Ambient Christmas!

lilian1977

Hi all

Due to our fridge freezer breaking and plans to redo the whole kitchen in the new year, we are currently coping with a mini fridge (for 2 adults and a toddler); however on Christmas day I have both sets of Grandparents visiting for lunch and dinner (one set for breakfast too). Similar situation on Boxing Day in that no shops will be open for those two days.

So, I am looking for ideas for festive food for two days that won't need refrigerating, or can be stored outside in a plastic box (drinks should be fine in this). Our kitchen is pretty cold too so veg and salad will be ok out of the fridge. I have got around the roast dinner issue by booking us all into the carvery for Christmas eve so I am looking for more buffet style food, with a light but special lunch on Christmas day.

Can anyone suggest anything? I was thinking about some kind of Gruyere and leek quiche with a roasted new potato salad for lunch as the eggs and leek will be fine out of the fridge. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Chris25

could your grandparents bring something for the buffet - something like ausage rolls, smoked salmon or a chilled pudding to help you?

don't forget about freezer packs & cool boxes - useful to keep things chilled or to defrost slowly.

lilian1977

Thanks Chris. Am going to ask MIL to bring some chilled stuff but my parents are coming on the coach from Bristol on 23rd so won't be able to. Cool boxes - good idea x

flubberyzing

At that time of year, I would have thought most things would be okay for a few days in a cool box in the garden. Or in the shed or garage if you have them.

lilian1977

Thank you x

Molly41

Personally i would not take the risk - especially with older folk and little ones!

lilian1977

Molly41 wrote: »

Personally i would not take the risk - especially with older folk and little ones!

That's why I wanted to make most things ambient foods, also scared of critters getting into things

dandy-candy

Nut roast?

Molly41

But Christmas dinner is not an ambient meal - it is a meal just waiting to grab you down with food poisoning!

lilian1977

Molly41 wrote: »

But Christmas dinner is not an ambient meal - it is a meal just waiting to grab you down with food poisoning!

Yes I know, hence why I said we are having our roast at the carvery on Christmas Eve instead. I'm looking for ideas of things I can prepare from tins or other ambient food, topped off with a small amount of refrigerated food.

allybee101

Not a meal suggestion I'm afraid, but have you tried checking Craig's list / Gum tree for free fridges? Quite often people give them away for free when they buy a new one. My brother and sister-in-law got married in a barn this summer and managed to get hold of three free fridges off Craig's list for putting wine and drinks in.
That might help tide you over until your new kitchen in the new year?

Meals wise, veg, eggs and cheese seem to be good, safe options which don't need keeping in a fridge if you have cool places to store them.
How about butternut squash risotto? Delicious. There are also recipes for oven baked risotto which requires even less stirring!
Try investigating smoked fish and meats. I think there are some suppliers that have a way of sealing and preserving the fish so that it doesn't require refrigerating. Once you open the packet it has the usual shelf life, but until ti's exposed to air it's fine. I've seen this done with smoked salmon so that it can be posted.