What do you plan on serving for Christmas dinner? Mine is a ham, potato salad, cole slaw, cucumber salad, stuffed

[debm55]

cabbage, and apple pie with ice cream, What are your menu plans?

[WhiteTara]

1. I'm trying to decide whether to

have a dinner on the eve and rest all the next day.

The menu is prime rib, cesar salad, homemade baguette, and I don't know what potato or dessert.

[debm55]

2. Thank you, WhiteTara Sounds good,

[LuvLoogie]

3. Either pot roast or pozole verde de pollo

Pot Roast would be easier but more expensive. 28 people.

[debm55]

5. Thank you LuvLoogie, sounds great. 28 folks wow.

[EYESORE 9001]

4. Smoked brisket and assorted deli meats & cheeses

Also a fondue, mostly Muenster cheese with additional cheeses yet to be determined. Baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, Cole slaw, deviled eggs, chip & dip. We don’t go all out or anything.

[debm55]

6. Eyesore, I think it sounds very good--relaxing. TY

[spinbaby]

7. I'm going elsewhere for dinner

I will eat whatever they’re serving after bringing whatever side dish they ask me to bring.

[debm55]

12. Thank you spinbaby. That is great.

[Hela]

8. Tradition!

We have pizza on Christmas Eve, then Christmas Day is mimosas and cinnamon rolls, followed by more mimosas and a breakfast strata. Then everybody naps or watches movies, and we have homemade lasagna for Christmas dinner with a salad and garlic bread. We don't do much in the way of special holiday desserts because my birthday is 3 days before Christmas and my son's is 3 days after. There's usually lots of cake and ice cream and cookies around for those two weeks!

We love our Christmas system because we make the breakfast strata and the lasagna the day before so all you have to do is pull it out of the fridge for about an hour and then pop it in the oven. Makes cleanup easier on the day as well.

We've been refining this for over 30 years! We used to go to my MIL's for a big Christmas Eve dinner, but after she died in 2004, we didn't want to try to recreate that.

We do a ham and funeral potatoes (hash brown casserole) for New Year's Day.

[debm55]

14. Hela, that sounds wounderful. I love strata. You are right about the clean up.

[AllaN01Bear]

9. i dont know yet . just learned that our host has pacriatic cancer, so it may be a banquet tv dinner , backup just in cas

a wise friend of mine once said " you can make a feast out of anything."

[debm55]

15. I am so sorry AllaNo1Bear. Yes, anything can be a feast. Sending good vibes to your friend.

for your friend.

[Polly Hennessey]

62. Good friends make everything better.

[Ocelot II]

10. Probably something I can microwave if I can't get my stove repaired in time,

but it won't matter much because, as usual, it will be just me and the cat.

[debm55]

16. Could you get a store bought dinner? I will be here for you Ocelot II

[Ocelot II]

23. I'm OK, thanks; and just now I was able to make an appointment

to get the stove repaired (and also my leaky washer) in a few days so if I want to I will be able to cook and wash my clothes. I'm used to spending holidays alone and it's fine with me - no drama, no need to buy gifts people don't want or receive gifts I don't want, no screaming children, no cranky old relatives (including myself) who'd rather be somewhere else. Cats are excellent company, and generally preferable to people.

[debm55]

29. I just got off my phone, I thought I set my MRI up for December. They told me the doctors don't set up appointments.

Central office does. Why the hell didn't they tell me that in November. I spent all night looking the the dame scripts

[Polly Hennessey]

63. Cats usually are preferable to people.

Enjoy your day. I know the cats will.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

11. Here is our Christmas menu...

Medium Rare Prime Rib with Homemade Creamed Horseradish sauce)

Green Bean Casserole( the way I make it, there is none left)

Dijon Potatoes( with Grey Poupon mustard, chopped fresh garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Italian seasoning)

Mashed Sweet Potatoes( with some added cream, butter, a dash of salt)

Assorted Relishes and Veggie Tray

Shrimp with home made Cocktail sauce

Assorted Sweet Treats

There will be 9 of us. I eat slowly and in small amounts as to not get overly full, but feel satisfied.

[debm55]

17. Wow, that sounds perfect.

[anciano]

13. Deep fried turkey 🍗

garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and whatever other sides and desserts the guests may bring.

[debm55]

18. I like how you have the guests bring the sides and deserts. Sounds great.

[Lunabell]

19. We are grilling lamb.

And having mashed potatoes and asparagus. I got a "turkey" coupon from work, worth $30 for Thanksgiving. We already had our turkey, so I saved it. You don't have to buy a turkey, just food. So, we want lamb.

