No turkey on the day

[TwinsandTrifle]

We're boycotting turkey on the day this year. For ease, (it hogs the oven) and because, we have it every year, and it's just not that great, truth be told.

We've had (previously, over many years) goose (lovely, takes up even more oven space not much else to do with leftovers) a three bird galantine (took up all oven space, and disappointing compared to expectations) lobster and fruit de mer (delish, but felt a tiny bit wrong for Christmas dinner).....

So. This year, we're thinking of having a turkey dinner, probably out, in the run up. Then, on the day, a tarted up chicken and roasted gammon. DH thinks we can do these both the day before, and they'll be fine to be warmed just prior to serving then piping hot gravy tipped all over. I'm feeling a little underwhelmed by this, we have roast chicken frequently, although I will go to a bit more effort with herb butter under the skin, bacon lattice, nice stuffing. It's still a roast chicken though, if you see what I mean.

Has anyone else done the meat on Christmas Eve? Has it tasted as good the next day? Can anyone suggest anything lovely that would serve well the next day that might be a little more worthy of the occasion than chicken and gammon?

Thank you

I made guinea fowl for family a few years ago. It went down very well and people were excited to have something a bit different. They are fairly small though - it only served 3 but might be ok to go alongside something else like gammon.

There's 5 of us.

And no I haven't hit my head

You are aware this is the Christmas section? We've all been shopping for wrap, and planning the colour schemes, and nabbing bargainous presents since January!

I was toying with this for last year www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/christmas-dinner-wellington but 6 week old DS had other ideas!

I almost always do goose, with rib of beef sometimes if the other family members complain.

Leftover goose is great and the stock is special. Gordon Ramsey again. www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gordons-christmas-roast-goose Maybe he should be cooking the MN Christmas dinners.

@stitchinguru, @monstermunch1, @catwithflowers, get out of the Christmas section if you don't want to talk about Christmas!

@NoWordForFluffy
Certainly wouldn’t be in the ‘Christmas’ section - at this time of year or ever.
Stumbled upon this in ‘Active’ threads and had to comment as it beggars belief. Sorry.

When I'm in 'Active' I can see what board the post is on, as it's above the post. Maybe you could hide the board?

A proper three bird roast has been a fave of ours over the years.
Any leftover can be eaten sliced the next day.

I’ve done salmon once, a whole fish rather than fillets. I’m thinking of choosing something different this year, either goose or venison but I’ve never cook either of them.

I'm American; we (our family and my guess is most Americans) don't have turkey for Christmas dinner because we will have just had it for Thanksgiving. We usually have baked ham or roast beef.

@NoWordForFluffy 😂. I also stumbled across this in active convos! It just seems like such a strange thing to be thinking about in July ☀️🥵

Anyway, to each their own!

I do a baked ham, or a boiled and glazed one, for Boxing Day. That way, after I've done the preparation for Christmas dinner (on Christmas Eve) and got it all on the table on Christmas day, Boxing Day's meal is really easy - ham, baked potatoes and coleslaw - minimal effort from me!

Would it help to have a chicken ban between now and Christmas so that it will feel a bit more special?

And seriously people, if you find Christmas chat so distressing that you feel the need to come on the thread to give out about its existence, do yourself a favour and just hide the Christmas board

We buy fresh deli counter Turkey slices. So much easier!!

Would it help to have a chicken ban between now and Christmas so that it will feel a bit more special?

That's a really obvious and great idea! I'm sitting here thinking, "we'll have roast chicken almost every week before hand" it genuinely didn't occur to me to not to that

Thank you!

@thelegohooverer

And seriously people, if you find Christmas chat so distressing that you feel the need to come on the thread to give out about its existence, do yourself a favour and just hide the Christmas board

This. So much this!

Thought MN had rules about the C topic this early. It's July FGS!

What about using a Ninja Foodi to do some of your cooking in? DP cooked a gammon joint for Christmas tea last year. He made it during the afternoon with little hassle - pressure cooked the (soaked) ham and then crisped the outside with a honey mustard glaze using the roasting facility. Took very little time and was fab. First saw how quick and easy it was and then bought one for themselves.

We also roast chickens in the foodi and it works well. I’d rather do this that reheat the meat for lunch which just doesn’t seem as appetising.

Just love turkey, hate goose, beef ok

@Esspee

Thought MN had rules about the C topic this early. It's July FGS!

@Esspee, unless you're on the dedicated Christmas board which you are.

Honestly, people, get some reading skills. 'Active' threads have the board and the thread title listed.

Just hide the damn Christmas board if you're that bloody triggered by it.

See? Quite clear it's in the Christmas topic.

@SenecaFallsRedux

I'm American; we (our family and my guess is most Americans) don't have turkey for Christmas dinner because we will have just had it for Thanksgiving. We usually have baked ham or roast beef.

I came on to say the same. We've done ham, turducken, surf and turf, prime rib and enchiladas over the years! Just eat what you like and make it feel special.

@NoWordForFluffy
Yes, I do find it quite triggering to be honest.
My eldest son died on Christmas Day 2019. It’s bad enough avoiding it from mid Autumn onwards but in July!!
When something like this happens (which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy) you realise how trivial such an issue is - at ANY time of the year!

I'm sorry to hear about your son, @stitchinguru.

I would suggest you maybe hide the board, perhaps? To save inadvertent upset.