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Holidays:  Christmas Dinner  |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 26 2005 : 6:59:45 PM
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Okay, Thanksgiving is in the bag (so to speak). Now let's talk Christmas Dinner  . I got off not having to cook Thanksgiving, but I am in charge of Christmas dinner. This year there will be eight of us, which is quite a few when you think I only cook for two regularly. I am thinking roast duck or cornish hen - waffling between the two. I am going to make some of Julia's cranberry chutney, homemade scallop potatoes but am hung up on whether to do a baby spinach salad, green beans with almonds and bacon bits or some other type of veggie. Then there is dessert - not sure what to do this year. Should it be something with chocolate or maybe a fruit tart - did an apple tart with cream filling one year, very good. Looking to hear what everyone else is thinking about and maybe if you have suggestions I am all ears.
Anne, Portland Or
"Second star to the right, straight on till morning" Peter Pan
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Nov 26 2005 : 9:18:42 PM
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| Have never tried duck - cornish hens are great, with wild rice - the Uncle Ben's wild rice mix is wonderful. I would do a salad of mixed baby greens with lemon vinigarette. For dessert, how about a rustic apple crostata, or a cheesecake? Don't forget some good crusty bread or rolls. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 26 2005 : 9:55:13 PM
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I am so boring...I do just about the same exact dinner on Christmas that we do on Thanksgiving.I did a goose one year and that was a hit..and sometimes I add a small ham..but I usually always cook a turkey and all the trimmings...I do desserts different though, not just pumpkin pie. Your menu sounds wonderful!!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
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BlueApple
True Blue Farmgirl
430 Posts
Julia
Oregon
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 07:41:34 AM
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We have clam chowder for dinner on Christmas Eve (a tradition) which we love, rolls and salad - dessert this year will either be a pumpkin roll or various cookies on a platter. Christmas dinner will be ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes (yes both kinds, LOL) green beans with toasted almonds, a fruit salad of some kind and rolls. Depending on where Christmas is there are usually several different desserts (OH I can feel the extra pounds already!)
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 08:12:55 AM
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| Our Christmas Eve dinner is always Chicken Enchiladas, red rice and pinto beans. Always pralines and Christmas cookies. Relatives come on Christmas morning for brunch - either a strata or scrambled eggs with coffee cake. |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 09:24:46 AM
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KJD -
I have done duck before, but it is kinda greasy, so you constantly have to drain - that is why I am a bit hesitant to make it - little too much work. But it is awfully good, so I don't know. Still thinking. 
"Second star to the right, straight on till morning" Peter Pan
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 10:53:43 AM
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Someone taught me to roast duck or goose on a rack, and stuff it with an apple quartered, and a big onion quartered...yum!!
Christmas eve we have tamales.
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 12:58:44 PM
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Okay Jenny, I am there at your house for Christmas Eve, tamales - yummy! Since I got on this "kick" about making Christmas dinner I started looking up recipes for ideas. Bad idea - I just made myself hungry . I found a recipe for the Duck - apricot/honey glazed duck. Then they suggested a peach & watercress salad to go with it, mmmm. Then I started scanning the whole cook book - saw a great recipe for hushpuppies. Then there was the Texas-style beef brisket and the Po'boys with the oysters. I did find a great recipe for dessert - Dutch apple/brandy cheesecake. I have to stop now or I am going to start making myself really hungry all over again.
Anne
"Second star to the right, straight on till morning" Peter Pan
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thehouseminder
True Blue Farmgirl
361 Posts
USA
361 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 1:44:28 PM
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Christmas is DH's turn in the kitchen. He usually does a standing rib roast with all the trimmings.
Lucinda
When we were young, there were moments of such perfectly crystallized happiness that we stood stock still and silently promised ourselves that we would remember them always. And we did. --Holly J. Burkhalter , "Four Midwestern Sisters' Christmas Book"
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 4:06:13 PM
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Jenny, if I can catch a ride with Santa may I come for tamales? Then on to Julia's for the chowder! I think we're having a turkey for Christmas.I grew up on ham for Christmas, but we don't eat much pork these days. Personally, I'd be fine with hot baked rolls and Christmas cookies!!! Maybe a salad to break it up :) Whatever it is, being able to share it with friends and family will make it a blessing!
