What can I cook now for Christmas dinner?

ragz_2

Hi all, I have started cooking and freezing roast potatoes and stuffing in preperation for Christmas dinner after suggestions on the OS forum.
I know some of you probably have half your stuff ready already, so I wanted to be really organised but don't quite know where to start!
I have guests coming over, and 2 toddlers at home so I want to do as much in advance as possible!

I'm cooking Roast beef (1/2 price in Mr T's) and Gammon. I want to cook at least the gammon in advance, but not sure how to heat it up? Or is it ok to serve that cold?
I assume I can prep and freeze things like parsnips, carrot and swede?
I'm also going to make mince pies and freeze them (actually running out of freezer space so maybe not, and if they're in the house they'll ruin my diet!)
Was just wondering what everyone else is doingin advance, hoping I can pick up some tips.
Any time saving advice for Christmas day appreciated, cooking or otherwise!

lunar

I always wrap the pigs in blankets and pop them into the freezer, ill be doing that and some other bits tomorrow. I set the table the night before as well. I also got a hostess trolley from freecycle before last christmas. its worth looking for one as it meand i dont have everything finishing all at once on christmas day which helps with the stress!

bluenose1

Good question.
I want to be as organised as possible as I have 3 kids and will have 9 for Christmas Lunch.
I bought the Nigella Christmas book and she details in there all the things you can make and freeze in advance.
One of them was red cabbage which I thought was a good idea to prepare and freeze in advance. She also said parsnips (though mine will be frzen shop bought.)

I use frozen button sprouts, ready chopped carrot and turnip from the Greengrocers, frozen petit pois, frozen parsnips as I want to relax and enjoy Christmas instead of being shattered slaving over the cooker (though I probably will still be shattered)
I will get my husband to peel potatoes and prepare the cauliflower on Christmas Eve while I go to Mass. I give him the option of peeling the veg or going to Church
Setting the table the night before as mentioned by Lunar is a good one.

Making a list of timings is crucial for me, or I forget what to do.

I assume you eat the Gammon cold, but as we only ever have Turkey, not 100% sure.

scottishchick27

I also bought The Nigella Christmas book and this weekend I'm made the Girdlebuster pie, bread sauce, all spice gravy to go with my turkey, gingerbread stuffing and have wrapped my chipolatas in bacon and put them in bags. I've put them all in the freezer and will take them out late Christmas eve or early Christmas morning.

ragz_2

I know it's not even November yet but I'm already planning Christmas dinner again! Any more suggestions for precooking would be great!

maybe I need another freezer...

sethsgran

I freeze my mincepies uncooked then place the fronzen pies in my tart tin then straight into the oven whilst frozen. Delicious warm and also I only put so many in the oven at a time, cook as I need them

kjmtidea

We are buying another freezer tomorrow! Not just for Christmas but it will come in handy for that. I will be making mince pies in advance, little quiches, vol-au-vents, bread sauce and any other ideas that are posted on here!

funky_snow

mmm christmas food!

this may not be far enough in advance for you - but I always do my gammon on christmas eve - as I love hot gammon sandwiches with english mustard for my christmas eve tea! Then cold slices if anyone wants with christmas dinner - although usually theres too much so its just left with other cold meats to nibble on during the evening and boxing day

p.s. I do the nigella recipe with coca cola and it is divine!!!! may need to do a 'test' run before christmas as my tastebuds are now going!!!!