973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Dec 15, 2016 13:20:36 GMT -5
Do you do it by how much money everything will cost? Is it how much work it will be? Is it simply based on everyone in your family's favorites? I love Thanksgiving because it gives me a chance to really cook and the whole day is basically all about the meal. Christmas and News Years are much tougher for me. There are four holiday meals in basically a week. That is just a lot of food! And super rich food at that. I have always baked cookies for Christmas. It could almost be considered a hobby considering how many different cookies I make and how elaborate I get with them. Then there is Christmas Eve. Just based on what I like I started doing a more Portuguese dinner. It is the one meal a year where I make something that just I like. I make Kale soup and salt cod fish cakes. I also do shrimp scampi and pasta as well. On Christmas day I have been doing a Ham for the past ten years or so. I literally started it because I wanted to have the day off with everyone else. The years before I had done a turkey dinner. I just felt like with all the work it took I spent two days in the kitchen while everyone else had fun. So ham with mashed potatoes and garlic carrots it was. Then for New Years Eve I do a weird appetizer meal. Everything is fun party food and out all night for people to nosh on. So pigs in a blanket, shrimp toast, perogies, mozzeralla sticks, black olive and scallion cheese spread as well as spinach dip. Then the next day I have to do a big dinner again. I'm getting tired thinking about it. My normal is Prime Rib roast and mashed potatoes with whatever sides everyone wants. I would get rid of the mashed potatoes if it was only me. Who needs them again a week after the last time? I must be getting old because just thinking about all this food is making me tired.
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Dec 15, 2016 13:37:28 GMT -5
We did our Christmas Eve/Christmas meal plan last night. We will have 5 adults in the house (3 of them young adults who consume a lot of food). I like doing a turkey for Christmas and a ham Christmas Eve. But 2 of the adults (my grown children) do not like ham, and DH and I love ham. So the compromise was to do turkey Christmas Eve and ham on Christmas so that the non-ham eaters can have turkey leftovers. We also made a list of side dishes and deserts. Lots of deserts. Probably too many deserts.
Since Christmas is on Sunday this year, I get off work Friday as my Christmas holiday, so I will likely spend most of the day cooking and preparing deserts. My DD who lives with us is a big help in the kitchen, but she works retail so likely will be working Friday and Saturday.
New Years Eve our family tradition is to do meat fondue for dinner, chocolate fondue for desert. Will probably do a rib roast for New Years Day.
I don't worry too much about costs. Since most of the food is home made, the cost is not that much, except for the rib roast. And even if we spend a lot, we normally get 2-3 days worth of eating out of the meals.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Dec 15, 2016 14:08:14 GMT -5
I like to cook a nice dinner for Christmas and New Year's, but like you, 973beachbum, I'm getting tired of spending the entire day(s) cooking while everyone else mostly relaxes. And, now that the kids are in college, they mostly want to chill and see friends, not hang out at home all weekend/week. We often get invited to extended family celebrations for the holidays, but because of the kids' food allergies, I still end up cooking a complete, almost identical, meal to bring with us (it's just more relaxing and far less stress to let the kids eat food we know is allergen-free, especially on big holidays). I like to cook the kids' meal to be ready to eat as we are ready to go so that it is as fresh as possible and requires little or no reheating. The result is that we are often a little late because sometimes things don't cook according to my/the hosts' schedule, LOL. This just earns me consternation and ribbing from extended family which I would deserve IF I'd spent the day in my pjs surfing the 'net and eating bon bons, but I digress. I toy every year with the idea of doing something simple like a big batch of meat chili made with bite-size pieces of a really good steak instead of ground beef or even grilling really good steaks and eating at home before heading out. Last year I cooked the big meal and we ate before leaving, going just for dessert. Of course, some of the extended family left as we arrived, so that wasn't ideal. I haven't found a workable plan yet, so
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Dec 15, 2016 14:21:33 GMT -5
That is a good idea GRG! I could go for a really nice Beef Burgundy for Christmas! And instead of the cheap stuff I normally buy I could use actual burgundy. If I browned up the meat and garnish the day before all I would have to do is put it in the crock pot that day and wait for the house to smell amazing. I doubt anyone else would go for it but I would love it!
