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Christmas

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Original poster

What are you having for your starter?

45 replies

Noofly · 17/12/2017 21:02

For the first time in years and years, I am being “allowed” to host Christmas! I love to cook, so this is very exciting. Grin

I have the whole main course, veg and sides and dessert(s) planned out, but am stumped on the starter. MIL usually does prawn cocktails, but I’d like to do something different for a change.

What are other people having?

OP posts:
Original poster
Noofly · 17/12/2017 21:02

Oh, there will be 7 of us.

OP posts:
wheresthel1ght · 17/12/2017 21:03

What about

Melon and berries
Soup
Pate

superram · 17/12/2017 21:03

Nothing-too busy and would be too full. Already need a break for pudding. I’m a big eater too..... if I did I would have a seafood platter.

goose1964 · 17/12/2017 21:04

I usually do chilli and garlic prawns,but this year I'm making red pepper and tomato soup

ClaudiaWankleman · 17/12/2017 21:10

I've never had a starter at Christmas. I didn't realise anyone did(!)

You need something light so that you can still enjoy the range of the main course. Gravlax or a savoury soufflé?

Ginmakesitallok · 17/12/2017 21:11

Nothing that you'll need the oven for. Smoked salmon?

happymummy12345 · 17/12/2017 21:12

Again we never have one. But it'd be something light if we did.

SaturdaySauv · 17/12/2017 21:15

A BBC recipe involving smoked salmon, prawns, a horseradish creme fraiche and salad with a limey, gingery, honey dressing. Served with soda bread. About 5 mins prep time.

Braveanddifferent · 17/12/2017 21:17

Pear poached in red wine with goats cheese and walnuts. Very simple and more assembly than actual cooking

PumpkinPie2016 · 17/12/2017 21:19

We have smoked salmon on Brown bread. Small amount of cream cheese on the bread and a drizzle of lemon.

I try to keep it light and simple and to something that does not require oven/pan space.

annandale · 17/12/2017 21:20

A glass of bubbles. I don't do a big starter as I just want to get stuck in to the bird. We do a dessert of chocs, nuts, fruit and cheese at the end though.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 17/12/2017 21:21

I'm doing small portions of three different pâtés, with little crostini bread things, rocket, and balsamic vinegar. I'm catering for 10, so I need something I can plate up in advance, and need to be mindful of serving dishes/plates!

rainbowlou · 17/12/2017 21:22

Wine and peanuts x

Original poster
Noofly · 17/12/2017 21:23

Oh, these are good suggestions! Think I’ll start looking for pear recipes and that BBC one with smoked salmon. I love smoked salmon.

OP posts:
MilesHuntsWig · 17/12/2017 21:25

DD and me are having melon and raspberry coulis (ooh look at us!) and DH is having smoked salmon.

notapizzaeater · 17/12/2017 21:27

We are boring and have a lovely prawn cocktail and ds has corn on the cob

choccybiscuit · 17/12/2017 21:29

Cheese souffle with tomato and rocket

Bouledeneige · 17/12/2017 21:30

We just have crisps and snacks with fizz no starter - straight into turkey and all the trimmings. I didn't think most people did starters - my family never has and as I'm doing dinner for 16 I don't need any more faffing about.

Original poster
Noofly · 17/12/2017 21:32

SaturdaySauve I have found your recipe and it looks really good!

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/9081/smoked-salmon-with-prawns-horseradish-cream-and-li

OP posts:
Wh0KnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 17/12/2017 21:34

I've never had a starter on Christmas Day at our house or anyone else's. If I was doing one it would be super-light, maybe smoked salmon mousse with crostini or similar.

drquin · 17/12/2017 21:36

I'm doing a gin & blueberry cured salmon ..... and mini-blinis or our local equivalent of soda bread.

isittheholidaysyet · 17/12/2017 21:39

Used to have salmon mousse at my DP's.
Auntie made and brought it.

At my house it is pate. 2 sorts.
(And we have garlic doughballs for the kids, don't ask!)

Mominatrix · 17/12/2017 21:40

Stuffed baby squash . You can either stuff them with a veggie stuffing or a sausage based one, or even bike them with soup inside to make an edible bowl. It is quite attractive and definite of the season.

Original poster
Noofly · 17/12/2017 21:41

Oh God, gin and blueberry cured salmon!

OP posts:
SaturdaySauv · 17/12/2017 21:42

Noofly yes- that's the one. I practised it last weekend and it was quick easy and very delicious.