T'Giving is gone...whazup for Christmas?

[Pandabear]

OK, the Thanksgiving dinner is a nice memory. What do you have planned for your Christmas dinner? What are your family traditions? http://bestsmileys.com/christmas1/5.gif

[PatC]

Well, usually the dinner is much like what we serve for Thanksgiving. However, one year my BIL decided he'd heard it in the songs long enough and he wanted me to cook a ----- Christmas Goose.


Now I don't know how it is where you live, but down here I had a whale of a time even FINDING a goose to cook! It came out very good and the guys loved it cause they all like dark meat and a goose is DARK meat.

Another year, it was one of the first years after I retired and I was watching alot of Food Network. Tyler Florence did a prime rib shortly before Christmas and I got brave and did one for Christmas. It came out W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L-L-Y!!

Just might try that again this year..... if I can float a loan for the piece of meat.



:hifive:

[chefann]

My dad's family gets together before Christmas (this year, the 20th), and it's pot luck. My aunt and uncle always bring a big pot of their "Polish Stew," which is kielbasa, sauerkraut, potatoes. And another aunt usually makes a big punch bowl full of homemade egg nog.

(Ooh- that reminds me. I need to send a note to the host, since I haven't gotten anything about it yet. I don't think she has my email.)

DH's family gets together on Christmas Eve, but they don't have any real food traditions. Heck, I think they just get together for the presents. It's like being in a room of 6 year olds.

[janicelee]

Well, usually the dinner is much like what we serve for Thanksgiving. However, one year my BIL decided he'd heard it in the songs long enough and he wanted me to cook a ----- Christmas Goose.


Now I don't know how it is where you live, but down here I had a whale of a time even FINDING a goose to cook! It came out very good and the guys loved it cause they all like dark meat and a goose is DARK meat.

Another year, it was one of the first years after I retired and I was watching alot of Food Network. Tyler Florence did a prime rib shortly before Christmas and I got brave and did one for Christmas. It came out W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L-L-Y!!

Just might try that again this year..... if I can float a loan for the piece of meat.



:hifive:


Darn Pat, I have to tell you for years I have always had a fantasy of throwing a big Victorian style Xmas dinner with goose, plum pudding etc. I've never done it but it's on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I don't know where in the world I'd locate a goose I've never seen one in the stores around here, although I suppose if I got out the shotgun and went down to the park real early in the morning and well.... no forget about it , knowing my luck the park ranger is probably an early riser and I'd likely end up spending Xmas in jail, and they probably wouldn't even let me keep the goose.

At least now I know who to ask for advice if I ever do acquire a goose, by whatever means, legal or otherwise. :smile:

[annalyzer]

Darn Pat, I have to tell you for years I have always had a fantasy of throwing a big Victorian styel Xmas dinner with goose, plum pudding etc. I've never done it but it's on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I don't know where in the world I'd locate a goose I've never seen one in the stores around here, although I suppose if I got out the shotgun and went down to the park real early in the morning and well.... no forget about it , knowing my luck the park ranger is probably an early riser and I'd likely end up spending Xmas in jail, and they probably wouldn't even let me keep the goose.

At least now I know who to ask for advice if I ever do acquire a goose, by whatever means, legal or otherwise. :smile:


Well at least he'd save you the trouble because he'd cook your goose. :tongue:

[janicelee]

Well at least he'd save you the trouble because he'd cook your goose. :tongue:

Well if you don't see me around for a while as Christmas gets closer you might want to start up a bail fund for me.
:grin:

[chefann]

OK, Janicelee, your post about the big Victorian Christmas taken with the quote in your signature, just conjures up images of an Unseen University meal with tables groaning under the weight of platters, and jars of Wow Wow Sauce passed from diner to diner. :grin:

BTW, you can probably find goose at specialty retailers online.

[janicelee]

OK, Janicelee, your post about the big Victorian Christmas taken with the quote in your signature, just conjures up images of an Unseen University meal with tables groaning under the weight of platters, and jars of Wow Wow Sauce passed from diner to diner. :grin:

BTW, you can probably find goose at specialty retailers online.

Good idea, about the on line retailer, I'm going to skip the wow wow sauce whenever I get around to the Victorian Christmas, as I'm not trained in handling hazardous materials. For those of you who are scratching your head, it's a discworld thing, you wouldn't understand. :INhouseReading04:

[SaberGal]

janicelee - Your beer bread recipe came out soooo good - it is definitely going to be on the menu for Christmas whatever I decide to cook!! Thanks so much for that!