[debm55]

24. Very good, I thought you were having a Serbian or Greek dinner. TY

[Lunabell]

42. Oh no.

Just pure US lamb. My wife is the "meat whisperer." She grills a perfect medium rare, no matter what thickness. She puts salt, garlic and tarragon on the cuts. Coat generously with the garlic powder and salt. Then, some tarragon.
Just mashed taters, salt, half and half and real butter. And the asparagus is just lightly blanched in salted water, about one minute depending on how thick the asparagus is. Still a bit crunchy and nutty tasting. Mmmm with butter.

I know it's more of a Spring meal, but we just love it.

[debm55]

44. Lunabell, thank you. It does sound like an Easter meal. But Christmas is a celebration of the heart and it doesn't

matter your choice. Have a happy holiday.

[Lunabell]

45. Thank you!!

Happy Holidays to you too!

[Freddie]

20. Ham and other traditional stuff

Hash brown casserole and/or my Mac & cheese (usually don’t make it Christmas but my grandson asked for it)
Green bean casserole
Plain green beans (for granddaughter)
Creamed corn (maybe)
Coleslaw
Rolls
Cherry cheesecake
Cookies etc

[debm55]

25. Thanks Freddie, sounds great

[dembotoz]

21. i am told pierogi soup and some herring

not sure what it is but i am not cooking

am told its traditional

[debm55]

26. Never had pierogi soup. What do use for the broth or is it cream base? I uesd to have herrinf in sour cream with onions

and cappers. TY

[dembotoz]

34. have no idea of how its made....lactose problems so i hope not cream base

[debm55]

37. Agree

[vsrazdem]

22. We celebrate on Christmas eve

Lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, garden salad and garlic bread. Cherry cheesecake for desert.

[debm55]

27. Delicious, Ty

[Jeebo]

28. Hamburger Helper

I'm going to have to spend Christmas alone. Well, with my cat, Fred, he's my buddy. I'll just fix myself some Hamburger Helper. Probably Chili Macaroni, or perhaps another variety. Something out of a can for Fred.

-- Ron

[debm55]

30. It's all in your heart Jeebo, all in your heart. Doesn't matter what you eat.

[Ocelot II]

32. Me too, with my cat buddy Pixie. You're not alone if you have a cat buddy.

I'll give Pixie some tuna. Mr. Cat, the feral cat who lives on my porch will get some, too. I'm not a fan of Hamburger Helper but I'll come up with something for myself that I don't usually eat, like spaghetti. Merry Christmas to you and Fred.

[Polly Hennessey]

64. Ocelot II is spending Christmas dinner with cats.

You are not alone.

[MiHale]

31. We used to hit the Chinese Restaurant...

Celebration is the day before on Christmas Eve… next day no one wants to do anything. But we may not do that this year and just come home.

On Christmas Eve, party day, we’re making two Lasagnas … classic and a Pineapple and Ham.

We travel. 2 hours south then in my oldest son’s truck we’ll head west for 2 hours to my youngest son’s neck of the woods. Party is at my niece’s horse farm. Then reverse all that, may be wiped out by Christmas Day. Good day to travel especially if you leave early in the day. All weather dependent.

[debm55]

33. Thank you MiHale. We always do the Chinese restaurant on New Years Ever. I know alot a folks to the lasagna as my

husband's family is Italian. Have fun at the horse farm. Would love to go.

[vishnura]

35. Christmas lunch

Curried duck, dhal, rice, dhalpurri, and a veg salad (typical indotrini christmas meal).

[debm55]

36. Oh wow, that sounds great. TY

[OldBaldy1701E]

38. The hubby mentioned the traditional stuff, so turkey, stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon...

Some kind of decent bread. Since my husband is a baker, he will get something special I am sure. I bet he gets some kind of pie, but he has not mentioned it yet. Plus, he is giving me more crap about the damned diabetes and pie would sort of mess his position up. SO, we will see.

[debm55]

39. Thank you OldBaldy1701E. going with ham. Happy Holidays.

[OldBaldy1701E]

40. My hog farmer father would be pleased! (n/t)

[Emile]

41. Spiral ham, cheesy potato casserole,

green beans, deviled eggs and crescent dinner rolls.

[debm55]

43. Sounds that mine when we ate with my family. My Father loved devil eggs and I would make him a dozen. When you cut in

half it would make 24 and he ate them all. This is the first Christmas my dad won't be with us as he died the end of September. He was the only reason I made them and I made them for all special occasions and holidays.

[larwdem]

110. So Sorry

[Lars39]

74. Same thing except biscuits instead of rolls.

Keeping it easy this year.

