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I want to be a Christmas party domestic Goddess, but i want it easy!

2 replies

Wishiwasarestaurantcritic · 05/12/2011 22:24

Help. Christmas party for 25 adults/kids rapidly approaching and I need recipes for buffet and slow cooker..hot and cold that can all be made in advance (pref a least a day) and will be stunning to look at , and taste so delicious that I will go down in history as the best hostess in the world ever.

OP posts:
Justtrying · 06/12/2011 15:09

I make a festive couscous, soak couscous in veg stock (eg marigold) along with zest of an orange and lemon. Add chopped pistachios, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Make a dressing with the orange and lemon juice a little honey and olive oil, and pour over, mix with a fork allow to cool and add fresh chopped parsley. You can also add chopped chilli and crushed garlic if you like a bit of spice. Finely chopped peppers and red onion are also nice in it. Its a great easy side dish instead of rice salad as there is no faff of cooking, draining and cooling the rice. One 500g bag of couscous makes mountains.

Winterslaw is also nice, grate or finely shred (think food processor or mandolin) apple, carrot, celeriac, celery, red onion and red cabbage and dress with a dressing made from half mayo half natural yogurt, dijon mustard, honey and lemon juice.

Homemade sausage rolls beat bought ones hands down, use ready made all butter puff pastry and spread either cranberry sauce, favourite chutney or grated cheese and wholegrain mustard on it before using good quality chipolatas, skinned, roll up sealing with beaten egg, cut to desired size glaze and bake, on a tray lined with parchment, in a hot oven for about half an hour. Be warned these are very moreish and will need hiding if cooked in advance, perhaps make keep in the fridge to bake on the day, lovely warm.

Chicken liver pate is simple too.

Hope these ideas help.

couldtryharder · 06/12/2011 17:44

Just, the couscous sounds lovely. Lamb is lovely with couscous. Could slow cook neck fillets with loads of garlic, chopped onion, turmeric and saffron. No bones so easy to eat with a spoon. Garlic bread always goes down well, home made or shop. I think it's a bit old hat, but then persuade myself to make it and then remember how delicious it is. You could pre-make the sausage rolls and freeze. Big cheese board is always a good idea, decorate with grapes or figs (are they in season?) minimum effort. Good cold ham is lovely too. You can cook that a day or two in advance and serve with Just's coleslaw and some buttered new potatoes and all kinds of lovely chutney's and pickles.

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