Christmas Dinner

It's no good saying don't worry because you just will Some people are worriers and that's the way they are - like me lol
Anyway have a nice Christmas x
I'm only cooking for 2 - Beryl my friend, and myself - she's coming here for Christmas and Boxing day. - Don't know what to have yet. But I'm not worried about it. The only thing I don't worry about is food.

Presents :O !!!! What to buy ? ! :o(( Now that's a worry .... lol

Oh Hywel you always seem so comfortable in situations good or bad, you are what you are, and what will be will be, I envy you... I hope you and Beryl have the best time! Wishing you a great Christmas too, and lots of pressies!!lol

They say that 'Divas' and great actors are always nervous before their most brilliant performance. Makes sence when you think about it.

Merry Christmas :o)))

Heron I sooo hope and wish thats true would hate to fall flat on my face!! lol

Thanks Pip x

Thanks Dido. x
One thing I have learnt is you can't change who you are so might as well accept it. It's easier then. If others don't like it that's their problem and they have to come to terms with it :o)

So just do whatever you want for Christmas dinner - I bet they'll all enjoy whatever you make anyway - even if you only have fish fingers lol
- - now that's a thought - I might make fish fingers :o)))

LOL luv u Hywel :0))))))))))

haha :o) x

If you are careful checking the dates you'll be able to buy most fresh stuff at the start of next week, I bought & froze the starters and nice apricot & cranberry stuffing balls & mini sausages, prepare the veg christmas eve-- brussels will keep in sealed poly bags ( no water ) and ' fridged, also prep the carrots & potatoes in pans of water in fridge ( if you're worried if the'll be ok have a practice run one night) prepare & fridge the turkey as well and work out the cooking time remember when preparing veg to take stuff from freezer then christmas day you sit back --let it cook itself and watch everyone wash up for you as you accept the praise :o))

Dido,you may find it easier if you prepare all your veg,and anything else that can be done in advance,the day before,and just keep in fridge overnight...thats unless you are out partying,Christmas eve..Lol.I used to cook mine in the morning,if I was having a lot coming,and then just reheat them,in the microwave,when I was ready...except Roast Potato's of course.They tasted just the same,and seem to keep piping hot,much better..and you have got rid of all the pans,or steamer ,cluttering the kitchen up..
You will cope fine,but I know how you feel,its hard work.

We crossed there,Pam...I agree,preparation beforehand is the key...

I'm only cooking for 4 xmas day, but putting a due on 27th for all my family, looking forward to that, as for worrying i dont about xmas cooking, all i worry about is this horrid weather returning :(

you could get delia's christmas book from the library ~ or use a magazine ~ they usually do a helpful timetable of what to do when
you can buy lots of stuff ready made
the important thing is to have a nice time ~ try not to think of it as any more than a normal meal with friends
im only cooking for 4 on that day but ive had to make a chart cos im cooking for visitors from the 23 - 28th!!! different people and different numbers!!! cooked for 7 last night!

Your suggestions are really helpful ladies, looks like prep is key thank you very much Bloomer and pamg, hope your day goes ok Clarice, its soo overwhelming when you think about it as a whole, what a dumpling I am eh!
Should I not consider partying then Bloomer? LOL

You don't fancy coming round to ours Sticki do you, I'll hire you for the day!!!! lol

Of course you should go partying Dido,more important than Christmas dinner..If you ever saw The Royle Family one about it,follow suit...Cup a soup starter..Brilliant Lol.
you will wonder why you worried..I don't think its the cooking,as much as the timing of everything,it was for me.
Nobody minds waiting ....so no rush,just enjoy..:o)

Yeh, starting to feel better already, I knew you lot would sort me out, if I can do better than cup a soup I know I'm on to a winner!!!LOL

Good,Dido..I'm sure you will get a standing ovation..what do you mean..IF ?ha ha.Go for it girl, !! you are a Yorkshire lass,like me,so we are good at everything...Lol.

id love to dido but its a little bit far to put the turkey in the oven and get back in time for pudding???
they do very nice turkey sandwiches and pasties now in the supermarkets as well as christmas coleslaw ~ there sorted !!!!
put the music on, have a drink and you'll be fine!!!
i know someone that used to have a drink before they did the christmas shopping ~ it helped!!!