[PatC]

Darn Pat, I have to tell you for years I have always had a fantasy of throwing a big Victorian style Xmas dinner with goose, plum pudding etc. I've never done it but it's on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I don't know where in the world I'd locate a goose I've never seen one in the stores around here, although I suppose if I got out the shotgun and went down to the park real early in the morning and well.... no forget about it , knowing my luck the park ranger is probably an early riser and I'd likely end up spending Xmas in jail, and they probably wouldn't even let me keep the goose.

At least now I know who to ask for advice if I ever do acquire a goose, by whatever means, legal or otherwise. :smile:

I don't know how much advice I can give.... I had one piece of luck that year in that I vaguely recalled my mom and grandmother talking one time about how much grease a goose gives off so I was watching and sure enough I had to dip a bunch of grease out of the pan a couple of times, otherwise it would have been dripping and almost fried itself in the grease. Plenty there to baste with, that's for sure.

I saw a beautiful prime rib at the store today.... a 3-rib piece --- almost $65.00! :thud2:

Nope, THAT won't be on this year's menu. :lex_10:

Actually, if you look closely over by the frozen turkeys you'll probably find a goose or two... especially around Christmas.

But they don't stock many, so keep an eye out.

[Trailblazer]

Darn Pat, I have to tell you for years I have always had a fantasy of throwing a big Victorian style Xmas dinner with goose, plum pudding etc. I've never done it but it's on my bucket list of things to do before I die. I don't know where in the world I'd locate a goose I've never seen one in the stores around here, although I suppose if I got out the shotgun and went down to the park real early in the morning and well.... no forget about it , knowing my luck the park ranger is probably an early riser and I'd likely end up spending Xmas in jail, and they probably wouldn't even let me keep the goose.

At least now I know who to ask for advice if I ever do acquire a goose, by whatever means, legal or otherwise. :smile:

If you're looking for a goose...try a local butcher shop...you can probably order one thru them, if they don't have it...

Grocery stores I don't think carry them...

[janicelee]

The geese down at the local park have asked me thank all of you for providing suggestions on how to get a goose that doesn't involve one of them becoming the guest of honor, at my holiday celebration. I'd like to thank you all as well since I'm too darn old to be skulking around a state park in the middle of the night, and I really didn't like my odds of outrunning the game warden or the park ranger, while carrying both a shotgun and a goose. :smile:

To Sabregal, I'm so glad you liked the beer bread recipe. It is outrageously simple, yet it never fails, I almost hate to share it, since the more people that know it the fewer people I can con into believing that I spent hours sweating in the kitchen kneading bread dough to turn out a homemade loaf of bread. I actually sometimes make it when I'm out of bread and I'm too darn lazy to get dressed to run up to the convenience store to buy to a loaf of bread.

[SavannahStar]

The geese down at the local park have asked me thank all of you for providing suggestions on how to get a goose that doesn't involve one of them becoming the guest of honor, at my holiday celebration. I'd like to thank you all as well since I'm too darn old to be skulking around a state park in the middle of the night, and I really didn't like my odds of outrunning the game warden or the park ranger, while carrying both a shotgun and a goose. :smile:

To Sabregal, I'm so glad you liked the beer bread recipe. It is outrageously simple, yet it never fails, I almost hate to share it, since the more people that know it the fewer people I can con into believing that I spent hours sweating in the kitchen kneading bread dough to turn out a homemade loaf of bread. I actually sometimes make it when I'm out of bread and I'm too darn lazy to get dressed to run up to the convenience store to buy to a loaf of bread.


Where is the beer bread recipe? :biggrin: Sounds good!

I'm a "traditionalist".......I have to have turkey and turkey ONLY at Thanksgiving and I have to have ham and ham ONLY at Christmas. :zm1:

Beyond that, I don't have plans yet. Although usually my meal at Christmas is the ham, lima beans, mashed potatoes and rolls and butter.

[annalyzer]

Where is the beer bread recipe? :biggrin: Sounds good!

