I'm stuck....christmas eve dinner and day starter.

[IliveonCoffee]

Okay. Very first world problem. Yes, I put waaaaaayy too much thought into food for special occasions. I know there are only 2 of us and it's really not worth it. But I really do enjoy having an opportunity for nice food...and put far too much effort into each festive meal (if only I put this much thought into cooking the rest of year). Anyway

I don't know what to do for Christmas Eve dinner. Something fairly easy, as a) I'm working (from home) till 16.00 and b) I'll have Christmas Day prep. I did think a charcuterie (sp?) and cheese board might be nice, but worried it would a) cost a small fortune for a good selection..and I'll be asked where a (cooked) dinner is?

But that's not the big issue...we can always order takeaway, or cook whatever. I have a nice evening planned anyway so....

Christmas dinner itself, sorted...I have my recipes all ready! Pudding...I'm a secret pyromaniac so naturally I'm setting fire to a pudding 2/3 hours after dinner.

But a starter. I'm stuck. For two...previously I did a baked camembert but it really was a bit much. I don't really have the capacity to cook something fiddly (in time or space). And I am not making soup. Aside from prawn cocktail or pate....I'm stuck.

What's everyone else having...

We are doing a korean bbq. I have a indoor bbq grill and some meat and sauces and it should be a good giggle.

I usually make this Jamie Oliver smoked trout and horseradish pate with toasts (except I use salmon because it’s easier to find at the shops). Except have it at 11:30-12 ish while cooking, dinner around 3 but couldn’t do an actual starter then.

Oops here’s the link: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fish-recipes/baby-yorkshire-puds-creamy-smoked-trout-horseradish-pate/

I never do a starter as such. Too much last-minute faff and the dinner is more than enough. After a late brunch-y breakfast we have dinner around 5, so I just provide some nice canapés (usually M&S) at about 3. What with the other nibbles people have been having since the start of Buck’s Fizz after breakfast (crisps, olives etc.) it’s plenty.

[quote Splann]@Snooks1971 it’s this one. I might add some chestnuts in too.
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/melty-mushroom-wellingtons[/quote]
@Splann thank you!

2 of you? No starter.

It's a big eat and a starter is not worth the effort.

This year I have finally listened to my DH who has said he loves my Christmas dinner but he would like to spend Christmas with me, not me in the kitchen all day.

The dinner is good enough, there are more than enough nibbles lying around if either of us get hungry before it comes out of the oven.

For Christmas Eve, how about a couple of salmon portions with some nice herb butter, new potatoes and salad?

Bit of smoked salmon, some nice bread and butter, bit of rocket salad and a lemon wedge. Happy days.

Or just some cute canapes to go with the champagne. I'd like that.

Chippy on Xmas eve, in pjs, watching tv. Crap on Xmas day till dinner when I go all out (no started though we can't each that much) pud and snacks for tea. Buffet of whatever anyone wants Boxing Day