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Dec 15, 2016 14:28:54 GMT -5
That is a good idea GRG! I could go for a really nice Beef Burgundy for Christmas! And instead of the cheap stuff I normally buy I could use actual burgundy. If I browned up the meat and garnish the day before all I would have to do is put it in the crock pot that day and wait for the house to smell amazing. I doubt anyone else would go for it but I would love it! Why? Because it would be different from your usual menu? As I always tell my kids, different means just that: different. It doesn't mean "bad", and it might mean 'really good', so don't dismiss anything just because it's different". Try it this year. If it works, YAY!! If not, so what?
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Dec 15, 2016 14:36:21 GMT -5
My holiday dinners are tradition. If I try to veer from tradition my kids get mad!lol
This year I will be doing Christmas Even dinner at my boyfriends house. So I am making my lobster bisque to take there. I will probably whip up a cheesecake to take, too.
Christmas is Ham, kielbasa, a lot of sides and desserts.
NYE will be lobster dinner at home with the kids and bf. I have sparking juice for the kids and champagne for us.
By NY day I'm done with food....lol
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Dec 15, 2016 14:54:40 GMT -5
Christmas day it's just my nuclear family. It's also one of the few days I'm actually likely to be "off." (The kids are getting gifts that shall keep them occupied so I can get an hour or two to relax in.) We're getting a pre-made lasagna (home made) from our favorite deli. It's $20 and gives us like two meals.
When we do Christmas with extended family at a later date (TBD), one of my kids' requested "grown up mac and cheese", which is mac and cheese with four types of cheeses, including goat. So, I said, Hmmm,..what else shall we have..and pulled pork is a favorite and can be made in a crock pot. Now that I'm thinking about it, I may suggest to DH that he pick stuff up early so we can make it and freeze it..since we don't know work schedules and whatever else.
Last year, the ILs took the kids for NYE. I'm hoping they do the same this year. We haven't had a kid free night in 4 months. With the older two, it's not so bad..but the peanut is in our bed unless I go sleep with her in hers.
If we have the kids, we'll probably do crap food night. We do it like 3-4 times a year. They love it, and we haven't done it in a while.
I'm not big on "traditional" meals for get togethers.
And, I think, honestly, the kids would prefer to have a less fancy meal and have DH play games with them over a big fancy meal and less fun interaction with us.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Dec 15, 2016 15:14:56 GMT -5
I do easy stuff for Christmas Eve, crackers and cheese and summer sausage. Veggie tray, some fruit, some chips and dip. Stuff like that.
We host Christmas morning with dh's family this year so there will be kind of baked egg dish, some kind of sausages and I need to figure out a carb dish like stuffed french toast.
My problem is that I have to be at church from 330-6pm on Christmas Eve, then back at 11pm for Midnight Mass and then back again for 10am Mass on Christmas Day. So timing is going to be critical for me.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Dec 15, 2016 15:27:36 GMT -5
We do easy for both Christmas and New Year's Eve. Christmas in the past has usually been a shrimp boil, but a couple years ago, we did a grilled leg of lamb, Greek salad, pita, rice and tzatziki. Once the lamb is marinating, the rest is very easy to put together. We grill year round, regardless of weather.
Christmas dinner is usually prime rib, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus and a few other easy sides. Making the gravy is the hardest past of this. As this Christmas, we won't be home, I have no idea what is happening.
i saw a wine and dinner pairing at a local resort for New Year's Eve that looked interesting. Otherwise, I thought I'd splurge on a pile of king crab legs, make a Cesears salad and pick up a loaf of crusty bread. Haven't thought about New Year's Day though.....
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Dec 15, 2016 15:34:53 GMT -5
I'm doing prime rib and king crab legs for Christmas, plus whatever sides I feel like doing.
I don't care what it costs.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Dec 15, 2016 15:35:54 GMT -5
WTF? People actually cook special meals for NYE?? The things I learn around here. I participate in family meals for Christmas but no one has to prepare the entire thing alone. We're way too lazy for that. It is generally the same thing we had for Thanksgiving, and that part I could do without but it does feed a large group easily so.....
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Dec 15, 2016 15:37:12 GMT -5
How to plan a holiday meal: Step 1: get in car Step 2: arrive at destination Step 3: eat food that has already been prepared
We do Christmas Eve with my dad/his side of the family, Christmas with my mom and siblings, day after Christmas with hubs' mom and siblings.
For NYE we are having our annual dinner party with friends. I am making my mac anf cheese.