I'm a "traditionalist".......I have to have turkey and turkey ONLY at Thanksgiving and I have to have ham and ham ONLY at Christmas. :zm1:

Beyond that, I don't have plans yet. Although usually my meal at Christmas is the ham, lima beans, mashed potatoes and rolls and butter.


Same here, ham it is.

[janicelee]

Where is the beer bread recipe? :biggrin: Sounds good!

I'm a "traditionalist".......I have to have turkey and turkey ONLY at Thanksgiving and I have to have ham and ham ONLY at Christmas. :zm1:

Beyond that, I don't have plans yet. Although usually my meal at Christmas is the ham, lima beans, mashed potatoes and rolls and butter.

Well the beer bread recipe is over on the thanksgiving thread on the food court but rather then make you go hunt for it, I'm just going to repost it for you.

Beer Bread

3 cups self-rising flour

3 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

12oz. beer

Directions: put 3 cups of flour into a mixing bowl, add the sugar, and add the salt. Take a spoon and mix the salt and the sugar into the flour. You want the flour to be mixed a little bit to let some air in to it. Pour the 12oz can or bottle of beer into the flour mixture (any brand of beer works) mix until it forms a dough. put the dough into a greased loaf pan, and bake in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for an hour. Once you take it out of the oven let it cool for 15 minutes before taking it out of the loaf pan. It can be served either hot or at room temperature.

Notes: any brand of beer works. You will get a different flavor depending on the kind of beer you use. A dark beer will give you a more intense flavor, flavored beers will of course give you the taste of whatever additive is in the original beer. You can also use this recipe as a platform for many different kinds of beer. Herbed, bread, garlic bread and cheese bread can all be made using this basic recipe.

[SavannahStar]

Thank you Janicelee....I'll try it!

[chefann]

One of my favorite variations on beer bread is cheesy salsa bread. Instead of beer, use 1 cup salsa and 1/2 cup water. Add 1 teaspoon chili powder or taco seasoning and 1 cup shredded cheese. Bake as directed.

[Bayou Lass]

Hello everyone. We don't do a traditional Christmas around my house. My son and his family come down on Christmas Eve (afternoon) and we have finger foods. I am going to try a new one this year - sort of like a chinese taco, ground meat brown and cooked with taco seasoning and wrap in a won-ton wrapper and deep fry. I'll have to let you know if this turns out for me but the lady that brought these to our pot luck dinner the other day said they were easy to do. They were really good too. On Christmas day, my other son and I just spend a quiet day together. We usually grill a steak and like Pat I have made a standing rib roast for us in the past, but that will probably remain in the past for right now. I do have a butcher shop close by and I will go and check out his prices which are usually lower than a chain supermarket. I always buy my steaks from hiim and he special cuts them for me. Always....bone in rib steak....the best!

[TeeOne]

We usually have a pretty big spread at my mom's house. This year it will be at either at my sil's or my house (we will share the cooking). Either way, I think we should cut down on the size of the spread. I say that because at Thanksgiving we had way too much food. Our saving grace was the day after Thanksgiving we were able to take it all to my husband's sister's house. That worked out really well since she had alot of people and not much food.

So even though I'm not sure of the location or the menu, it's gonna be more simple.

I didn't mean to sound 'bah humbug' :grin:

[texanne]

We usually do a buffet style dinner for Christmas because people tend to come and go. It is a full hot meal featuring a spiral cut ham (which I do not care for), plus a combination of salads, finger foods, etc with lots of desserts. There is just too much traffic and confusion to attempt a sit down meal (plus the kids are too wound up to settle down).

[PatC]

Hello everyone. We don't do a traditional Christmas around my house. My son and his family come down on Christmas Eve (afternoon) and we have finger foods. I am going to try a new one this year - sort of like a chinese taco, ground meat brown and cooked with taco seasoning and wrap in a won-ton wrapper and deep fry. I'll have to let you know if this turns out for me but the lady that brought these to our pot luck dinner the other day said they were easy to do. They were really good too. On Christmas day, my other son and I just spend a quiet day together. We usually grill a steak and like Pat I have made a standing rib roast for us in the past, but that will probably remain in the past for right now. I do have a butcher shop close by and I will go and check out his prices which are usually lower than a chain supermarket. I always buy my steaks from hiim and he special cuts them for me. Always....bone in rib steak....the best!

I like the bone in rib steaks best too. I saw another standing rib in Winn Dixie and it was over $60. That's just too much money to spend for one meal for 4-6 people.