Sharon
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 4:17:25 PM
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Sure! you are invited for the tamales. MMMMMMM I could be happy with hot rolls and salad for dinner too...yum!! I could do without the cookies even! Just more rolls>.bread is my downfall!!
The kids and I are going to make our own tamales this year..wish us luck..it could be ugly!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
Edited by - Aunt Jenny on Nov 27 2005 4:19:18 PM |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2005 : 8:18:43 PM
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| oh lordy! i don't know what i'm going to have for dinner 'tomorrow night' much less for christmas .. toooooo soooooooooon to tell! |
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 09:07:21 AM
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| My german grandmother died ayear ago so I have been the one to carry on the family traditions for Christmas day. We also have duck. I roast it on a bed of onions, stuffed with traditional bread stuffing. I make a gravy from the drippings, after separating fat out. Served with buttered noodles with browned breadcrumbs, red cabbage and salad. For dessert we eat a variety of different cookie recipes made at the family bakery in Bavaria for the last 100 years and marzipan etc. I look forward to doing this every year in her memory, it makes me feel like she is here. |
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AnnieT
True Blue Farmgirl
287 Posts
Annie
287 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 12:43:51 PM
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We are going back and forth between roast goose and ham cooked in cider. Probably we will do the ham, since it is so easy, and a goose is pretty spendy around here. Last year we couldn't even find one--only ducks. We'll have salad with cheese, homemade bread or rolls, homemade applesauce, and probably an english pudding or plum duff.
Annie
Visit me at my blog: http://bramblestitches.blogspot.com/
See what I have for sale: www.bramblestitches.etsy.com
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Kate
MaryJane's Farmgirl
135 Posts
Kate
Moscow
ID
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 1:13:02 PM
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I'm happy to say that I still have a few more years before it's my turn to take over the Christmas dinner but I know I'll have lots of help when I do. My Mom and MaryJane have wonderful ideas I'm so lucky to have two great resources. But not everyone has these tools first hand, lucky for us MaryJane shares a great glazed Leg of Lamb recipe in her book. It's on page 120. It looks fabulous maybe an idea for Christmas dinner??
Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.....unless they are spelling mistakes. |
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KJD
True Blue Farmgirl
402 Posts
402 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 2:49:50 PM
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| Lamb is a great idea! My husband grew up in the Middle East (he's American) and loves all the food from there. I've yet to make lamb for him, although he has mentioned he'd love to have it. Maybe a New Year's dinner for us. Thanks for the reminder - I'll look at MaryJane's recipe. |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 3:01:14 PM
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Retro Christmas...Dr.Pepper glazed ham, braised brussell sprouts, savory corn pudding, cranberry-apple-orange relish, egg nog, fireside mulled cider, Lady Baltimore cake, cheese bisquits...and Bing Crosby, Billy Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra on the CD player, a tulle and sequin 50's hostess apron round my waist, pearls and black high heels.
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
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Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 3:05:51 PM
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We're visiting my hubbys family in Montana for christmas this year.. They usually beg and plead for me to bring Krispy Kremes  because we have one about 5 miles away from us and they don't have any in their neck of the woods.. they go ga-ga over them, and then feel sick for the rest of the day, so they make me promise not to tempt them with such evils ever again, and then the next time we're scheduled to visit they beg for them again.. I feel guilty contributing to their uncontrollable doughnut urges but being the dutiful DIL that I am I guess I'd better do my family duty and make everyone sick  It just wouldn't be Christmas any other way.
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 5:48:48 PM
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I get to make Christmas dinner this year! My husband, Lucas and I just moved into our new home and we are hosting Christmas. It is so fun for us to combine our two families' traditions and make our own. For Christmas Eve, we always do snacky stuff: yummy pickled things, cheeses, breads and crackers. Of course, some delicious chocolates too. Then Christmas morning, my dad (Nick) will make a bacon and egg breakfast (he is always is in charge of breakfast. Then Lucas and I will make a turkey with all the trimmings (including pumpkin pie, my favorite) for dinner. We are very excited to attempt dinner by ourselves and we will be serving seven! Which is a lot for us. I am nervous about the timing. I hope I can get everything all ready roughly around the same time the turkey is done. At least the company will be grand!
