idea. What did you want to cook for us?" Funnily enough that was my question! Turns out he will be doing teriyaki salmon Well played, that lad. You'll have to report back later to tell us how well it turned out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 Turkey crown & all the usual trimmings here. Hubby wants prawn cocktail for starters, I'd prefer garlic mushrooms. He loves Xmas pud & rum sauce - I'd prefer a torte of some kind, but will put up with the pud. We'll see. Tea is usually cold turkey, chutneys, pickles few baps, cheese board. Pick as you want, if you want it! Xmas cake & mince pies always available. We always have a couple of glasses of port too. Brekkie is usually Bucks fizz & croissants. Followed by the opening of the tin of Roses / Quality Street during prezzie unwrapping! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 Last year I decided that I would head to the supermarket on Christmas Eve and buy something that was reduced in price and we would have that for Christmas dinner. I was heavily pregnant and determined not to get swept up in a big fuss over Christmas dinner. If I couldn't find anything we had agreed to find something in our freezer to eat, even if it was fish fingers! It was a brave thing to do to go to a supermarket on Christmas Eve (talk about busy! ) but I came out with a lovely joint of pork and one of lamb. Just small ones but they cost me a couple of quid each. I'll admit I felt quite smug! This year I have already got a small lamb joint in the freezer (found in the reduced section of the supermarket) and I may buy a little chicken as well. I'll do sausages in bacon and loads of veg. It'll just be me, OH and the two Bogwoppits here for Christmas day. Your Christmas dinners all sound delicious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfer_chicken Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 I find the best way is to stab the skin all over the place with a fork so there's plenty of holes for the fat to run out as it melts. That way, when the bird is cooked, you'll have nice crisp skin, moist meat and relatively little fat. Better still is if you can combine this with having the bird stood on a wire rack with teh roasting tin beneath to catch the fat. Beware, though, that you'll need to empty it once or twice during the cooking time. We always manage to gain enough fat for 3 months worth of excellent roast potatoes with Sunday lunch. Yum I think we will be having turkey this year however as my brother and his family will be over so there will be 8 of us to feed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted November 29, 2011 Share Posted November 29, 2011 We have a pretty traditional Christmas dinner for min 8 adults. Apparently youngest DD and my Mum 82 insist on prawn cocktail (bit boring but saves me thinking to hard ) followed by Turkey or beef as i don't like Turkey much. Roasts, stuffing,yorkshires,pigs in blankets,parsnips,brussels,peas,carrots and brocolli. oh and lots of gravy. Christmas pud and M&S profiterole dessert for the fourth year running lol We don't eat another meal in evening but last couple of years we have had the chocolate fountain telly is mostly off until the evening so we play lots of games. can't wait until we have a grandchild next year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