That's a potential problem Bloomer if Yorkshire Puddings fall flat, how embarassing would that be, being Yorkshire 'an all LOL Any excuse Sticki ha ha but I will take you up on a tipple or 2 or 3 hic!!!lol

you can get very good ready made yorkshire puddings!

Aunty Bessie ( from the freezer section ) hide the bags & no-one will ever know-- yorkies are great and Tesco even do frozen roast potatoes in goosefat and honey roast parsnips--just as good --if not better than home prepared--(your meal is still Home Cooked :o) --youu could say is an 'old aunties recipe'-- we had an old auntie Jane who always made the christmas pud until the year she forgot the sugar and boiled it so long it was solid!!--she was well in her'80s and thankfully gave me her recipe for the next year.....

Merry Christmas Dido, chill girl chill, have a good day, life is too short to worry, just go with the flow, I am only cooking for 5 on Christmas day, but cook for 6 on Christmas eve, have done it for a number of years, mainly do it for a friend who will not come out for Christmas Day dinner, so I cook two Christmas dinners, Beef and Pork on Christmas eve with all the trimmings (with the family all dropping in) and Turkey on Christmas day, it is just like a cafe for 48 hours seems to be non stop but it gets done eventually. Roll on Boxing day I get a rest my daughter does the cooking then I just chill out and enjoy the break. Hope it is a good day for you and yours try to relax, a tipple may help but only one (don't want any hangovers in the kitchen) just try and enjoy yourself. Merry Christmas - Barbara

I find a little tipple of Sloe Gin (Hic!) helps everything along nicely (Slurp!) while you're up to your eyes (stumble!) in sprouts and pigs-in-gin ... sorry! ... pigs-in-blankets. ;o)

Oh Barbara where have you beeeen.. Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas too.. I don't know why I'm fretting like this its just not like me, I usually cook on Christmas Day but only ever done it for 4 or 5 but 8 is freaking me out, don't know if my pans are big enough,
knives and forks don't match ooooh its just endless, barmy aren't I, I just want everything to be nice and for everyone to enjoy themselves thats all. Hope yours goes well, sure it will sounds like you an old hand at it Barbara lol I will raise a glass to you my friend on Christmas Day!

Nariz is that all it is, Sloe Gin, I suspect maybe a little more than that lol, but why not? A very merry one to you too x

excellent suggestion nariz ~ i shall be joining you!!

Re Yorkshire puddings..if you prefer to have your own,and have room in your freezer..you can make them in advance,and open freeze them on a baking tray.Then just bung em in a bag...and reheat for 4 mins,like the frozen ones.I do lots this way..much nicer than the bought ones,but I do buy them sometimes,if I am stuck.
To make 24 small ones, I use 6oz flour and another egg,and milk till right consistency,or just the normal 4oz,if you dont want to make so many.....just a thought,Dido...:o))

Do you know Bloomer thats a really good idea, I will definately do that, I have tried the Aunt Bessie type Yorkshires and I'm not convinced, this is best of both..
Thank you x

I've an electric steamer Dido-- it helps as it releases the saucepans and I prefer steamed sprouts & carrots-- and you can even steam the pud without it boiling dry
--- you'll be fine---

Glad I could help Dido..much cheaper and nicer too...and a sad day,if us Yorkshire lasses can't make our
own..My mum would have had a fit,at the thought of buying them..see? you were worrying needlessly..all sorted Lol.

I'm ashamed to say pam I've never used a steamer, maybe time to change all that eh?

electric ones are so easy, you fill the base with water, food in the top-- carrots under brussels as they are thicker---set the timer ( the instructions tell you how long for) and leave it alone --wouldn't be without mine, the only thing is steamed syrup puddings are so easy you just have to make them on awful days like this!!

Just reading through this blog ... don't panic Dido ... have you seen the Peter Kaye video where he talks of the family sitting at the table on mis-matched chairs? Some on bar stools ... can't reach the food ... folk walking up the streets with the 'Christmas chairs' ... I still laugh out loud at it! I agree with prepping as much as possible the day/night before ... takes the strain away! I always steam veg., I have a gas hob so just ensure enough water in the bottom pan. All will be fine ... stop fretting and enjoy! : o ))

I wonder if someone would buy me one for christmas?
LOL the pudding reason sounds good enough for me!!!