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Dec 15, 2016 15:39:56 GMT -5
WTF? People actually cook special meals for NYE?? The things I learn around here. Yes. I'm going to a redneck surf and turf party. Venison and walleye, and bring a side dish to pass.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Dec 15, 2016 15:41:16 GMT -5
WTF? People actually cook special meals for NYE?? The things I learn around here. Yes. I'm going to a redneck surf and turf party. Venison and walleye, and bring a side dish to pass. All you crazy people, leaving home on NYE. Don't you know you're supposed to stay home and hang out in your jammies all night?
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Dec 15, 2016 15:41:56 GMT -5
My holiday dinners are tradition. If I try to veer from tradition my kids get mad!lol
This year I will be doing Christmas Even dinner at my boyfriends house. So I am making my lobster bisque to take there. I will probably whip up a cheesecake to take, too.
Christmas is Ham, kielbasa, a lot of sides and desserts.
NYE will be lobster dinner at home with the kids and bf. I have sparking juice for the kids and champagne for us.
By NY day I'm done with food....lol That is my family too! Any other day if I made beef burgundy they would totally love it. But Christmas day it has been ham for as long as they can remember so if there is no ham it will be like the poster who didn't make the mashed turnip that no one eats.
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Dec 15, 2016 15:43:54 GMT -5
Yes. I'm going to a redneck surf and turf party. Venison and walleye, and bring a side dish to pass. All you crazy people, leaving home on NYE. Don't you know you're supposed to stay home and hang out in your jammies all night? but what if I can eat good food and socialize while wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt?
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Dec 15, 2016 15:45:11 GMT -5
Yes. I'm going to a redneck surf and turf party. Venison and walleye, and bring a side dish to pass. All you crazy people, leaving home on NYE. Don't you know you're supposed to stay home and hang out in your jammies all night? We do stay home on NYE and hang out in our jammies, hence the need for the food. For as long as my DD can remember she has invited friends for NYE and it kind of became a tradition. So now her and DS have friends over and I make lots and lots of food.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Dec 15, 2016 15:47:35 GMT -5
I do easy stuff for Christmas Eve, crackers and cheese and summer sausage. Veggie tray, some fruit, some chips and dip. Stuff like that. We host Christmas morning with dh's family this year so there will be kind of baked egg dish, some kind of sausages and I need to figure out a carb dish like stuffed french toast. My problem is that I have to be at church from 330-6pm on Christmas Eve, then back at 11pm for Midnight Mass and then back again for 10am Mass on Christmas Day. So timing is going to be critical for me. Beth, how about a French Toast casserole? Paula Dean's is great. Although, the person who made the one I had said that they reduced the butter to half of what the recipe called for. Should be easier than individually prepared stuffed French toast.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Dec 15, 2016 15:56:08 GMT -5
WTF? People actually cook special meals for NYE?? The things I learn around here. Yes. I'm going to a redneck surf and turf party. Venison and walleye, and bring a side dish to pass. dh and I have a tradition of going "oh fuck, we should have something different for new year's day dinner" at a point when nothing is open to buy something different... Hry, new year's is all about traditional things, right?
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Dec 15, 2016 16:01:23 GMT -5
I think after the meal I made last year bought from Publix and just heated up because I just got through it as best I could, DS is cooking dinner complete with wine! I'm in charge of dessert and a relish tray. It'll be at my place because his place is the size of a postage stamp but I'm thrilled to just enjoy instead of hassle!! I got from volunteering $75 worth of Publix gift cards that I will give him this Sunday to help with the cost.
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Dec 15, 2016 16:05:22 GMT -5
All you crazy people, leaving home on NYE. Don't you know you're supposed to stay home and hang out in your jammies all night? but what if I can eat good food and socialize while wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt? Then, as long as you can avoid the drunk drivers, you win!
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Chocolate Lover
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Post by Chocolate Lover on Dec 15, 2016 16:06:26 GMT -5
All you crazy people, leaving home on NYE. Don't you know you're supposed to stay home and hang out in your jammies all night? We do stay home on NYE and hang out in our jammies, hence the need for the food. For as long as my DD can remember she has invited friends for NYE and it kind of became a tradition. So now her and DS have friends over and I make lots and lots of food. Last year DD's BF was there and he went home just about midnight, and I forget how he got there. Us or his parents (they're too young to drive still) but I don't generally have hordes at my house. I'm totally done with people by then.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 15, 2016 16:08:34 GMT -5
1-800-TAKE-OUT.
