Christmas lunch

[Greedyfly]

This year for the first time I am having the family over my house for Christmas day and although I can cook - I think Im a good cook anywas ; )  I would like to wow them so I thought you lovely people could give me some of your christmas day secrets in the way of food ideas and deserts etc... Thanku all

[Pinotage]

I don't think people want to be wowed for this meal. Its the tradition and the company that count, so just do the standard. Its hard enough to do that well and server it hot, but thats what people are expecting and wanting.

 

But I would push out on the wine, and thats something you can devolve. HAve some Champagne for pre-dinner drinks (then if there's a delay with the food, they'll be happy with a refill) and get some decent red and white wines and a stickie for afters. And for the kids get some sparkling grape juice or something special too.

[woofgang]

Deffo with the champagne, or bucks fizz or bellinis are good too. If you serve it with some solid-ish nibbles (smoked salmon and cream cheese on blinis or rounds of brown bread is good), then no-one will get cranky if dinner is a bit late...best advice is to make sure that the cook gets plenty of champagne, then nothing else matters ;-)

[Ouisch]

Are you making a turkey?  I've got a great recipe for stuffing, if you're interested.

[FP]

Brussell Sprouts and Roast Chestnuts mixed in a serving dish are easy and look and taste great together.

[Greedyfly]

I don't know about making a turkey - im not that advanced but I will be buying one so yes a stuffing recipe would be nice thanku  xx

[smudge]

Apart from FP's suggestion, we also have mini sausages wrapped in bacon & roasted parsnips - mouth watering!

[nicola_red]

A colleague of mine advised sweet potato mash and butternut squash basted with spices and oil and roasted.  They were both very nice indeed.