Christmas Day Starter ideas.

[snowaddict]

Tired of the same old prawn cocktail/avocado sort of thing. Anyone got any ideas what to do instead - ideally that I can freeze to save time on the day.

Thanks.

We're having scallops with pea purée and pancetta. Pea purée is easy and can be done in advance and the scallops take minutes.

My PIL are coming and don't like fancy food alas. I am going to do a trio of prawn cocktail, smoked mackerel pate and smoked salmon. It may be 'too fancy' but I know they like prawn cocktail.

I'm doing a number of nibbles - mini cheese scones, tapenade & toasts, crudites, crisps & olives - very little work, and what does need prepping can be done the day before

Soup? Roast pumpkin (with chilli if you like spice), Spiced parsnip or parsnip, chestnut and apple. or pea and mint with parmesan toasts. Yummy.

Prosciutto wrapped scallops with lemon butter

Pear, date and walnut salad

Mulled pears and Roquefort

Potted crab or shrimp

Pate and thin, crisp toast triangles

Goats cheese with cranberries and toasted pecans and a winter leaf salad (my sister makes this - very nice)

If you want to stick with seafood - smoked salmon and cream cheese & chive blinis

This is a nice play on the usual smoked salmon / prawns

But I do think smoked salmon served on thin slices of pumpernickel bread with creme fraiche mixed w/ fresh dill and lemon wedges ia simple winner.

Thanks everyone, there's loads of ideas there. I'm liking the creme fraiche and blinis. Definately time for a change this year.