[Bayou Lass]

I like the bone in rib steaks best too. I saw another standing rib in Winn Dixie and it was over $60. That's just too much money to spend for one meal for 4-6 people.

Can you imagine sitting there eating $60? I'd probably choke to death thinking about it!

[PatC]

Can you imagine sitting there eating $60? I'd probably choke to death thinking about it!

I know, Lass, I feel the same way.... at least I do if it's MY $60. Now if I can "suggest" that my BIL (who's known for being tight fisted -- since he was a kid) buy it, it'd taste even better.

Typical story of this BIL. His two older brothers (one my DH) were taking him to a football game back when they were all still in school. DH is the oldest so if he was at most a senior, this BIL who is 8 years younger would have been in the 4th grade. My MIL gave BIL some money for snacks and stuff at the game. At some point middle brother decided to give BIL some money ... for snacks and stuff and as they got to the stadium DH gave BIL some money ... for snacks and stuff. BIL never told the others about the extra money and was at the snack stand and one of DH's friends ended up buying him a soda.

BIL came home with ALL the money from ALL of them. The joke in the family is that he STILL HAS it. :67302:

[emmeblu]

Well the beer bread recipe is over on the thanksgiving thread on the food court but rather then make you go hunt for it, I'm just going to repost it for you.

Beer Bread

3 cups self-rising flour

3 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

12oz. beer

Directions: put 3 cups of flour into a mixing bowl, add the sugar, and add the salt. Take a spoon and mix the salt and the sugar into the flour. You want the flour to be mixed a little bit to let some air in to it. Pour the 12oz can or bottle of beer into the flour mixture (any brand of beer works) mix until it forms a dough. put the dough into a greased loaf pan, and bake in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for an hour. Once you take it out of the oven let it cool for 15 minutes before taking it out of the loaf pan. It can be served either hot or at room temperature.

Notes: any brand of beer works. You will get a different flavor depending on the kind of beer you use. A dark beer will give you a more intense flavor, flavored beers will of course give you the taste of whatever additive is in the original beer. You can also use this recipe as a platform for many different kinds of beer. Herbed, bread, garlic bread and cheese bread can all be made using this basic recipe.

:0012:I cannot wait to make this bread. Thank you for posting the recipe again. Sounds delicious. Think I will do a trial bake before Christmas day.

[PatC]

Can you imagine sitting there eating $60? I'd probably choke to death thinking about it!

I didn't have to worry about that. I told my BIL that this time it was his turn to provide the meat and mentioned seeing the prime rib. When I got out there Christmas Day, he'd pulled a ham out of his freezer and had it thawed out. http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/PatC_pics/smilies/00008526.gif

Does everybody have their cabbage and blackeyed peas ready for Jan. 1st?

[rockford2]

I didn't have to worry about that. I told my BIL that this time it was his turn to provide the meat and mentioned seeing the prime rib. When I got out there Christmas Day, he'd pulled a ham out of his freezer and had it thawed out. http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/PatC_pics/smilies/00008526.gif

Does everybody have their cabbage and blackeyed peas ready for Jan. 1st?

Nope. Lasagna!!!!!! and ham. Again. Little Rocky will only eat ham. GRRRR

but I think I will make BEER BREAD! :basic44::basic44:

[SavannahStar]

I didn't have to worry about that. I told my BIL that this time it was his turn to provide the meat and mentioned seeing the prime rib. When I got out there Christmas Day, he'd pulled a ham out of his freezer and had it thawed out. http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/PatC_pics/smilies/00008526.gif

Does everybody have their cabbage and blackeyed peas ready for Jan. 1st?


What a cute avatar, PatC!!!!!!!

OMG I forgot all about the cabbage and blackeyed peas! Eeeek!

[PatC]

What a cute avatar, PatC!!!!!!!

OMG I forgot all about the cabbage and blackeyed peas! Eeeek!

Thanks, now I have to look for another good one.

No cabbage and blackeyed peas!?!? http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g258/PatC_pics/smilies/tsk-tsk.gif

How can you expect good luck and prosperity without cabbage and blackeyed peas on Jan. 1???? :francis:

DH doesn't like either of them but I have them anyway... but only on Jan. 1 each year. One year he came to the table, looked at the food and said, "Blackeyed peas and cabbage...AGAIN?!?" As if we'd been having it 2-3 times a week.... cracked me up. :0t31: That's become a New Year's tradition with us now. He says it every time. :happy0158:

[annalyzer]

It's that time again. What is everyone having for Christmas dinner?