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Nov 28 2005 : 7:24:31 PM
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Meadowlark -
Wow, pearls and black heels! I am impressed. I run around in my fuzzy slippers until the last moment and then put on sensible flats when company arrives. By the way, what is Dr. Pepper glazed ham, never heard of that one.
Meg - timing is always a trick for me, only having one oven and very small kitchen. I tried to pick recipes that use around the same temperature, so I can kinda bake everything at once. Putting the items in first that take the longest and following up with the items that take the least amount of time. I also use the stove top as much as possible for items that don't need baking. I make ahead whatever I can that doesn't require heat. I read all of the recipes before hand and make a list of how I will start, this way I am not overwhelmed by the whole thing. I'm serving 8 which is also a lot for me to do. Also best to have an easy horsd'oeuvre keep everyone satisfied if I run behind in making dinner.
Anne
"Second star to the right, straight on till morning" Peter Pan
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2005 : 09:29:15 AM
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Anne- thanks for the turkey tips! Yes, I will definitely have some snacks on hand, if it takes me longer to put dinner on the table than I planned on, which is very possible. And I think I will make the pumpkin pies the day prior and the cranberry sauce too! What time do you usually serve a turkey dinner? I am thinking I have always enjoyed a turkey dinner in the afternoon?
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2005 : 11:24:22 AM
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As we aren't with famliy for Christmas ( my dh is a pastor so with Christmas eve service and with Christmas being on SUnday this year) we always invite people who are unable to be with there family. I always do game hens, usually glaze it with homemade apricot butter, sour cream potatoes and seared brussle sprouts, salad and fresh rolls. Some sort of pie is always dessert. Hey Anne, if you want a to die for chocolate dessert, I have one. It is called Boco Negro, or Black Mouth. You will make friends for life with this one. Merry Christmas to you all!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Nov 30 2005 : 2:38:13 PM
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Julia -
Bring it on, I am always ready for another chocolate desert recipe.
Anne
"Second star to the right, straight on till morning" Peter Pan
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2005 : 11:11:17 AM
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One year my mom decided to do something different for Christmas dinner, and made lasagna. We thought it was marvelous, but her picky brothers and their kids didn't think so. They are the typical boring ham and turkey type. So we skip the "exotic" whenever they are expected and save it for ourselves.
I miss being out West for a variety of reasons, and fresh home made tamales are one of them! Had a friend whose wife made them around the holidays. Mine were tweaked a little and made hotter than the others.
I'll always remember my mom's jello salad! Maybe you guys might have had something similar. Cherry jello with cranberries and nuts . Topped with a dab of whipped cream. Forget the rest, I'd be happy enough with just this! (And maybe that green been caserole ) Mom passed on the recipe, but it's partly the sentiment the goes with it. |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2005 : 9:40:40 PM
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Anne, I will get the recipe to you. It is so good!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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Fabulous Farm Femmes
True Blue Farmgirl
792 Posts
Diane
Lakebay, Tacoma
WA
792 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2005 : 11:52:00 PM
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We always have Christmas Brunch so all the older folks can get back into town before it gets dark...we have Quiche every year, the girls won't let me make anything else,fruit salad,croissants,pie and cake and cookies...oh and Mimosa's now that every one is old enough.
This year, due to the tree vs. house experiance, I have asked my daughter with children to host Christmas (I am still doing all the cooking)this will be the first Christmas I haven't held in probably 20 years! I am looking forward to the rest, and just playing with the kids...
So we are starting a new tradition: Christmas eve at Nana and Pupu's house, with hot chocolate,cookies and watching "A Christmas Story" then the kids get to open their one gift of jammies to wear home and sleep in.Going to try and make Mary Janes home made marshmallows for the hot chocolate! |
Edited by - Fabulous Farm Femmes on Dec 13 2005 12:59:43 PM |
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Holidays: Christmas Dinner |
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Christmas Dinner