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buystoys
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Post by buystoys on Dec 15, 2016 16:29:15 GMT -5
We've hosted Christmas Eve and Christmas the past three years. This year, I haven't asked anyone what they want to do because I'm going to do what I want to do.
Christmas Eve for DH and me only: brunch will be crab cakes on sliced French bread covered with a slice of fresh mozzarella toasted until the cheese is bubbly. Lunch will be cheese, crackers, salami, pickles, and stuffed roasted peppers. Dinner will be seared scallops and linguini with white clam sauce.
Christmas Day for whoever shows up: ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and rolls. Dessert will be whatever cookies and candies I feel like making next week. (I'm not getting much made this week.)
NYE for DH, me and my neighbor: snacky appetizers. Probably shrimp rolls, shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers, and pot stickers.
NY for DH, me and my neighbor: black eyed peas with collard greens.
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imawino
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Post by imawino on Dec 15, 2016 16:46:44 GMT -5
Thanksgiving I'm all about doing the traditional turkey dinner and a ton of sides everyone wants - but for all the other holidays we just wing it.
This year we are having the man's family over around 11am and are doing a big brunch. I don't think we have completely finalized the menu yet but it will include a crab quiche, tenderloin sliders, muffins, banana bread, a waffle station with various toppings, maybe a vegetable strata, shrimp, bagels with cream cheese and salmon, yogurt parfaits and most importantly - mimosas and bloody marys.
New year's eve we generally stay in these days, and we have a little cocktail party for just the two of us with yummy appetizer type food.
Christmas Eve and new year's day I'm just as likely to order a pizza or eat some pasta or a sandwich as to do anything special. Sometimes we do a food that is traditional New Year's day food for where one of us is from - pork & sauerkraut for him and black eyed peas and greens for me. But that's rare. Those food are pretty dull! LOL
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rob base
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Post by rob base on Dec 15, 2016 17:50:12 GMT -5
How do I plan a holiday meal? Step one: there needs to be a holiday
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Dec 15, 2016 23:38:01 GMT -5
WTF? People actually cook special meals for NYE?? The things I learn around here. I participate in family meals for Christmas but no one has to prepare the entire thing alone. We're way too lazy for that. It is generally the same thing we had for Thanksgiving, and that part I could do without but it does feed a large group easily so..... I think everyone has different traditions. Christmas is the only big meal we had growing up. My family was involved in choir plus I often played cello for services so Christmas Eve Dinner was fairly simple. Around the time I started going to college me and my one sib started a tradition of making homemade pizza and watching college bowl games for New Year's Day.
So Beach the answer is simple. Have only one special meal.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Dec 15, 2016 23:43:56 GMT -5
How to plan a holiday meal: Step 1: get in car Step 2: arrive at destination Step 3: eat food that has already been prepared
We do Christmas Eve with my dad/his side of the family, Christmas with my mom and siblings, day after Christmas with hubs' mom and siblings. For NYE we are having our annual dinner party with friends. I am making my mac anf cheese.
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dee27
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Post by dee27 on Dec 16, 2016 0:00:08 GMT -5
Ravioli and salad for Christmas Eve
Veal cutlets, risotto, and asparagus for Christmas dinner with Crème Brule for dessert
For NYE, appetizers and a salad
Chicken or beef Stroganoff with green beans for NY
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Dec 16, 2016 10:02:57 GMT -5
We host several large parties throughout the year. 1. How many people are we serving? When we pass six people, we prepare two main dishes. When we pass 15 people, we prepare three main dishes. We want there to be as much choice as possible. Unless the group is teenagers; then we don't care as much. 2. Is there a traditional main dish to be considered? (ham for Easter; corned beef for St. Patrick's Day; turkey for Thanksgiving, pizza for Super Bowl Sunday, etc.) 3. How much are we willing to spend? Can we make it to Costco. (DH annoyed me the other night because he scheduled a dinner party, but didn't realize we didn't have a tri-tip in the freezer. He bought one at the local market for way more than I would ever want to spend.) 4. How are we going to serve; what appliances can we have out for the serving? (Serving options are buffet, family style, removed family style) 5. When the main dish is decided: what are we in the mood for preparing balanced with what are our work schedules allowing us to prepare in advance vs. the day of? (For example, the larger party we hosted last weekend had 18 people, but both DH and I had to work all the way through the week including the day of the party. I decided to make lasagna, which is sometimes considered a Christmas dish. I made the lasagna the night before the party and then baked it the night of the party.)
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