Xmas dinner - at home or out??

[Smowball]

Im debating whether to go out for dinner for the first time, I spend half the day in the kitchen normally!!

[Euphemia]

Go on, spoil yourself!

[Smowball]

Its just so expensive to go out isnt it??

[rockyracoon]

I can't get to grips with going out, apart from the row about who is going to sacrifice their wine, it's outrageously expensive (yes I know wages have to be paid and no I wouldn't want to do it). I prepare everything the day before and Mr RR does the washing up, so it's not too bad.

[ummmm]

I can't see the issue with xmas dinner. It's just a roast with a few extras....

[Euphemia]

Could you get a caterer to deliver to your house?

[boxtops]

I wouldn't go out, Christmas is about being at home, and being able to put your feet up afterwards with a drink.

[Smowball]

I guess all these magazines make such a big deal about it - how to have the perfect day, how to do the best gravy, blah blah blah................

[rockyracoon]

It's the peeling of brussell sprouts for 10 people that I can't stand, I don't really mind anything else, but the sprouts, no.

[rockyracoon]

I make my grave a couple of weeks before (Jamie Oliver one) and stick it in the freezer, one less thing to worry about.

[ummmm]

Do you have children? That's their job!!!

[boxtops]

Cobras, smowball, it all goes down the same way... half the people round the table wouldn't notice if you'd put that extra effort in... :-)

[tiggerblue10]

I'm usually in the kitchen with my mum on Xmas day but I like cooking anyway.

[boxtops]

^^ Rocky - your grave? - that sounds like a serious dinner!

[rockyracoon]

Ummm, they'd massacre them, but that being said they've asked to do more in the kitchen so maybe I'll let them. Ta for the tip.

[rockyracoon]

Boxtops, it probably will be my grave lol.

[craft1948]

I think you'll have trouble getting in anywhere decent if you haven't already booked............

[Smowball]

So what shortcuts would you suggest for the day itself??

[boxtops]

Do as much as you can the night before - veg prep, etc. Whatever meat you're having, get a size that means you don't have to get up at 3am to get it in the oven.... I quite often precook, fridge and reheat.

[ummmm]

What kind of cooker do you have?

[Smowball]

have an electric fan oven and gas hob