What would make a fabulous meal for one for Christmas Day?

[ohreindeerwhatamessysleigh]

Dh has the norovirus so might not be eating. I want to eat (main meal) after the dcs are in bed. Want something fabulous but which doesn't take ages to prepare (30 mins max, or something which can be prepared ahead). I'm completely devoid of inspiration.

There are certain parameters:

1. Probably not involving rice (have had last 3 nights in a row)
2. Don't like squash, sweet potato, polenta, celeriac, kale, or nuts (or 'sweet' main courses - middle eastern type food)
3. Not scallops (normally love them, but was very sick recently - norovirus, so unrelated - after eating some and it has put me off)

Doesn't need to be Christmassy (i.e turkey), but would like something that isn't run of the mill.

Ingredients will be bought from Waitrose, if that makes a difference.

Any ideas gratefully recieved.

how about duck?

moules marinieres? Mussels are in season, and it feels like a treat, but is dead easy and quick. Serve with crusty french bread and butter, or chips (homemade or otherwise)

What's the fun in a meal for one?
Why do you want to eat without dcs?
Very odd.

Oh meals with kids are hard work.

good point Moondog
Won't the dcs still want xmas dinner even if dh is in bed?
or are they very young?

Ds1 will only eat weetabix or sandwiches atm. Not my idea of a fabulous Christmas meal. Also don't wish to eat at 5pm.

Love musssels, but recent Waitrose ones have been disappointing.
Duck not a bad idea (with plenty of leftovers if only me eating)

I think I would do a nice lamb chop. God i adore lamb. With some redcurrant/redwine gravy, dauph spuds and oodles of green veg.
With a lemon souffle type thing for pud.

Yes, young dcs (2.7 non eater, plus 10 mo). Meals with them hard work not fun. 2.7yo protests about everything, 10mo gets tired and grumpy and goes into meltdown mode.

Lamb chop very good idea. Long time since I've had any (dh can take or leave).

oh yes - you could always do the old mustard and sugar thing on it - or is that pork chops....

buy the spuds - ram them in when you go up to do stories.

When DH is away I always do this:

One large Salmon Fillet.
Bake in foil for 15m with butter, splash of white wine and Dill - or other herbs? Salt and Black Pepper.

New Potatoes with loads of butter.

Garlic Mushrooms

and either a good salad or home made rattatoiule

It sounds a bit random with the mushrooms I know but DH does not eat any of the above so I cram every last thing in while I can

LOL I do the same with cheese (dh a non cheese eater).

Keep 'em coming. I need lots of ideas (am assuming that there'll be gaps on the supermarket shelves by the time I get there).

i would do one of these if you are going to bw dealing with excited kids and poorly dh, beef looks yummy fiveish down, leftovers fore sandwiches

or a good bit of steak?

If it were me I'd have chicken breasts, beaten flattish dipped in flour then fry in butter and then cooked off in masala wine.

Served with potatoes that I'd par boil, slice each potato up and roast in olive oil.

Served with french beans.

Pour any left over sauce over chicken.

Lots of wine
Cheescake for desert.

Sorry you're eating alone.
Hope you still manage to have a lovely xmas.
TC x

Thomcat - yours sounds really good

I would buy something from the Waitrose Eat range, can be lazy then but have a great meal.

I adore the Bighams Range - Teriyaki Beef they do. I think you're meant to have it with rice but be a pig, buy two and have it on it's own without rice. Divine!

Thomcat - that sounds delicious!

Thanks for all the ideas. Off to brave the supermarket now...

I would have some nice lamb cutlets with roast potatoes, mint jelly, gravy and tiny tiny peas.