primitives discuss what they're cooking for Christmas

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/115718373

Oh my.

The empressof all (27,625 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 02:37 PM

What is everyone making for the holidays

I haven't been cooking much lately and I will be probably preparing both a Christmas eve and Christmas day meal....We may go out for Chinese at some point but it's up in the air so I want to have options.
 
I just can't decide what to make.....Traditionally I do a Prime Rib at some point for the holiday but I'm not feeling it this year. I suggested a crown roast of pork but didn't get an enthusiastic response from the family. My daughter suggested Salmon with Mai Ploy ...But we have that all the time and I would like to make something a little more special. I don't know....I'm not a big ham fan so I'd rather not go in that direction....however it would be a good excuse to make that Mac and Cheese with Trader Joes Uncommon Cheddar that I've been thinking about.
 
What are you all making?

^^^has an adult son who's been "married" about six times, to different guys.

^^^also somewhat on the, uh, "large woman" side.

NRaleighLiberal (25,554 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 02:47 PM

1. Howdy! So, good question....

already made - two kinds of biscotti (almond gingerbread, and double chocolate ginger), lace cookies, lemon squares, real fudge (much of the latter two sent as gifts)
 
To make - peanut butter chocolate breakup cookie, pecan squares

Christmas eve - crab cakes, brussels sprouts, peas, brown rice

Ch. breakfast - sweet potato pancakes, mimosas,

Ch. dinner - baked cod, carrots vichy, brocolli, roast potatoes, chocolate yule log for dessert
 
MUCH different than previous years (beef stew and popovers eve, roast tenderloin day)

Mojorabbit (11,817 posts)    Thu Dec 20, 2012, 03:29 AM

22. I am going to do fish also.

After thanksgiving, and several huge get togethers, I want something light.

cbayer (114,968 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 03:23 PM

2. I'm going to try and go with something kind of traditionally English.

This won't actually happen on Christmas day, but a couple of days before when we will be with family.
 
Beef tenderloin, potatoes au gratin, butternut squash and a ginger trifle is what I have in mind.
 
Have you considered a duckling? Takes a lot of work, but could be great. Or stuffed cornish game hens?

^^^"we will be with family"--wonders if the son who had to be scared straight is going.

shanti (16,385 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 03:33 PM

3. for xmas:

it's just me and my 3rd son, so probably a prime rib for 2, with yorkshire pudding (yum), and a homemade sweet potato pie...along with the regular sides.
 
i really wanted to do a turkey since i spent tksgiving at sis's house and didn't get to make one this year, but son made one himself and he's sick of it, soooo.
 
i've also considered a big pan of lasagna too....something i don't get to make much since it's just me (and my diabetes, hee).

livetohike (14,237 posts)   Tue Dec 18, 2012, 04:25 PM

4. We're going to my brother's for a traditional Slovak Christmas Eve dinner with my side of the family and my mother in law. That's always our big celebration....then my husband and I will be alone at home for Christmas Day. We may go out to eat if we can find an open restaurant in the nearby towns. We'll be calling around to find out if anyone is open. Otherwise, I'm not sure what I'll make. I could do Christmas Eve over again if there are any leftovers to bring home

Whisp (15,488 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 09:12 PM

5. prime rib and garlic shrimp
green beans with butter and roasted almonds
yorkshire pudding
gravy
smashed potatoes
bit of sweet smashed potatoes too
shredded carrot with raisins salad

might try to make some perogies - I'm not very good at that tho. What I might do instead of the individuals is make a roll instead and slice that up. I like the regualr potato and yellow cheese, and potato and sauerkraut.
 
For desert I make my mom in laws carrot pudding since she can't see well any more I do that for her. Its a conglomeration of currants and raisins and cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves. It takes a long time to steam on the stove top and it's glorious. Served with white sauce. heaven, I'm in heaven.

one_voice (9,407 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 09:36 PM

6. I've never made a big Christmas dinner...

I always wanted Christmas to be for my kids. So when they were little I used to put a roast in the crock pot with taters and carrots. When they got a little older I started making a big pork roast and red beans and rice--Puerto Rican style. I could make the beans on Christmas Eve and throw the pork in the oven and let it cook. So that became our Christmas tradition. I make it every year now.
 