[LiveLaughLuv]

OK, the Thanksgiving dinner is a nice memory. What do you have planned for your Christmas dinner? What are your family traditions? http://bestsmileys.com/christmas1/5.gif

My Christmas Eve dinner is always fish...I always make...

Fried shimp
Fried Calamari
Baked clams
fried filet
crabs or crab legs if not to expensive
Muscles marinara with spaghetti
Seafood salad/italian pasta salad
Octopus salad
rice balls
fried broccli/cauliflower
nice big salad
Italian bread/garlic bread


I know I'm missing something...:g:

[PatC]

My Christmas Eve dinner is always fish...I always make...

Fried shimp
Fried Calamari
Baked clams
fried filet
crabs or crab legs if not to expensive
Muscles marinara with spaghetti
Seafood salad/italian pasta salad
Octopus salad
rice balls
fried broccli/cauliflower
nice big salad
Italian bread/garlic bread


I know I'm missing something...:g:



Octopus salad????? :thud2:

You just threw that in there to see if we were paying attention, right? I'll pass on the Calamari too but look for me to "belly up to the bar" for everything else.

:hifive:

:love0084:

[Faith]

I usually cook catfish and all the trimmings on Christmas Day. Plenty of pies and sausage balls. I won't be home this year, will be spending it at my son's to see TJ get his toys. I plan the normal Christmas Day menu on Sunday 12/27/09.

[Faith]

Octopus salad????? :thud2:

You just threw that in there to see if we were paying attention, right? I'll pass on the Calamari too but look for me to "belly up to the bar" for everything else.

:hifive:

:love0084:

I've ate it at a restaurant. lol

[LiveLaughLuv]

Octopus salad????? :thud2:

You just threw that in there to see if we were paying attention, right? I'll pass on the Calamari too but look for me to "belly up to the bar" for everything else.

:hifive:

:love0084:

:021: Miss Pat..have you ever tasted it?

Ocotopus salad is a delicasy...

I love it and would you believe my granddaughter (7) eats it too...She loves it...see when your raised around something it's as normal as applie pie...:love0084:

[LiveLaughLuv]

I've ate it at a restaurant. lol

Did you like it, Faith?

I don't know if they make it like I do...but if you liked that than you'd like mine...:basic45:

[Pandabear]

I found out this weekend that it will only be me, DH, son, step-son and MIL for Christmas dinner this year. Whew! LOL

I'm going to cook a ham, make some salads and a desert. Going to keep it very small which is a good thing this year for me.

[PatC]

:021: Miss Pat..have you ever tasted it?

Ocotopus salad is a delicasy...

I love it and would you believe my granddaughter (7) eats it too...She loves it...see when your raised around something it's as normal as applie pie...:love0084:

I just never heard of it... I do like calamari though.

[PatC]

Whatever else I cook, I'll be making that Cranberry Salad analyzer posted right before Thanksgiving! :s1gyahoo:

[LiveLaughLuv]

If you like calamari, you'd like octopus. It must be cooked right though...I love it and so do the grandkids...You've got to see my 3 y/o granddaughter, she takes those muscles and just rips the meat out....she loves all fish. I guess it depends on what you're raised around...I wish I can send you some..:cool:

[STEPH58]

I placed my order for my standing rib roast on Saturday. I am getting a 3 bone-in standing rib (prime rib)..and the butcher is a friend of mine, he will cut the meat off the bones then tiy it all up on the bones for me to season & bake..then all I have to do is slice the prime rib...and Kringle & I get all the bones!!!!!!!:francis:

We will also have mashed taters...or possibly twice baked tater casserole and fresh Lima beans with brown butter. YUM..oh this will be our Christmas day Feast. Not sure about Christmas Eve yet, the family usually gets together..but it's not looking like that is gonna happen this year.:0009:

So Nate and I will have to fend for ourselves. Maybe something seafoodish..clams, shrimp, something we both like.

[PatC]

Oh, that prime rib sounds good. I did that one year for Christmas for dinner. I'd watched Tyler Florence make one on the Food Network and did it like that and it was Deee-lish-US.