What are you making? - Christmas Dinner

[Dauminator]

Chalk me up as another prime rib un-enjoyer. It's fatty and I don't like my meat so raw.

Last year we stopped doing the big meal and went with a variety of appetizers. Allowed for less formality and more just hanging out and enjoying the company. It was a big hit with our family so will repeat for the 13 or so guests we will have. Still working on the menu but so far:

• Shellfish platter plus caviar and all the caviar fixings
• Charcuterie tray
• Tenderloin served on toasted brioche w/ béarnaise sauce
• A variety of of things in puffed pastry
• Stuffed mushrooms and stuffed jalapeños
• Some type of lettuce wrap
• Bacon wrapped dates
• Christmas cookies
• Prolly some other stuff too haven’t quite figured it all out yet

To drink we plan champagne and a variety of red and white wines, plus beer. Will probably serve some port or dessert wine with the cookies.

Should be a great time.

I like the idea of appetizers. People, esp the kids w/ stocking candy and such, tend to graze all day vs having a big meal. I moved my stew from day-of to Eve for this reason.

My interest is piqued by the mention of port. I've recently discovered the joys of a tawny port. What kind do you go for?

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

Chalk me up as another prime rib un-enjoyer. It's fatty and I don't like my meat so raw.


I like the idea of appetizers. People, esp the kids w/ stocking candy and such, tend to graze all day vs having a big meal. I moved my stew from day-of to Eve for this reason.

My interest is piqued by the mention of port. I've recently discovered the joys of a tawny port. What kind do you go for?

I am not a port connoisseur at all. I have a bottle of tawny port that I’ve had for several years that I will break out and have a Sauternes as well.

Sorry I don’t have good advice, like you I would love other posters’ recommendations.

 

[ThorneStockton]

Last year we stopped doing the big meal and went with a variety of appetizers. Allowed for less formality and more just hanging out and enjoying the company. It was a big hit with our family so will repeat for the 13 or so guests we will have. Still working on the menu but so far:

• Shellfish platter plus caviar and all the caviar fixings
• Charcuterie tray
• Tenderloin served on toasted brioche w/ béarnaise sauce
• A variety of of things in puffed pastry
• Stuffed mushrooms and stuffed jalapeños
• Some type of lettuce wrap
• Bacon wrapped dates
• Christmas cookies
• Prolly some other stuff too haven’t quite figured it all out yet

To drink we plan champagne and a variety of red and white wines, plus beer. Will probably serve some port or dessert wine with the cookies.

Should be a great time.

I remember you're in Chicago, and may already have your charcuterie sorted, but if not: I saw that - Lardon - a charcuterie and sandwich shop that I love has charcuterie kits available over the holidays. Might be worth checking out.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

I remember you're in Chicago, and may already have your charcuterie sorted, but if not: I saw that - Lardon - a charcuterie and sandwich shop that I love has charcuterie kits available over the holidays. Might be worth checking out.

Will absolutely check that out. Thanks for the tip.

 

[beanerhawk]

Brisket and Crab legs with all the fixings. I would prefer Beef tenderloin but the wife really wants brisket so we're going that route.

 

[BubsFinn]

Never had them. Lived here for a combined 30 years, but spent the first 15 in WI so I have bratwurst fat and cheese running through my veins.

You clearly haven't been to enough church Christmas potluck dinners. The local Methodist Church had at least seven different ham balls on the table every year.

 

[Tenacious E]

You clearly haven't been to enough church Christmas potluck dinners. The local Methodist Church had at least seven different ham balls on the table every year.

Correct

 

[cfbfan23]

I am a fan of rib roast and Publix currently has them on sale for 6.99/lb. Easy decision. Probably do some king crab legs and collards, as well.