[Kali]

46. Mexican shrimp cocktail, grilled ribeye steaks, green chiles (if I can find them), roasted potatoes,

some kind of salad. raspberry version of Eaton Mess, and pecan pie with whipped cream. non-alcohol and "real" champagne, coffee.

we do this about 2 miles away from the house no matter the weather. sometimes the day is nice, sometimes not so much.

this started as no-stress way to deal with xmas dinner, but of course has grown and is now more hassle than cooking a big roast feast, but it is fun and a tradition that mostly allows me to skip house prep for guests.

[debm55]

49. Kali, can I come too??? Your meal sounds delicious and the fun being with others you have this tradition with makes it

all the better no matter what the weather.

[Kali]

65. you bet

and since you are from a colder climate you might want to wear shorts.

[Niagara]

47. So far the menu is as follows:

Pot Roast (for crotchety people like me who despise ham)


Ham


Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole


Mashed Potatoes


King's Hawaiian Rolls


Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins


The Infamous canned Cranberry Sauce


Dutch Apple Pie


Pumpkin Pie


Gluten Free/Keto Friendly Hello Dollies Dessert Bars

[debm55]

50. Do you make all of this yourself? If so, you should have the Elf Cook.. I love your choices of foods. so varied and

delicious

[Niagara]

51. My SO Elf helps me. Everything but the pies and canned cranberry sauce is homemade.

I'll be making the GF/Keto Hello Dollies 2 days ahead of time.

The GF cornbread muffins I'll be making 1 day ahead, so not everything has to be made at once.

The Dutch Apple (Mrs. Smiths) and Pumpkin Pie (Sara Lee) are premade and frozen. Those will be baked the day before as well.

Thank you ,Elf Debbie!

[Mr.Bill]

48. Dungeness Crab here.

My grandson knows a neighbor who has a crab fishing boat so there will be plenty of them. We will boil them in a big pot as we sit around a fire drinking, weather permitting. Probably make a pasta side dish and some garlic bread. We did this last year and it was a lot of fun.

[debm55]

52. Sounds wonderful. Mr. Bill, you and your family started a new tradition. And it is great. Great people, great food,

great times.

[beaglelover]

53. We are hosting a Christmas Eve dinner.

Here's the menu:

1. Hot horderves, cheese and crackers.
2. Capreze salad
3. Beef stew
4. Cheesecake
5. Wine, lots of wine.

[debm55]

56. Wonderful heartwarming food with friends/relatives that will warm your heart. TY

[appleannie1]

54. My son bought airline tickets to spend Christmas with him.

I don't know what we will be eating but since my D-I-L does not cook, whatever we will eat will be kept hot in to go containers. She wanted to have Thanksgiving catered. The rest of us vetoed that idea.

[debm55]

58. Have a wonderful time with the people you love, appleannie1, Your DIL will learn to cook in time. Now is the time to

share each others presence. Happy Holidays.

[Diamond_Dog]

55. Roast turkey breast

Garlic mashed redskin potatoes, spinach soufflé, and I just ordered a tray of baklava from a local Middle Eastern bakery for dessert.

I wish my husband would eat ham but he doesn’t like it. ☹️

Do you make your own stuffed cabbage, deb? I tried that once and said never again. Love it but too much work.

[debm55]

60. Yes I do, I make the day before Christmas and heat it up in the microwave. I add canned tomatoes and a little bit of

sauerkraut and some Kolassa to it. The hardest part is the cabbage leaves. They are a pain in the butt. Your dinner sounds amazing and classy. Happy holidays

[Diamond_Dog]

68. Same to you Deb

[Niagara]

79. I miss devouring baklava with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Enjoy an extra piece for me, Diamond Dog.

[Diamond_Dog]

82. You can count on that, Niagara!

[doc03]

57. Whatever my niece has that day. nt

[debm55]

67. That's the way to go

[MissB]

59. Salt encrusted prime rib

Probably some au gratin potatoes, roasted veggies (Brussel sprouts, red onion, squash) and maybe some rolls. Pecan pie for dessert.

It’s just four of us. I wouldn’t go with prime rib if I were feeding a crowd.

[debm55]

69. MissB, very classy menu,.I took a class at the local community college---Making a Dickens Christmas meal-goose, the

pudding and all of the stuff the Upper Class would eat during that time.' It was good in the class. We got recipes printed off for us. It had to be the worst meal I ever made when I made at home. When back to ham.

[snpsmom]

61. Deciding between

Pork roast with dressing or Paella with a salad and crusty bread

Of course we'll have some sort of pie, still trying to decide on that. It's pretty dependent on the main meal.

