Christmas Dinner (preparing in advance)

Artytarty

I think you are maybe being a bit hard on yourself taking this on.
When they are coming to visit, could you perhaps ask them to bring something along or just buy ready made biscuits etc, no one will mind in the least! I wore myself to the bone trying to be a superMum when my first baby was born ,house always clean and tidy, food always prepared etc. it's not worth it.

mrsBagpuss

I would, just freeze some some homemade sausage rolls, mince pies etc (if you feel up to it), Also make some chilli freeze in portions depending on how many your expecting, OH can defrost just needs heating through with rice and to pad it out with garlic bread. Cheese & biscuits is also easy serve with some fruit and relish.
I agree don't run yourself into the ground, they should fetch things to you, you deserve to be spoilt:)

daisiegg

If your husband could mix together pre weighed ingredients following a simple recipe, surely he could follow a simple recipe to make the brownies in the first place, weighing ingredients himself and everything?! I agree with others who say don't make life so difficult on yourself! Just say no one gets to hold the baby unless they bring an edible offering

Renoir77

Totally agree with the other two posters. You are having baby a that's due to born very close to Christmas you shouldn't be worrying about what you are going to provide for them it should be the other way round. Try and put Christmas on the back burner (as much as you can) it's not that important this year but your baby is. I've always thought that birthdays are so much more important than Christmas anyway much more personal to you,your partner and your baby. Tell everyone that this year is going to be low key and if they expect food and entertaining then they'll need to do it themselves. You have a baby to think about born or not born. Good Luck.

Jnelhams

Mince Pies....never seem to stay in the freezer. Can't think why...:rotfl:

Gigglepig

Thank you for the supporting posts.

I don't mind asking my family to help or bring food, but am reluctant to ask OH's family.

I think I will just plan for a bare minimum;

- just one simple lunch for OH's family, probably some sort of chilli that can slow cook followed by freshly baked pre mixed brownies & ice cream

- savoury nibbles/cakes/fruit on standby for a couple of visits. I like the cheese/biscuits/garlic bread/sausage roll ideas, so there is something very simple savoury in addition to mince pies. Now that I think of it, I can easily make garlic butter etc well in advance and bruschetta topping too, freeze home made bread for a very savoury nibble.

- And shop for a Christmas dinner for my partner and myself. Which might or might not be quite a traditional meal, depending on how we all feel on the day.

Daisiegg - My OH is happy to cook but I would prefer to prepare as much as possible in advance so we can both just rest and focus on the baby.

scaredy_cat

use a slow cooker - that way you can just bung in all the ingredients and let it do it's thing - no standing over a stove!

also, do you have space in a garage or shed for a chest freezer? get one off freecycle/ebay or gumtree?

calicocat

Another vote for slow cooker.

And another vote for telling people to bring food to you.

maman

Unless OH's family descended on you Christmas Day or Boxing Day without notice, the shops will be open, 24/7 in some cases! If you don't have freezer space then I'd spend your time planning what you'd send out for and keeping some cash aside for that eventuality.

Perhaps if, when they phone to say they're coming, your OH can ask them to suggest how to get around eating arrangements. ('You're welcome to say for dinner but I'll have to get to the shops and you'll have to put up with my cooking.') I'm sure they'll take pity on their son and come up with a solution!:rotfl:

For casual callers then a cup of tea/drink and a mince pie is plenty.

littlegreenparrot

I wouldn't worry about it, but if you feel like it try this

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/prosciutto_mozzarella_87370

I made it at the weekend, very easy and lovely. Slice it up, freeze it, and watch everyone be impressed when you bring it out (small slices would also defrost very quickly for emergencies!) :j