Christmas Eve the whole family gets together--this year we're doing it at my daughters and we're having, chili, baked ziti, fried chicken, tater salad, green beans, tossed salad, dips, chips.

pinto (96,187 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 10:55 PM

7. Spicy shrimp stuffed baked potatoes. Breaded fried broccoli. Sliced fruits. Chocolates.

White wine coolers, soda with lime, espresso.

Lugnut (8,342 posts)    Wed Dec 19, 2012, 01:59 AM

8. For Christmas Eve we'll be having 5 of the Italian 7 fishes dinner.

We're making smelts, squid, aglia olio, shrimp scampi and baked haddock filets. My daughter has to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but my son and his family - 6 or 7 of them - will be joining us for Christmas Eve. It's just the two of us for Christmas dinner so I'm taking the easy way out. I'm making ham, kielbasi, potato salad, cole slaw and BBQ beans - picnic food. After the big clean-up on Christmas Eve the last thing I want to do is make a big meal the next day. I made two kinds of cookies and DH got nut and poppyseed rolls from the church ladies' bake sale so that's dessert.

Lucinda (16,437 posts)    Wed Dec 19, 2012, 02:49 AM

9. We've been talking about making homemade tamales

So this year will likely be a south of the border menu for us. Y***y!

Le Taz Hot (13,430 posts)    Wed Dec 19, 2012, 10:04 AM

14. I bought 3 hams just before Thanksgiving as they were having a really good sale. So . . . somewhere in there there will be ham. That mac and cheese idea is sounding pretty good as well. I'm sure there will be blackberry cobbler in there somewhere.
 
The Espoused One is going to make Hoppin' John, greens and cornbread for New Years' Day. We're goin' Suhthuhn.

Cairycat (618 posts)    Wed Dec 19, 2012, 10:50 AM

15. My @#(!$%^ employer hasn't put up the schedule for that week

I finally decided I would just have to serve our Christmas meals around it. Plans are:
 
Christmas Eve: brunch for supper - egg/cheese/bacon strata, fruit salad, cinnamon rolls
 
Christmas Day: roast lamb, mashed potatoes & gravy, roast veggies, flan for dessert
 
day after Christmas: pierogies and borscht (usually we have that Christmas Eve, but I expect I'll be working, but have the 26th off)
 
I haven't gotten any baking done, other than getting peppernuts ready to bake. Maybe the usual Christmas baking will take place after Christmas.

GoneOffShore (10,448 posts)    Wed Dec 19, 2012, 06:08 PM

19. I'm doing an English Christmas with roast beef

Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, brussels sprouts with walnuts or pecans, maybe some roasted turnips. And made macarons for dessert to go with mince pies and cranberry steamed pudding.
 
If you want to do duck without the fuss go buy a couple of magret/duck breasts (one is enough for two people) and score them, cook eight minutes fat side down (drain the fat and make sure they don't burn - save the fat for cooking potatoes) and then four minutes on the other side. Stick them in a 300 degree oven for another 10 minutes unless you like rare duck - I do but some folks don't - cut them up and serve with a sauce of your choice along with appropriate veg. Depending on the vegetables I reckon you could have dinner prepped and served in under an hour and a half.

^^^an old rich dude with a much younger trophy wife.

Jazzgirl (3,226 posts)    Wed Dec 19, 2012, 07:15 PM

20. Either a nice prime rib or......

Cat Cora's Crab Buon Natale recipe. It is awesome!

pinto (96,187 posts)    Sun Dec 23, 2012, 06:33 PM

24. My earlier plans went sideways. Going to do a small ham with some sides, to be determined later.

<<<having turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh corn, fresh peas, sour cream, whole-wheat rolls with real butter, cherry pie, milk, and coffee, for Christmas Eve supper.

<<<having turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh corn, fresh peas, sour cream, whole-wheat rolls with real butter, apple pie, milk, and coffee, for Christmas lunch.

<<<having turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh corn, fresh peas, sour cream, whole-wheat rolls with real butter, rhubarb pie, milk, and coffee, for Christmas supper.

<<<wouldn't have it any other way.