We usually do prime rib and all the fixings, but it's only going to be three of us this year, so I'm looking for a pared back meal.

[debm55]

70. There is only three of us here, might have two more. The ham usually lasts for a while so it really won't be any problem

if they come or not. Happy holidays

[Laffy Kat]

66. We don't really "do" Xmas, but I am putting together a light brunch.

Quiche, fresh fruit, my boys' favorite cranberry maple pecan muffins. It will just be me, my oldest with his fiancée, my youngest, and some old family friends.

I might also hang stockings this year for fun.

[debm55]

71. Laffy Kat, do you make the Lorraine or the cheese broccoli quiche. It sounds simple and eloquent

Last edited Tue Dec 12, 2023, 10:32 PM - Edit history (1)

[Laffy Kat]

72. Quiche Lorraine. I might also have the fixin's for mimosas.

[debm55]

73. I used to like going out for brunch and having Quiche Lorraine or bagels with cream cheese and lox Finished with a

mimosa

[Laffy Kat]

75. Yum. nt

[NewHendoLib]

76. home made crab cakes, roasted rosemary potatoes, carrots Vichy, steamed broccoli

Making a chocolate roulade/Yule Log for dessert.

My wife and I, our daughter and her boyfriend. I am sure they will be bringing stuff too.

Interesting to think that this will be the 43rd Christmas for my wife and I - and all the "versions" over the years - going to my or my wife's parent's house, them coming to our house, now with all of our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles passed on, Christmas is a day of memories - ghosts - but we now do it small, and totally our way.

[debm55]

80. The Yule Log sounds decadent --mouth watering. This is our 45 th Christmas spent together.. My husband is from Boston

and my folks live around here. I was from a very large extended family. Most of the aunts and uncles are gone. the cousins did not remain close. My Father died in September. My husband's parents and extended family passed too. Christmas as a child would bring fights over who's house to go to. My son and husband and a neighbor will be sharing Christmas together this year in peace. Have a Happy Holiday.

[NoMoreRepugs]

77. Enjoyed reading every post. No idea what the 2 of us are having.

[debm55]

81. What ever it is, you will share with love in your heart and the meal will serve it's purpose. Happy Holidays

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

78. I'll be at a friend's house, and this reminds me I need to check in

with her about the Christmas menu.

For me, it's normally turkey and pretty much all the fixings, at least the ones I like Depending on what my friend is planning, I hope to fix a dish or two or even three. I like to cook, I like my own cooking, and I volunteer in the kitchen of a local homeless shelter, so I've learned how to cook large quantities of various things.

Back when I was married and raising a couple of kids, New Year's Day was for ham, potato salad, and so on. I'd set it up as a buffet so we could snack all day.

[debm55]

83. That's pretty much how it is here for Christmas.and in my youth more of a buffet. At NewYears. I make a pork tenderloin

with the fixings. Thank you for your work at the homeless shelter. You are a kind individual with a loving heart. Happy Holidays, my friend.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

84. Thank you.

Several years ago some friends approached me (these are the same friends I'll be having Christmas with) and asked me if I'd be willing to volunteer at the homeless shelter. I was so pleased to be asked. That's the kind of thing that's typically done by faith groups, and since I didn't belong to a church (they did) I had no other way to find out how to do this.

The pandemic of course changed lots of things, and we weren't able to be at the shelter for about two years. Recently, my friend Nancy, who's lost a lot of mobility and uses a walker or a wheelchair all the time, decided to go back to volunteering at the shelter. She asked me if I could drive her. Sure, I said. So I drive her there, get her settled where she'll be helping check in those who are spending the night, and I go straight to the kitchen to volunteer there. Sometimes they need me, sometimes they don't. If they don't, I go home and Nancy calls me when I need to go pick her up and take her home. I live quite close, less than a ten minute drive.

What's so amazing about doing this, at least in the kitchen, is how very grateful our guests are for the food. We all take a lot of pride in cooking a good meal, and they appreciate that.

[debm55]

85. I don't mean to offend you but you have the heart of an angel. Love, Debbie

[IcyPeas]

86. Party sized bag of cheesy popcorn and a bottle of wine.

[debm55]

90. Icy Peas sounds good. Christmas is in your heart not your belly.Happy Holidays

[Runningdawg]

87. There will only be the 2 of us this year.

A wedge salad with creamy garlic dressing
A grilled filet for him and a lamb shank for me
Pasta primavera
Blueberry/maple pie

BTW, I should add, our animals get special meals on holidays also. This year -
Chicken livers & heart, sweet potatoes and blueberries

[debm55]

91. Runningdawg , sounds very classy, Even the meal for the cats are classy

[bamagal62]

88. This year I think I'll do

Ham
Scalloped potatoes
Sweet and sour salad
Green beans
Rolls
Pecan pie and apple pie
On Christmas Eve, we always have Indian food.

