Um. I have to cook Christmas dinner this year oh dear...

[Smurfgirl]

I have never ever ever cooked Christmas dinner before. I have actually never cooked for more than 2 people before (without making a big lasagne of something). Oh dear.

It will be me and dp and a couple we are v.close to the two men are v.big eaters but not into their veg. I am the only one out of us that can cook decently so it will prob fall to me. We have a single oven and a steamer and a microwave will this be ok?

Am v.worried, I am not the best cook really I try but am still learning I guess. I want it to be nice for everyone but am scared I won't manage the timings etc.

I don't even know how to cook Turkey ffs. Or real gravy.

Am quite sad that we can't be at my parents really.

Up to an hour is fine. It needs to 'rest' for 20 mins at least.
I would be worried about buying it on 19th though

Hmm. Will work round it somehow. Think friends are away before Christmas day too but will check maybe they can buy it?

This thread has been v.helpful.

You could freeze a fresh one as long as you are able to get it out to defrost in time.

As for resting I just let it sit for as long as it takes me to get everything else orgainised.

i will give you a few tips. i have been cooking xmas dinner for the last 4 years. usually for 6-10 people- this year its for 8. tip 1- always cook the turkey on xmas eve, carve it and put on 2 plates- white meat and dark meat. to cook the turkey you should not stuff it, cook it upside down (on the breast)with a little salt and butter rubbed all over to crisp the skin. cover the roasting tin with foil(shiny side down) and roast for recommended tiem. then remove the foil and turn the turkey right way up and return to oven minus the foil for 30 mins to brown. cooking this way will ensure the breast meat does not dry out and you will have a lovely moist turkey. also peel,chop and prepare the veg on christmas eve and place into pans of water with a little salt and cover with lid or tea towel. for the stuffing i always use paxo chestnut and onion stuffing a make into little balls ( this is really fun as your hands get really messy). also instead of doing mashed potato, use sweet potatoes as they are easier to mash and you dont get any lumps at all. also i do not do a starter and offer a choice of bought desserts such as xmas pud, blackforest gateau and chocolate yule log. and dont forget the cream lol xxx

Would a turkey bought on the 21st (when occado are delivering) be OK for Christmas? Don't want to poison everyone.