[Tucker]

NRaleighLiberal (25,554 posts)    Tue Dec 18, 2012, 02:47 PM

1. Howdy! So, good question....

already made - two kinds of biscotti (almond gingerbread, and double chocolate ginger), lace cookies, lemon squares, real fudge (much of the latter two sent as gifts)
 
To make - peanut butter chocolate breakup cookie, pecan squares

Christmas eve - crab cakes, brussels sprouts, peas, brown rice

Ch. breakfast - sweet potato pancakes, mimosas,

Ch. dinner - baked cod, carrots vichy, brocolli, roast potatoes, chocolate yule log for dessert
 
MUCH different than previous years (beef stew and popovers eve, roast tenderloin day)

This DUmmy is just another lying democrat. They don't eat that kind of food in North Carolina. She has to be a yankee half-back.

[ChuckJ]

Personally, I've decided to just have one of my regular meals for Christmas.

I'll be having a small bowl of ciorbă de burtă as a starter.

The main course, which I love, will be Moules à la crème. Some may not find it acceptable, but I'll be having a bit of sirenje with the main course.

For desert I'll be having Put chai ko.

[franksolich]

Personally, I've decided to just have one of my regular meals for Christmas.

I'll be having a small bowl of ciorbă de burtă as a starter.

The main course, which I love, will be Moules à la crème. Some may not find it acceptable, but I'll be having a bit of sirenje with the main course.

For desert I'll be having Put chai ko.

Good one.

Awesome.

[Tucker]

Personally, I've decided to just have one of my regular meals for Christmas.

I'll be having a small bowl of ciorbă de burtă as a starter.

The main course, which I love, will be Moules à la crème. Some may not find it acceptable, but I'll be having a bit of sirenje with the main course.

For desert I'll be having Put chai ko.

What's your DU name? 

[Linda]

Why are they cooking a special meal for Christmas? They don't believe in Christmas.

[franksolich]

Why are they cooking a special meal for Christmas? They don't believe in Christmas.

That's about the same thing I always wondered.

[Jasonw560]

Christmas Eve: we do hors d'evoures (sp) kind of thing. Chips and dips, sausage balls, and tamales.

Day: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles (green bean and spinach), pecan and apple pies.

[Tucker]

Christmas Eve: we do hors d'evoures (sp) kind of thing. Chips and dips, sausage balls, and tamales.

Day: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles (green bean and spinach), pecan and apple pies.

We were going to have pecan pie but I someone got into it last night.

[Karin]

Christmas eve - crab cakes, brussels sprouts, peas, brown rice

Ch. breakfast - sweet potato pancakes, mimosas,

Ch. dinner - baked cod, carrots vichy, brocolli, roast potatoes

All of that sounds absolutely disgusting. 

As does that "carrot pudding" described above. 

[VivisMom]

For some reason, my husband insists on pierogies and fish for Christmas Eve, so that's what we will be having. I'm making a breakfast casserole in the crockpot for the morning, and then...my aunts do the cooking for dinner. Mmmmm, Honey Baked Ham.

I may try to make cookies this afternoon, but Thing 1 has a case of the pukies.

[jtyangel]

Same thing my mother( really British) always did. We'd have the occasional traditional dish thrown in but it's always been ham on Xmas eve and a repeat if thanksgiving albeit a bit smaller on Xmas. I just found a Mac and cheese recipe that includes tomatoes that I love and had misplaced for a few of the tumultuous separation and moving years. I think I'm going to make that now instead of scalloped potatoes. That's if I have penne because I have no plans of going to anything resembling a store today.

[Karin]

I have to go to stores today, as yesterday was so nasty.  One accident after another out there. 

No formal dinner for Christmas, as everyone visits everyone else today and tomorrow.  We all eat appetizers all day long.  A few of mine:  Buffalo chicken wings (AKA mother's milk in this neck of the woods), cold shrimp, mini beef wellingtons, swedish meatballs.  Eventually you get a balanced meal.   

[GOBUCKS]

My daughter suggested Salmon with Mai Ploy ...But we have that all the time

Now that's vintage DUmpmonkey!

[jtyangel]

I have to go to stores today, as yesterday was so nasty.  One accident after another out there. 

No formal dinner for Christmas, as everyone visits everyone else today and tomorrow.  We all eat appetizers all day long.  A few of mine:  Buffalo chicken wings (AKA mother's milk in this neck of the woods), cold shrimp, mini beef wellingtons, swedish meatballs.  Eventually you get a balanced meal.   