[debm55]

92. Great food for the Christmas Day Meal. Your Christmas Eve meal was great too.

[woodsprite]

89. We usually do a smorgasbord type meal.

Cold cuts (3 meats, 3 cheeses) rolls, veggie tray, chips, Watergate Salad, Buffalo Chicken dip, cowboy caviar, stuffed mushrooms. We also do one kind of soup: sweet potato, or Italian sausage, or broccoli/cheese. Anybody who comes to visit during the day (anytime after noon) is asked to bring their favorite cookie.

My MIL moved to that model when the 7 grand kids started having significant others and would come/go at different times all day. We’ve kept it up because it was pretty convenient.

[debm55]

93. It sounds like a wonderful idea. And the foods are great. Have a Happy Holiday to you and your family

[dameatball]

94. It will likely be just me this year so I am thinking about making some lasagna.

Will be visiting kids and grandkids on the 22nd & 23rd, so I dont need to make a huge meal. I used to make lasagna for Christmas sometimes when the kids were growing up but I think they liked the more traditional stuff.
I'm thinking lasagna, salad, a nice baguette and a good bottle of wine.

[debm55]

95. Excellent idea and enjoy yourself and have a Happy Holiday.

[GAJMac]

96. Fried Catfish

After Thanksgiving, my wife, our daughter, and I agreed that fried catfish, hushpuppies, and coleslaw would be a nice change.

[debm55]

97. Yes, that sounds great and so different, I like your idea GAJMac. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[mvd]

98. That sounds so good, deb

I would substutute the cucumber, but that is just personal preference.

I am not sure yet what I am having. Mom and I don’t cook and we don’t have the money to order.

[debm55]

99. Did you try the food bank, or meals on wheels? It;s not the food that counts it's what in your heart. Sorry about the

Last edited Wed Dec 13, 2023, 11:47 PM - Edit history (1)

remarks on your post.

[mvd]

100. If I can get a ride, yes

Always I thank you for your thoughts, deb.

[debm55]

103. Meals on Wheels delivers to your house. I wiil not give up on you Matt. Is there a church that has a Men's club that

does charity work. Call them and ask if someone will drive you to Food Bank---my church has there own food pantry. Take care.
Stay strong.

[mvd]

108. Thanks so much for..

sticking by me. I would do the same for you. Yes, I remember Meals on Wheels - my grandmother used to deliver for them. So been around a while. I am sure we could qualify. I have used the Church before and will check on availability. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

[yellowdogintexas]

101. we will be at my brother in law's for a family dinner

I am taking a chocolate pound cake and hot rolls. Mr YD may make ice cream. We will see.

If things are like prior years, my sister in law's mother will bring her homemade tamales.

[debm55]

104. Sounds great. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Have a Happy Holiday.

[CanonRay]

102. Ravioli, old family recipe

and a long tradition.

[debm55]

105. CanonRay, my husband made his lasagna tonight. His is an old family recipe too. Have a great and happy holiday.

[Elessar Zappa]

106. Prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes and mixed veggies for Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve will be green chile beef enchilada casserole, red pork tamales, Mexican rice, and refried beans.

[debm55]

107. You are having a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner. Wow, the mixtures of the food are wonderful. It seems

like Mexican on Christmas Eve and British on Christmas Day. I envy you. Have a great and happy Holiday, to both you and your family.

[Elessar Zappa]

109. You, too, happy holidays!

[Axelrods_Typewriter]

111. Nothing, I don't celebrate Christmas.

I loathe the consumerism of it all and how it's the one holiday that's rammed down everybody's throat with a hydraulic press. So I simply choose not to participate. December 25th is the same as June 25th in my book.

[debm55]

112. That's fine. I understand.

[ironflange]

113. We have a lot lined up this year

Traditional dinner on Xmas, turkey etc. Boxing Day pizza party with BIL's family. Burgers with my sister on the 28th, and a hot pot / fondue with immediate family on Jan. 1. Whew!

[debm55]

114. Yes, ironflange, You have lots lined up. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[ironflange]

117. You too!

[ailsagirl]

115. Salmon, potatoes, veggie

I’m going to a friend’s house—should be yummy 😋

[debm55]

116. It does sound great. Wishing you and your friends a great Holiday.