Thats what I'm afraid of Shirley! The Peter Kay scenario lol Everyone taking the mickey for years to come, I'll never live it down lol Oh the shame!!!!!!

I use my steamer a lot too, and you can use it anywhere there is a plug socket.I use mine on the kitchen work top,if I need my hob for something else...near an opening window..lots of steam...they are great...I had forgotten about that Peter Kay video...must have another look,he never fails to make me laugh..Have you seen him in the new advert for M&S ? ..:o))

No, you mustn't think like that, Dido. We still laugh about the Christmas at a relatives where 3 of us were seated in green garden patio chairs! It didn't matter, we all enjoyed the festive food and the pulling of Christmas crackers. Take a deep breath and r.e.l.a.x .... : o ))))

I know it'll be alright in my heart of hearts and I'm laughing at myself really...I love Peter Kaye too In fact I bought 2 tickets for my son and daughter in law for christmas to see him at the end of January at the Sheffield Arena!

What a great present Dido,lucky them..anyway if all else fails you can always give your guests some Garlic bread......Garlic? Bread ? ......Garlic Bread ? Lol...in the words of Peter...:o))

LOL Bloomer :0)))))))))

Thanks Dido, sure it will go well, get them sloshed before you serve the meal they will never notice the mis-matched cutlery or crockery, just enjoy. I have been very busy getting stuff organised and helping the youngest and shopping and spending and searching for the right gift for everyone, so that is why I have not been on for a while, still waiting on deliveries, ah well, will have to tell them they have got to wait until new year for their parcels if they don't arrive in time, sure they will understand. Bottoms up girl enjoy.

so am I Olive-- I'll be wrapping up IOU's at this rate!

don't get them too merry or only allow them to wash the saucepans...:~)))

Chill!!
Mind you, I only have to cook for three!
The only thing that could go wrong is that my expresso maker breaks - I'm under doctors orders to have a dry christmas.
Hestons brussel sprout thingy that he does in the advert is a winner too!

I feel your pain, Dido! I have visitors staying from the 24th-27th, they leave lunchtime and then another lot arrive at teatime until the 31st....with a big wedding to attend on the 30th. I have had a few sleepless nights worrying about it all....but in the end, I have to agree with the others, there is no point stressing about it. Preparing, cooking and freezing a lot of dishes has made me calm down....a bit!

It'll be all right in the end...you'll be fine!...

Thanks Izzy, it sort of puts it in perspective when you have all that to contend with, shall we share a cocoa at 3.00 am hehehe

Oh no Meanie not a dry Christmas, its just not fair, I hope you are ok anyway and enjoy your Christmas nevertheless

I sincerely hope I am not still on my feet at 3am, Dido!LOL. I've just cooked Swiss cheese, tomato , onion and chorizo tarts and a huge Tiramisu....all for the freezer! I feel less stressed when I think I am ahead....usually! Catering for 13 is never stress-free though!

Have a lovely Christmas and a Peaceful, Happy and Healthy New Year!:-)))

maybe thats when the turkey goes in--at least you can go back to bed and the kitchen smells lovely when you get up!

I am sure your Christmas Day dinner will go great, Dido. It's easy to get all worked up but as you've discovered from others, organization and making ahead is a great way to boost your confidence. A steamer is great too as it frees up the hob for other items.

We will be having dinner at our daughter's this year so I won't be cooking but I have done it for all of my married life so it will be nice to have the break (only missed cooking Christmas dinner on 3 occasions and we've been married for 39 yrs.).

I used to cook a dinner with lots of veggies along with the traditional turkey and trimmings but in recent years we scaled it down quite a lot...our appetites aren't as hearty these days.

My mom used to do dinner for about 25-30 and then a drop-in buffet Christmas night and Boxing Day when we could get anywhere up to 100 coming! It was a lot of work and she thrived on it!! I would be pulling my hair out if I had to prepare food for that many people!

Enjoy your festivities...it'll be alright on the night as they say!

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Very Best Wishes to you and yours, and have lots of fun over the Christmas Holidays!
Lots of Love
Di
xxx

you have a lovely time too xxx

Remember, Dido, it's only the vegetables that should get 'steamed up' ! Relax and enjoy your Christmas ... have a lovely time. : o ))