Lol. I wish we had that to do. My ex in law all live here but not my family. I miss my family and my friends a lot:(

[ChuckJ]

Same thing my mother( really British) always did. We'd have the occasional traditional dish thrown in but it's always been ham on Xmas eve and a repeat if thanksgiving albeit a bit smaller on Xmas. I just found a Mac and cheese recipe that includes tomatoes that I love and had misplaced for a few of the tumultuous separation and moving years. I think I'm going to make that now instead of scalloped potatoes. That's if I have penne because I have no plans of going to anything resembling a store today.

The only thing British that I ever remember my mother or grandmother cooking during my entire life was some sort of bread pudding and something that I believe they called a bacon and onion roll. I do recall one get together when a cousin who moved to the states in the early 80s brought some sort of mince meat pie.

[jtyangel]

The only thing British that I ever remember my mother or grandmother cooking during my entire life was some sort of bread pudding and something that I believe they called a bacon and onion roll. I do recall one get together when a cousin who moved to the states in the early 80s brought some sort of mince meat pie.

My mother does make some small mincemeat pies every year still. We will also make Yorkshire pudding on occasion during the year when we are having roast. My mother still celebrates Boxing Day too. She did more of this stuff when we were younger and I never really kept with all te traditions she had during those times. Oh she'll do a Christmas pudding too but normally she purchases it either at world market or she picks one up in the summer when she goes home to visit family.

I only made the reference to 'real British' btw because I've noticed this annoying liberal quality of pretending to be European. I never got the big deal. We do what we do because they are learned traditions. It's not a badge of honor. It just is what it is.

[jtyangel]

Just made me think she hasn't done a Christmas cake in years.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_cake

Also called the Dundee cake. Man that was some rich stuff. Maybe ill take a Stan at it for New Years.

[Boudicca]

We're going to some friends' home around noon for nibbles.  As usual, we are bringing the spirits.   Can't drink much cuz then we are off to the daughter's for Christmas dinner today.  She is making roast duckling over fettucine.   Ah well, it's all good since I am not cooking.  Marie Callendar did make us a pecan pie though.   And our daughter bought some English crackers.

Tomorrow we are not doing one single blessed thing!  No company since our son is working his 24-hour EMT shift and our daughter is going to her friends' place.  We plan to veg out.  I might go see Skyfall again, by myself, since hubby doesn't like to sit in the theater.

I was fairly sick earlier this month and lost my appetite for long enough to lose 10 pounds.  Trying VERY hard to keep them gone, so the less baking I do, the better.  I do have the leftover hambone and assorted ham bits and ends, so will stick it and some dry pinto beans and onion slices in the crockpot tomorrow morning.  Which reminds me I am out of cornmeal for making the bread, so I'd better quit messing around the computer and get to the grocery store this morning.  No doubt there will be some awful conservative making loud comments about how shitty Obama is, and a frightfully intelligent liberal will correct him/her, accompanied by a round of applause and a cop jumping out of a side aisle.

BTW, that was sarcasm, dump monkeys.   

[Jasonw560]

Y'all were talking about traditional British dishes on Chritsmas, but....

My dad's parents were fresh-off-the-boat German. They always had pickled herring, and my dad was expected to eat at least one every Christmas.

The first Christmas after he lost his mom, he said, "at least now I don't have to eat that damned pickled herring ever again."

[GOBUCKS]

The only thing British that I ever remember my mother or grandmother cooking during my entire life was some sort of bread pudding and something that I believe they called a bacon and onion roll. I do recall one get together when a cousin who moved to the states in the early 80s brought some sort of mince meat pie.

British cuisine is on a par with British teeth.

The only English dish popular with the DUmpmonkeys is spotted dick.

[DefiantSix]

British cuisine is on a par with British teeth.

The only English dish popular with the DUmpmonkeys is spotted dick.

They have antibiotics that'll treat that now.

[BlueStateSaint]

We're going to my parents' place.  Roast beef will be served.  I will gorge myself on it.

[ChuckJ]

British cuisine is on a par with British teeth.

I don't know. That bacon and onion roll thing was pretty good.

[jtyangel]

British cuisine is on a par with British teeth.

Shrug my mother is a terrific cook and I have nice teeth too. Hers are kinda peggish though but well cared for. I don't know whose teeth I got because mine are perfectly straight and my mothers are peg like and my dads are kinda crooked. Everyone thinks I wore braces and I never did.