The Christmas Dinner Thread

[Barmaid]

Yes, I know its only November, but if I have half a chance of being ready on time this year, I have to start thinking about it now.

Christmas Day my brother and his gf are entertaining us all to lunch. Roast pork, apple sauce etc. (I'm providing some stuff and another question will follow shortly)

Boxing Day I'm cooking for the OH and his daughter. Turkey has been requested. So this morning I tried to order a Norfolk Black. Seventy two ****** quid they wanted. SEVENTY TWO QUID?! For a turkey? I want a bird, not the whole damn farm. As one friend said to me, what has it been fed on? Hand peeled grapes whilst laying on a chaise longue? So it's an Aldi turkey crown....... with brussels and pancetta, turmeric and chilli roasted spuds, pistachio and mergoz sausage stuffing, gravy and whatever other veg I decide to serve up.

So, have you decided on your Christmas meal? What's it to be? Should I shut up (I've got about 3 questions all Christmas related lol).

Over to you....

[mazie]

So what you having for Christmas dinner Anne? ;o)

[ethandron]

I once spent a small fortune on a fancy pants turkey and it was no where near as tasty as the supermarket ready basted ones we'd had in the past so have never bothered since.
Bought goose a couple of years ago and that was even pricier! And far less meat. Waste of money.
This year I'm not cooking it so I don't care what we have, I shall just get drunk, yay.

[mccfluff]

anne - how about roast dinners instead.

For dinner tonight, I would like a roast rib of beef, cooked medium rare (with crispy end bits) roast pots & parsnips, yorkies, cabbage, carrots, peas & brussels with proper nice rich gravy and as its an imaginery dinner, i'll have some dauphinoise pots too

[mallyh]

I wish a Chinese was open xmas day it would save standing cooking for hours x

[Islay]

Because of my delicate condition I am having hand caught in a silk pillow case lobster tails and some scallops, hubby will be having the full works turkey gammon veg Yorkshire puddings roasted potato boiled potatoes and mashed potatoes followed by freshly cleaned air for me and Xmas pudding for himself

[EcclesCake]

I cannot for the life of me remember what I decided to have as a starter, I have a few weeks for it to com back to me. Main will be Beef Wellington, braised red cabbage, a green veg and dauphinoise pots not sure what sauce as the red wine one I had planned is now a no go. Pud will be Eton Mess with blackberries. If there's room cheese will also be served.

[Patsy33]

I wouldn't bother if it wasn't for the family. My lovely son in law always helps out with the cooking. I'm so grateful, as I find it very stressful.. Once it's all cooked, I'm relaxed and enjoy the day.

[davegosling]

"I wish a Chinese was open xmas day"

There will be plenty open on Xmas eve, though, and Chinese always tastes better re-heated :-)

[Patsy33]

^^^^^^
Traditional turkey by the way..

[emmie]

i suspect it will be whatever i can dig out the freezer, as i will likely be at home this year, alone. unlike last Christmas where we had turkey, ham, all the trimmings at my Niece's house.
as she lives more than 70 miles off i doubt if i am included in this years celebrations.

[ethandron]

I love those silk pillow case caught lobster tails, Islay, not been able to find them lately though ;o)

[ethandron]

We went to an Indian restaurant a couple of years ago, for lunch on Christmas Day. It was totally overbooked and a real bun fight buffet, wouldn't do it again.

[Islay]

Only the best for lady islay eth!!

[Barmaid]

All of this is making me feel v v hungry. Some really nice stuff being planned.

Am really tempted by the idea of the local chinese for lunch (there is a takeaway across the road from his house). But, it's our first Christmas together so I wanted it to be a bit special

(Cant you tell I'm turning into a soppy git)

I take your point Sharon and others on the Norfolk Black. I really like them, but there is no way I am spending that much money to feed 3. Ridiculous.

[albaqwerty]

I have not got a clue what we're doing for Christmas dinner.
Might just crib a few ideas from you lovely lot.

If Mr Alba wants steak, he's cooking, if not, then I'll don my pinny (again)

[sherrardk]

I'm sorely tempted by the offering from our favourite Indian - popadums, mixed starter, any main, any rice, naan or side, some sort of alcoholic drink and dessert for £19.99 for adults and £10.99 for under 12's.

[Barmaid]

Hmmmm, just wondering if I can rustle up a roast dinner tonight. The only meat things I have in the freezer tho are some partridges, a couple of chicken breasts and a fillet steak........

[EcclesCake]

I've remembered my starter, figs stuffed with dolce latte and wrapped in prosciutto.

I think I need to add at least another five veg to the main course, just two seems inadequate.

[zebo]

I personally don't think they're worth it. The TV chefs and chefesses always have them but a) they don't buy them and b) they puts masses of other flavours into them. St Nigella soaks it for ages in a buckets bull of spices etc.. Last year we discovered the Bernard Matthews factory shop, a turkey crown for about a tenner, tasted as good as much dearer ones with all the extra flavours in a Christmas meal. We're doing Boxing Day, beef and a ham, last year's Christmas cake for later, forgot to cut it last year! Why does this site stop typing, I get well into my post then realise it stopped 50 characters ago, I can't type and watch the screen!

[mccfluff]

ooo i fancy figs n dolcelatte now